If you’re a fan of bold, Southern-inspired flavors, get ready to fall deeply in love with this Cajun White Chicken Chili Delight. Imagine tender chicken, smoky andouille sausage, creamy beans, and plenty of colorful veggies bathed in a zesty, cajun-spiced broth—comfort food doesn’t get more exciting than this!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big, Bold Flavor: Each spoonful is packed with a harmonious blend of Cajun spices, sausage, veggies, and creamy goodness.
- One-Pot Comfort: Everything comes together in a single pot for easy cleanup and cozy appeal—perfect for chilly nights or lazy Sundays.
- Flexible Ingredients: This chili welcomes swaps and add-ins, so you can tailor the Cajun White Chicken Chili Delight to your pantry or cravings.
- Crowd Pleaser: Whether you’re serving family dinner or game day, this recipe earns rave reviews every single time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list—everything here is easy to find, and each item is essential for that perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and Cajun flair. Every piece brings something special to this bowl of Cajun White Chicken Chili Delight!
- Oil: For sautéing and building a rich, savory base.
- Andouille Sausage: Smoky and spicy, this Louisiana favorite adds authentic Cajun flavor—substitute kielbasa for less heat if you prefer.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The hearty star; thighs give extra juiciness and flavor, but breasts are perfectly delicious too.
- Cajun Seasoning: The heart of the recipe—fiery, zesty, and fragrant. Use your favorite blend or make your own if you like it extra spicy!
- Butter: Adds luscious flavor to the sautéed veggies.
- Onion, Celery, Bell Pepper (the Holy Trinity!): This Cajun staple trio brings earthy sweetness, vibrant color, and the classic foundation to every great gumbo or stew.
- Jalapeño Pepper: For a pop of heat. Feel free to leave it out—or seed for a milder chili.
- Garlic: Four cloves for a big punch. Don’t skimp—it elevates the whole pot!
- Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, nutty undertone that brings everything together.
- Chicken Broth: Savory and flavorful, it makes sure the chili’s not just spicy, but deeply comforting.
- White Beans: Creamy and mild, they soak up all those Cajun flavors and give the chili its signature silky texture.
- Salsa Verde: Adds tang and brightness—this is my secret ingredient for a spark of flavor!
- Sour Cream (or Crema, Heavy Cream, or Cream Cheese): Creams it all out for that luscious finish. Pick your favorite for the creaminess you crave.
- Parmigiano Reggiano or Cotija: A sprinkle of cheese melts in, adding savory depth (parmesan brings a salty, nutty twist).
- Lime Juice (optional): For a burst of acidity and freshness at the end.
- Cilantro or Parsley (optional): Herbaceous green flecks brighten up every bowl.
- Green Onions (optional): For a crisp garnish and a little crunch.
- Salt and Pepper: Season just to your taste—after everything else goes in!
Variations
One of my favorite things about Cajun White Chicken Chili Delight is how easy it is to riff on—just a few tweaks, and you can make this recipe work for any diet, flavor craving, or what’s already in your fridge!
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and sausage and add extra beans, plus a little smoked paprika (and maybe corn) for that smoky Cajun character.
- Lower the Spice: Use kielbasa instead of andouille and omit (or deseed) the jalapeño for a milder version that kids will devour too.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream, dairy-free sour cream, or skip the cheese entirely—your chili will still be dreamy and rich.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in diced zucchini, corn, or even baby spinach at the end for an extra pop of color and nutrition.
How to Make Cajun White Chicken Chili Delight
Step 1: Sauté the Andouille Sausage
Start by heating oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and let it cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rounds are browned and have rendered all that amazing smoky flavor. Once golden, scoop the sausage out and set aside—you’ll add it back soon!
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Sprinkle your chicken with Cajun seasoning, then add it right into that same pan. Sear the chicken until it’s beautifully golden on the outside (about 5–7 minutes). This gives it flavor and keeps it juicy. Set the chicken aside along with the sausage.
Step 3: Cook the Veggies
Add the butter to the pan, swirling to melt. Toss in the onion, celery, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook these for 7–10 minutes, stirring often, until they’re soft, fragrant, and the kitchen smells like you’re in Louisiana!
Step 4: Season & Sauté
Stir in the garlic, cumin, and another tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Let it cook for about a minute until the garlic is aromatic and those spices bloom in the hot butter. This step really amplifies the soulful flavor of your Cajun White Chicken Chili Delight.
