Dinner

Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe

Name: Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts (or thighs); 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 jalapeño, sliced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided); Salt and pepper to taste; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups white beans (cannellini or great northern); 4 ounces cream cheese; 5 cups heavy cream; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil

ByHugo Harnd October 26, 2025October 26, 2025

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Introduction

Cajun White Chicken Chili is a creamy, flavorful twist on traditional chili that brings a bit of Southern spice to your table. With tender chicken, white beans, and a touch of heat from jalapeños, this comforting dish is perfect for cozy dinners.

A white bowl filled with a rich, orange-brown broth soup that has visible layers of shredded light beige chicken pieces, yellow corn kernels, white beans, green chopped herbs, and red tomato chunks. On the top, there are two bright green slices of jalapeño and a fresh green lime wedge resting on the edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 cups white beans (cannellini or great northern)
4 cups chicken broth
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 jalapeño, sliced
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
4 ounces cream cheese
½ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon lime juice
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden on both sides.
Step 3: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
Step 4: In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and sliced jalapeño until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, add the white beans, and stir in the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
Step 6: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and let everything simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 7: Stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream until melted and the chili is smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Add the lime juice to brighten the flavors and stir well.
Step 9: Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, extra jalapeño slices, or a wedge of lime if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier chili, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add an extra pepper.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, richer flavor.
Substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Add corn or chopped green chilies for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

A creamy chicken soup in a white bowl filled with a thick yellow-orange broth, shredded chicken pieces, chunks of red tomatoes, and light yellow chickpeas mixed throughout. On top, there is a dollop of white sour cream sprinkled with chopped green herbs. Three bright green jalapeno slices sit on the sour cream, and two slices of lime lean against the bowl edge in the background. The soup looks rich with small bubbles and fresh spices, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Sear the chicken first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in cream cheese and cream at the end.

Is this chili gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your Cajun seasoning does not contain any gluten additives. Always check the label to be sure.

Hugo Harnd