Cajun White Chicken Chili: A Spicy, Creamy, and Hearty Delight for Any Season

If you’re craving a bowl of comfort food with a spicy Southern twist, this Cajun White Chicken Chili is the perfect recipe to satisfy your taste buds! Packed with bold flavors, tender chicken, smoky andouille sausage, and a creamy white bean base, this chili is a fantastic fusion of Cajun seasoning and classic chili goodness. Whether you’re hosting a game-day gathering, meal-prepping for the week, or simply looking for a cozy dinner idea, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe, complete with step-by-step instructions, serving suggestions, and pro tips to make it your own.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun White Chicken Chili

This Cajun White Chicken Chili isn’t your average chili. It combines the smoky, spicy flavors of Cajun cuisine with the creamy texture of white beans and a rich broth. The andouille sausage adds a deep, savory kick, while the chicken thighs keep the dish tender and juicy. With a hint of heat from the Cajun seasoning and the freshness of vegetables like onion and celery, every spoonful is a burst of flavor. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze! Whether you’re a spice lover or prefer a milder taste, this recipe is easily customizable to suit your preferences.

Ingredients for Cajun White Chicken Chili

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious chili. The recipe serves 6–8 people, making it perfect for a crowd or for leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Proteins:

1 lb andouille sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables:

1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced celery
1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for garnish or extra heat)

Seasonings:

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste for more or less heat)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients:

2 cans (15 oz each) of white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (for that creamy texture)
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for sautéing)
1 lime, sliced (for garnish and a zesty finish)
Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cajun White Chicken Chili

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6–8

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by prepping all your ingredients to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Dice the onion and celery into small, uniform pieces for even cooking. Slice the andouille sausage into ½-inch rounds, and cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks. If you’re using a jalapeño for garnish or extra heat, slice it thinly and set it aside. Drain and rinse the white beans, and have your chicken broth and heavy cream ready to go.

Step 2: Sauté the Sausage and Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown and release its flavorful oils. The sausage will add a smoky depth to the chili that’s simply irresistible. Once browned, remove the sausage to a plate and set aside. In the same pot, add the chicken thigh pieces. Season them with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned on all sides. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage since it will finish cooking in the broth later. Remove the chicken to the plate with the sausage.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion and celery. If the pot looks dry, you can add another teaspoon of oil, but the sausage and chicken should have left behind enough fat to sauté the vegetables. Cook the onion and celery for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant. The onion should turn translucent, and the celery will add a subtle crunch to the chili. Add the garlic powder and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning (and smoked paprika, if using) to the vegetables. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their aroma.

Step 4: Simmer the Chili
Return the browned sausage and chicken to the pot with the vegetables. Add the drained white beans and pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—these bits are packed with flavor! Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and juicy.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Finish
After simmering, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to give the chili its signature creamy texture. Let the chili cook uncovered for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed. If you like your chili spicier, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce at this stage.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the Cajun White Chicken Chili into bowls and garnish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley, and a few slices of jalapeño for a pop of color and heat. The lime juice adds a bright, zesty contrast to the rich, creamy chili, while the fresh herbs bring a burst of freshness. Serve the chili with your favorite sides, like cornbread, tortilla chips, or a slice of crusty bread for dipping.

Tips for the Best Cajun White Chicken Chili

Adjust the Heat Level: Cajun seasoning can vary in spiciness depending on the brand. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with 1 teaspoon and taste as you go. For spice lovers, feel free to add more Cajun seasoning, a diced jalapeño, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Make It Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
Substitutions: If you can’t find andouille sausage, you can substitute it with smoked sausage or chorizo for a similar smoky flavor. For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a lighter cream alternative.
Add More Veggies: Want to bulk up the chili? Add diced bell peppers, carrots, or even a handful of spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
Slow Cooker Option: To make this recipe in a slow cooker, brown the sausage and chicken as directed, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the vegetables, beans, broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Stir in the cream just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Cajun White Chicken Chili is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the experience. Here are a few ideas:

Cornbread: A slice of warm, buttery cornbread is the perfect complement to the spicy chili.
Tortilla Chips: Scoop up the chili with crunchy tortilla chips for a fun, Tex-Mex twist.
Rice: Serve the chili over a bed of white or brown rice to make it even more filling.
Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chili.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 28g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 8g
Sodium: 900mg

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Final Thoughts

This Cajun White Chicken Chili is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The bold spices, creamy broth, and hearty ingredients come together to create a dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of Cajun-inspired goodness that will warm your heart and soul.

Have you tried this recipe yet? Let us know in the comments below how it turned out, or share your own twists on this Cajun White Chicken Chili! Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with your friends and family.