Cajun White Chicken Chili: 5 Irresistible Comfort Flavors

Name: Cajun White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: cajun
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs chicken breast or thighs; 2 cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 jalapeño, diced (seeds removed for less heat); 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste); 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp lime juice; Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish); Optional toppings: shredded cheese, extra jalapeños, lime wedges

Jump to Recipe

If your weeknights feel like a juggling act between laundry, emails, and figuring out what on earth to feed everyone, let me introduce you to a bowl of happiness: Cajun White Chicken Chili. This dish is bold, creamy, and full of the kind of smoky-spicy flavor that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and say, “yep, this is exactly what I needed.”

Unlike traditional chili, this version is lightened up with white beans, juicy chicken, and that Cajun kick that keeps every spoonful exciting. Plus, it’s hearty enough to win over picky eaters and easy enough to throw together on a Tuesday night.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun White Chicken Chili

Here’s the thing: this chili isn’t just delicious, it’s also practical. You get all the cozy comfort of chili, but with a zesty Louisiana twist. Perfect for when you want something that feels special without a ton of effort.

Creamy & Spicy: Cream cheese and heavy cream give it that silky base, while Cajun seasoning turns up the heat.
One-Pot Wonder: Less mess, more flavor. Everything simmers together in one pot.
Weeknight Friendly: About 30 minutes of simmering and dinner’s on the table.
Leftovers That Shine: Tastes even better the next day (hello, meal prep win).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breast or thighs – tender and juicy, soaking up all those Cajun flavors.
White beans (cannellini or great northern) – creamy and filling.
Chicken broth – the flavorful base.
Onion & garlic – classic aromatics that start the magic.
Bell peppers & jalapeños – sweet heat duo.
Cajun seasoning – smoky, spicy, and the real star of this show.
Cream cheese & heavy cream – for that luscious, velvety finish.
Lime juice – a squeeze of brightness to balance it all.
Fresh cilantro – for a fresh, herby pop at the end.

How to Make Cajun White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. In a Dutch oven, sear it until golden. Remove, let it cool slightly, then shred.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, bell peppers, and jalapeños until softened and fragrant. Don’t skip scraping up the browned bits—that’s where the flavor hides.

Step 3: Simmer the Chili
Pour in chicken broth, stir in white beans, and add another hit of Cajun seasoning. Return shredded chicken to the pot. Let it simmer for 20–30 minutes until everything marries together beautifully.

Step 4: Make It Creamy
Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream, letting them melt into the chili for that luscious, velvety texture. Finish with lime juice for brightness.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Ladle into bowls, top with cilantro, and add extra jalapeños or lime wedges if you like it extra zippy.

Cooking Tips for the Best Cajun White Chicken Chili

Control the Heat: Adjust jalapeños and Cajun seasoning to match your spice comfort zone.
Shortcut Time: Use rotisserie chicken if you’re really crunched for time—just skip the searing step.
Extra Creaminess: If you like it thicker, mash a few beans with a fork before stirring them in.
Meal Prep Win: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

A Quick Personal Note

The first time I made this, my week was basically one long to-do list. I threw this chili together half-distracted, but when I sat down with that first creamy, smoky-spicy bite—let’s just say, my stress level dropped about 10 notches. Sometimes, the right bowl of chili is basically therapy.

Bowl of Cajun White Chicken Chili with shredded chicken, corn, tomatoes, jalapeños, and lime wedges — A steaming bowl of Cajun White Chicken Chili, topped with jalapeños and lime for the perfect balance of spice and freshness.

FAQs About Cajun White Chicken Chili

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sear the chicken first for flavor, then toss everything (except cream cheese and cream) into the slow cooker. Add the dairy in during the last 30 minutes.

What’s the best bean to use?

Cannellini or great northern beans are perfect since they’re creamy without overpowering the chili.

Can I lighten it up?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a lighter but still creamy version.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for a cozy dinner down the road.

Cozy Up with Cajun White Chicken Chili

Next time you need a meal that feels like a warm hug but doesn’t chain you to the stove, let Cajun White Chicken Chili be your go-to. It’s bold, creamy, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting—basically everything you want in a one-pot wonder. So grab your spoon, maybe a slice of cornbread on the side, and let dinner practically cook itself.

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love

If this Cajun White Chicken Chili hit the spot, you’ll definitely want to try a few more comforting, flavor-packed recipes from the blog:

Warm up with this creamy and zesty twist: Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili.
Keep the Cajun flavors going with a bowl of Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta—easy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying.
For another hearty weeknight favorite, check out this Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole that practically makes itself.
And if you’re craving a cozy soup night, this Mexican Beef and Rice Soup will warm you from the inside out.