Description
Cajun White Chicken Chili is a delightful twist on a beloved comfort food classic. Drawing inspiration from the bold, vibrant flavors of Cajun cuisine, this dish combines tender chicken, white beans, and a medley of spices to create a spicy, creamy chili that’s sure to warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients
- 2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (green or red)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 ounce each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounce) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
3. Stir in the white beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Add the Cajun seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Return the chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks, and then return it to the pot.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and lime juice. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Ladle the Cajun White Chicken Chili into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and add your desired toppings. Enjoy this spicy, creamy delight!
Notes
For a spicier version, feel free to increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a bit more cayenne pepper. Conversely, if you’d like a milder chili, reduce the spices to suit your taste buds.
For a heartier meal, consider adding smoked sausage or turkey to the mix. Vegetarians can easily adapt the recipe by substituting the chicken with diced tofu or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Chili
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 12 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 8 grams
- Protein: 35 grams
- Cholesterol: 100 milligrams