Name: Cajun White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: Serves approximately six people
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cubed); 1 medium white onion (diced); 4 medium celery ribs (sliced); 1 medium green bell pepper (diced); 1 medium jalapeño (minced); 4 cloves minced garlic; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cans great northern beans (drained); 1/2 pound shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed); 1/2 cup heavy cream

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If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms both the heart and the belly, you’ve come to the right place! This Cajun White Chicken Chili is one of my absolute favorites. It’s packed with flavor, easy to whip up on busy weeknights, and perfect for family gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, zesty andouille sausage, and succulent shrimp creates a delightful dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

What makes this recipe even better is how quickly it comes together—just 40 minutes! You can savor each spoonful knowing it was made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Trust me; once you try this Cajun White Chicken Chili, it’ll become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for those busy evenings.
Packed with Flavor: The Cajun spices bring a delightful kick that elevates traditional white chili to something truly special.
Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love digging into this hearty bowl of goodness.
Versatile: This chili is great as a standalone dish or served alongside your favorite bread or rice.
Make Ahead: You can easily prepare it in advance and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. They come together beautifully to create a rich and hearty chili that’s bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cubed)
– 16 ounces andouille sausage (sliced)
– 1 medium white onion (diced)
– 4 medium celery ribs (sliced)
– 1 medium green bell pepper (diced)
– 1 medium jalapeño (minced)
– 4 cloves minced garlic
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 (15 ounce cans) great northern beans (drained)
– 1/2 pound raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream

Variations

One of the best things about this Cajun White Chicken Chili is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Swap the protein: If you’re not in the mood for chicken, try using turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add more veggies: Toss in some corn or diced tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
Adjust the heat: Not a fan of spice? Reduce the cayenne pepper or omit the jalapeño entirely for a milder version.
Substitute beans: If great northern beans aren’t available, white kidney beans or black beans would work just fine!

How to Make Cajun White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Meats

Start by heating 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken along with the sliced andouille sausage. Cooking them together allows their flavors to mingle beautifully. Stir occasionally until everything is nicely browned and cooked through—this should take about 5–7 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Veggies

Next, toss in the diced onion, sliced celery, diced bell pepper, and minced jalapeño. This step is crucial because sautéing these vegetables brings out their natural sweetness while adding depth to your chili. Cook for about 5 minutes until they’re softened.

Step 3: Season It Up!

Now it’s time to stir in those aromatic ingredients! Add 4 cloves of minced garlic along with the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and all-purpose flour. Cooking these spices for just 1–2 minutes helps release their essential oils and enhances their flavors.

Step 4: Simmer Together

Gradually pour in your chicken broth while stirring continuously. Then add those great northern beans! Bring everything to a simmer before reducing the heat slightly. Let it cook gently for about 10 minutes so all those flavors can develop beautifully.

Step 5: Finish It Off

Finally, stir in your raw shrimp and heavy cream. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked through. This final touch adds creaminess that makes every bite irresistible. Serve hot and enjoy every delicious spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Cajun White Chicken Chili

Creating the perfect Cajun White Chicken Chili is all about those little touches that make a big difference. Here are some pro tips to ensure your chili turns out amazing every time!

Choose quality ingredients: Using fresh vegetables, high-quality chicken, and flavorful spices can enhance the overall taste of your chili. Freshness brings out the natural flavors that canned or older ingredients might lack.
Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit the jalapeño. On the other hand, if you’re a heat enthusiast, feel free to add more spices to suit your palate.
Let it simmer: Allowing your chili to simmer longer than instructed can deepen the flavors significantly. If time permits, let it cook for an additional 10–15 minutes on low heat after adding the shrimp and cream.
Make it ahead of time: Chili often tastes even better the next day! Prepare it a day in advance and let it sit in the fridge overnight. This resting period allows all those wonderful flavors to meld beautifully.
Freeze leftovers: If you have any leftovers, scoop them into airtight containers and freeze them for a quick meal later. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a delicious meal anytime!

How to Serve Cajun White Chicken Chili

Serving your Cajun White Chicken Chili is just as delightful as making it! Here are some fun ideas to present this hearty dish that will impress family and friends.

Garnishes

Chopped green onions: Sprinkling fresh green onions on top adds a lovely crunch and a hint of freshness that complements the rich flavors.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt provides a creamy contrast to the spicy chili, balancing out the heat with its coolness.

Side Dishes

Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with chili, soaking up those delicious juices while adding a comforting texture to your meal.
Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips make for an excellent side when served alongside chili. They offer a satisfying crunch that enhances each bite.
Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette can provide a fresh contrast to the hearty chili, making for a well-rounded meal.
Rice or quinoa: Serving your chili over rice or quinoa adds an extra layer of heartiness while also making it more filling—perfect for those chilly evenings!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Cajun White Chicken Chili will not only be delicious but also beautifully presented. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cajun White Chicken Chili is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chili to cool down to room temperature before storing.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Let the chili cool completely before freezing.
Portion the chili into freezer-safe bags or containers.
Label with dates and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Cajun White Chicken Chili.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein in Cajun White Chicken Chili?

Absolutely! You can use turkey or even plant-based protein alternatives if you prefer. Just ensure that whatever protein you choose is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the chili.

How spicy is Cajun White Chicken Chili?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. If you prefer a milder version, reduce or omit the jalapeño and cayenne pepper. Feel free to taste as you go!

What can I serve with Cajun White Chicken Chili?

This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or a fresh green salad. You could also top it with avocado slices and cilantro for added flavor!

How long does Cajun White Chicken Chili last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Cajun White Chicken Chili will last for about 4 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Cajun White Chicken Chili as much as I do! It’s a wonderful blend of flavors that warms your heart and fills your belly. Perfect for sharing with friends or family on a cozy evening. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out—happy cooking!