This Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili combines bold Cajun spices, creamy texture, and tender chicken for a non-traditional twist that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family or competing in a chili cookoff, this one is Off the Chain!
Ingredients needed for Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili:
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the veggies and searing the chicken.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and savory depth to the chili.
- Celery: Provides crunch and freshness to balance the creamy texture.
- Red Bell Pepper: Offers mild sweetness and color.
- Garlic: Adds a savory, aromatic kick.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, perfect for a tender, rich chili.
- Off the Chain Seasoning: My all purpose seasoning seasons the chicken well without being too overpowering. If you do not have it just use cajun seasoning for the chicken as well.
- Cajun Seasoning: Brings bold Cajun flavor and a bit of heat to the base of the chili.
- Ground Cumin: Adds warmth and depth to the spice profile.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the rich, savory base of the chili.
- White Beans: Adds creaminess and a soft texture.
- Sweet Corn: Provides sweetness and texture.
- Green Chiles: Adds some tang and moderate heat
- Heavy Cream: Makes the chili rich and creamy like we all love.
- Cream Cheese: Thickens and enriches the chili for a velvety texture.
- Shredded Monterey Jack: Melts smoothly and adds a creamy, mild flavor.
- Lime Juice: Brightens the chili with a fresh, zesty finish. If you don’t have limes, lemon juice can be used here.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors. Season to taste as you go.
How to make Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili:
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon of Off the Chain seasoning. If you don’t have my seasoning, then just use the cajun seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side. You are just cooking half way and adding color. Fully cooking is not needed at this step. Remove them and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the bits of flavor off the bottom. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Build the Flavor: Stir in the Cajun seasoning and cumin. Let the spices toast for 1 minute.
- Simmer the Chili: Pour in the chicken broth, white beans, chiles, and corn. Add the chicken back to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken, allow it to cool slightly then shred it with two forks. You could also just chop the chicken. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and lime juice. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with cilantro, jalapeños, tortilla chips, avocado, or extra cheese.
Tips:
- Lighten it Up: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk.
- Chicken Options: Use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut.
- Adjust the Spice: Use pepper jack cheese if you want more heat.
- Thicken the chili: If you want the chili thicker, you can add more cheese or thicken it with 1 tsp of cornstarch and 1 tsp water to make slurry. But wait until the end to do this.
- Make Ahead: This chili stores well in the fridge and works great for meal prep. It also freezes very well.
Why You’ll Love This Chili:
This Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili is a bold twist on traditional chili. With creamy texture, spicy Cajun flavors, and tender chicken, it’s comfort food that feels fresh and exciting. Topped with crispy tortilla, avocado, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this dish is a crowd-pleaser from start to finish.
Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili
This Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili combines tender chicken, bold Cajun spices, and a rich, creamy base for a hearty, flavorful dish. With ingredients like bell peppers, beans, corn, and chiles, it’s a comforting meal perfect for cozy nights. Simple to make, it’s sure to be a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 stalk celery diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp Off The Chain seasoning or cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 15 oz can white beans (great northern or cannellini) drained
- 1 4 oz can green chiles
- 1 15 oz can sweet corn, drained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Tortilla chips or corn chips
- Avocado sliced
- Shredded cheese
- Fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Rub chicken thighs with Off the Chain seasoning and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery for 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Build Flavor: Stir in Cajun seasoning and cumin; cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Simmer: Add chicken broth, white beans, chiles, and corn. Return chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and lime juice. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Taste & Adjust: Season with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Serve & Garnish: Serve in bowls and top with cilantro, jalapeños, tortilla chips, avocado, or extra cheese.
