Dinner

Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe

ByElla Hart November 13, 2025November 13, 2025

Introduction

This Cajun White Chicken Chili is a creamy, flavorful twist on traditional chili that’s perfect for cozy nights. With tender shredded chicken, white beans, and a spicy Cajun kick, it’s a comforting meal that’s sure to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a thick, creamy soup that has a light orange-brown color. The soup contains visible shredded chicken pieces, white beans, yellow corn kernels, and chunks of red tomatoes. Floating on top are a few bright green spinach leaves and three thin, round slices of dark green jalapeño pepper. On the side of the bowl, there is a wedge of lime with light green skin and pale green inside. 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 breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, then remove from the pot and shred when cool enough to handle.
Step 3: 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 4: Pour in the chicken broth, add the white beans, and stir in the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
Step 5: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and simmer the chili gently for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream until fully melted and smooth, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Step 7: Add lime juice to brighten the flavors just before serving.
Step 8: Serve the chili hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, extra jalapeño slices if desired, or a wedge of lime for added zest.

Tips & Variations

For a milder chili, remove the seeds from the jalapeño or omit it altogether.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful chili.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky depth.
Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a tangier finish and lower fat content.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture. This chili also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a thick orange soup containing shredded chicken, white beans, corn kernels, chopped tomatoes, and green leafy herbs. Three slices of bright green jalapeño peppers rest on top near a wedge of light green lime. The soup has a creamy texture with visible chunks of ingredients. The bowl is 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 use canned chicken instead of fresh chicken breasts?

Yes, canned chicken can be used in a pinch, but fresh chicken breasts or thighs will give you a better texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any?

You can substitute cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt to maintain creaminess, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Ella Hart