Description
This Cajun White Chicken Chili is a creamy, comforting stew packed with tender chicken, white beans, and bold Cajun spices. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal, it combines a delightful blend of smoky, spicy flavors with smooth creaminess and a hint of lime freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
Spices
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Beans and Liquids
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Juice of ½ lime
Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, chopped green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Spices and Chiles: Stir in the diced green chiles, Cajun seasoning, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the vegetables with the spices.
- Combine Chicken and Beans: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add the drained and rinsed white beans along with the chicken broth. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Add Cream and Lime Juice: Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream (or half-and-half), and the juice of half a lime. Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes until the chili is heated through and creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the chili.
- Using rotisserie chicken can save time without sacrificing flavor.
- This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
