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To make Cajun White Chicken Chili, you will need: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 jalapeño, deseeded and diced - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup sour cream - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving) These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both hearty and flavorful. Feel free to jazz up your chili with these add-ins: - Diced tomatoes for extra texture - Avocado slices for creaminess - Shredded cheese for a cheesy twist - Jalapeño slices for an extra kick - Crushed tortilla chips for crunch These options can elevate your dish and make it unique. If you have dietary needs, try these substitutions: - Use turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option. - Swap white beans with black beans or chickpeas for variety. - For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of sour cream. - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option. These swaps keep the spirit of the dish while catering to your needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 pound of diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it browned and cooked through. After cooking, take the chicken out of the pot and set it aside. This step keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. In the same pot, add 1 medium chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 1 diced jalapeño. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy. This step builds a great flavor base for your chili. Now, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, along with 1 can of drained and rinsed white beans and 1 cup of corn kernels. Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Stir everything together well. Bring the chili to a simmer and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. If the chili seems thick, just add more chicken broth until you like the consistency. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. For creaminess, stir in ½ cup of sour cream before serving. Enjoy garnishing with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a zesty kick! To boost your Cajun White Chicken Chili, focus on layers of flavor. Start with fresh herbs. Cilantro adds a bright taste. Squeeze fresh lime juice in for a zesty kick. Try using homemade chicken broth. It deepens the flavor, making the dish richer. Adding more garlic and onion can also enhance the base. You can mix in some extra spices. A pinch of smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky touch. Don’t forget to taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. If you like heat, there are many ways to spice up your chili. Add more jalapeños or choose a spicier pepper, like serrano. For a different kick, try using hot sauce. A few dashes can make a big difference. You can also increase the Cajun seasoning. Just a bit more will enhance the spice without changing the flavor too much. For even more heat, consider adding red pepper flakes. Start small and adjust to your taste. The right chili consistency makes a huge difference. You want it hearty, not too thick or too runny. If your chili is too thick, add more chicken broth. A little at a time keeps it just right. If it's too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. This allows it to reduce and thicken. You can also mash some of the white beans. This helps create a creamy texture while keeping some whole for bites. Always stir the chili well before serving. This mixes everything and helps ensure every bowl has great flavor. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: For juicy chicken, avoid overcooking by checking for doneness at 5 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more jalapeños or including a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra kick. Thickening the Chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some of the white beans with a fork before adding them to the pot to create a creamier texture. Flavor Enhancements: For a deeper flavor, let the chili sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Reheat before serving to let the flavors meld. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegan version of Cajun white chicken chili. Start by skipping the chicken. Use 1 cup of diced tofu or tempeh instead. Sauté it in olive oil until golden. Then, add the veggies like onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño. For broth, use vegetable broth. Keep the white beans and corn for texture. Finish with vegan sour cream or a blend of cashews and lime for creaminess. It’s just as hearty and delicious! While white beans are classic, feel free to switch them up! Black beans bring a bold flavor. Kidney beans add a nice color and taste. You could even mix beans for a fun twist. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well. This keeps your chili fresh and tasty. Each type of bean can change the dish's flavor and texture. Experiment with what you love! Want your chili spicier? Add more jalapeño or toss in a few diced serrano peppers. For a milder chili, skip the jalapeño. You can also use sweet peppers instead. If you’re unsure about heat, start small. You can always add more spice later on. Taste as you go to find your perfect level of heat! You can keep Cajun White Chicken Chili in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 4-5 days. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing the lid. This helps keep the flavors locked in. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Place the chili in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as liquids expand when frozen. It will last about 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheating is easy! You can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, heat it over medium heat until warm. Stir it often to avoid burning. For the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy it hot! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can place it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. Once thawed, cut it into small pieces. This way, it cooks evenly and quickly in the pot. Cajun seasoning has bold flavors. It usually includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Some blends add thyme, oregano, and black pepper. You can buy it at the store or make your own. Mixing these spices gives you that classic Cajun kick! Making the chili ahead is easy. Cook it as normal and let it cool. Store it in an air-tight container in the fridge. It can last up to three days. To reheat, just warm it on the stove. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick. This makes the flavors even better! In this blog post, we covered everything you need for Cajun White Chicken Chili. We discussed the main ingredients and optional add-ins. You learned step-by-step how to cook and combine everything. I shared tips for flavor and the perfect chili texture. We also explored variations for different diets and how to store leftovers. Enjoy making this chili your own. With these tips, you're ready to create a tasty dish that fits your needs. Happy cooking!

Cajun White Chicken Chili

A spicy and creamy chicken chili with white beans and corn, perfect for a cozy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 jalapeño deseeded and diced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 lime cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add chopped onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add the chicken broth, white beans, corn, Cajun seasoning, and cumin. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.
  • Bring the chili to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the chili is too thick, add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream for creaminess.
  • Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for a zesty touch.

Notes

Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less jalapeño.
Keyword cajun, chicken, chili, spicy, white beans