Step 5: Simmer the Chili
Now comes the magic! Pour in the chicken broth, add the white beans, salsa verde, sausage, and browned chicken. Give everything a big stir, bring just to a boil, then drop the heat and let your chili gently simmer for about 15 minutes. This melds all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Turn off the heat and fish out the chicken pieces. Use two forks to shred (or slice) the chicken, then return it to the pot. This helps every bite catch that creamy, spicy broth.
Step 7: Finish & Serve
Spoon in the sour cream and parmesan, stirring until the cheese has melted and everything is lush and creamy. Just before serving, stir in the lime juice, chopped cilantro, and green onions if you like, then taste and season with salt and pepper. That’s it—Cajun White Chicken Chili Delight, ready for your favorite toppings!
Pro Tips for Making Cajun White Chicken Chili Delight
- Flavor Layering: Don’t skip browning the sausage and chicken—this step builds intense Cajun flavor into every bite.
- Customize Your Creaminess: For an ultra-luxurious texture, use cream cheese in place of part of the sour cream—it melts into the broth and gives a beautiful, velvety result.
- Salsa Verde Secret: Use your favorite salsa verde for a pop of tang—homemade or store-bought both shine in this chili.
- Leftover Magic: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to double up for quick weeknight dinners!
How to Serve Cajun White Chicken Chili Delight
Garnishes
This chili craves colorful toppings! Pile on fresh cilantro, more sliced green onions, thin jalapeño slices, creamy avocado, or an extra sprinkle of parmesan or cotija. A dollop of sour cream or a lime wedge on the side makes every bowl as pretty as it is tasty.
Side Dishes
Serve up your Cajun White Chicken Chili Delight with crunchy tortilla chips, warm cornbread, or hunks of crusty bread—each is perfect for dunking and scooping up that irresistible, creamy broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle chili into individual bowls for a cozy family dinner, or set up a chili bar with all the toppings and let everyone fix their own. For party style, serve in small cups or mugs as a hearty appetizer—this chili loves to mingle!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If your Cajun White Chicken Chili Delight thickens up, just stir in a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
Freezing
Cajun White Chicken Chili Delight freezes well before you stir in the dairy—just cool completely, freeze in a tight container, and add the sour cream and cheese after reheating for the best creamy texture. It’ll last about 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed. Stir well before serving, and toss on some fresh garnishes to revive all the vibrant flavors of your Cajun White Chicken Chili Delight.
FAQs
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Can I make Cajun White Chicken Chili Delight in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the sausage and chicken first for max flavor, then add everything except the dairy and fresh herbs to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, stir in the sour cream and cheese at the end, and finish with lime, cilantro, and green onions before serving.
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Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes! Shred about 3 cups of rotisserie chicken and add it during the simmering step with the sausage. This shortcut makes your Cajun White Chicken Chili Delight even quicker without sacrificing any of that delicious flavor.
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How spicy is this chili, and how can I adjust the heat?
This chili has a little kick, thanks to Cajun seasoning and jalapeño, but it’s easy to dial down by using less Cajun spice or omitting the jalapeño. For more heat, add extra jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper!
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What kind of white beans work best?
Great Northern, cannellini, or navy beans all work well—each offers a creamy texture that soaks up the spicy, savory flavors of Cajun White Chicken Chili Delight. Use what you can find or have on hand!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a bowlful of soulful comfort and zesty flavor, give this Cajun White Chicken Chili Delight a try—it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat, share with family, and talk about all week long. Warm up, dig in, and let every bite remind you how delightful home-cooked food can be!
Print
Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and flavorful Cajun twist on classic white chicken chili, featuring a blend of tender chicken, spicy andouille sausage, creamy beans, and a kick of cajun seasoning. This hearty chili is perfect for warming up on chilly days.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced or diced
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs, seasoned with 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
Vegetable Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced*
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
Seasonings and Flavorings:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
Broth and Additions:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup salsa verde
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or crema or heavy cream or 4 ounces cream cheese)
- 1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese) (or cotija), grated
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cilantro (or parsley), chopped (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, add the sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, then set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Season chicken with cajun seasoning, cook until lightly golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, then set aside.
- Prepare vegetable mixture: Melt butter, add onion, celery, bell pepper, and jalapeno, cook until tender, about 7-10 minutes.
- Season and sauté: Add garlic, cumin, and cajun seasoning, cook until fragrant, about a minute.
- Add broth and beans: Pour in broth, beans, salsa verde, sausage, and chicken. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
- Shred the chicken: Remove chicken, shred or slice, then return to the pot.
- Finish the chili: Add sour cream and parmesan, allow to melt. Stir in lime juice, cilantro, and green onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
