Description
This Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili recipe combines the bold flavors of andouille sausage, tender chicken, and a medley of vegetables with a creamy, cheesy finish. Slow simmered on the stovetop, this chili is a perfect blend of spicy cajun seasoning, smoky sausage, and comforting white beans, making it a hearty and flavorful dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced or diced
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs, seasoned with 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids and Beans
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup salsa verde
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or crema or heavy cream or 4 ounces cream cheese)
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese) or cotija, grated
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of oil to prepare for cooking the sausage.
- Cook the sausage: Add the sliced or diced andouille sausage to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning. In the same pan, cook the chicken until lightly golden brown on the outside, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the vegetable mixture: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan. Add diced onion, celery, bell pepper, and finely diced jalapeno. Cook the mixture over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 7-10 minutes.
- Season and sauté aromatics: Add chopped garlic, ground cumin, and 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning to the vegetables. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add broth and beans: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth along with the rinsed and drained white beans, 1/2 cup salsa verde, cooked sausage, and chicken. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred or slice it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the chili pot.
- Finish the chili: Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream (or crema, heavy cream, or cream cheese) and 1/4 cup grated parmigiano reggiano cheese until melted and creamy. Optionally, add 1 tablespoon lime juice, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley, and 2 thinly sliced green onions. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute boneless skinless chicken for thighs or breasts based on your preference.
- The jalapeno can be omitted or reduced for less heat.
- Sour cream can be replaced with crema, heavy cream, or cream cheese for different creamy textures.
- Use cotija cheese instead of parmesan for a more authentic Mexican flavor.
- Adding lime juice and fresh herbs at the end brightens the flavor but is optional.
- This chili keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and tastes great reheated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Cajun