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Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe

4.6 from 69 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Cajun White Chicken Chili that combines tender chicken, great northern beans, bell peppers, and spices simmered in a savory broth. This creamy chili is perfect for a comforting meal and is garnished with fresh cilantro, cheddar cheese, and lime for a zesty finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), chopped
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  2. Cook Chicken: Add bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to coat. Cook until chicken is no longer pink on the outside, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Simmer Chili: Pour chicken broth into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add rinsed and drained great northern beans and undrained diced green chilies. Stir well.
  4. Simmering: Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour to meld flavors.
  5. Add Corn: Stir in frozen corn. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until heated through.
  6. Creaminess (Optional): If desired, stir in heavy cream or sour cream, starting with 1/4 cup and adding more to taste for a richer texture.
  7. Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper to your preference.
  8. Serve: Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Adjust the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
  • For a thicker chili, mash a few beans before adding corn to create a creamier texture.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free version, omit the cream or sour cream garnish.
  • Great northern beans can be substituted with cannellini or navy beans if preferred.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop.

Keywords: Cajun White Chicken Chili, Chicken Chili, White Chili, Cajun Chicken Soup, Spicy Chicken Chili, Comfort Food, Winter Soup