Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold and Spicy Flavors – Cajun seasoning and andouille sausage bring an irresistible smoky heat.
- Creamy and Comforting – A luscious base made with sour cream and Parmesan balances the spice.
- Protein-Packed – Chicken thighs and sausage make this a filling, protein-rich meal.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in about an hour with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Proteins:
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables:
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Broth & Beans:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup salsa verde
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Creamy Base:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnishes:
- Fresh lime juice
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Sliced green onions
Directions
1. Cook the Meats
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chicken pieces and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook until browned and fully cooked, then remove and set aside with the sausage.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same pot.
- Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and jalapeño, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, remaining Cajun seasoning, and cumin, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Build the Chili
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the white beans and salsa verde. Stir to mix everything together.
- Return the cooked sausage and chicken to the pot.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Make It Creamy
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the sour cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the chili reaches a rich, creamy consistency.
5. Serve & Garnish
- Ladle the chili into serving bowls.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over each portion.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and sliced green onions for added freshness.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicier Version – Add extra jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Milder Option – Reduce the Cajun seasoning and omit the jalapeño.
- Different Protein – Swap chicken thighs for shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey.
- Vegetarian Twist – Replace the meat with extra beans and use vegetable broth.
- Cheesier Flavor – Stir in shredded pepper jack or cheddar cheese.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed.
FAQs
1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the sausage and chicken first, then add everything except the sour cream and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in the creamy ingredients before serving.
2. What kind of white beans should I use?
Great Northern beans, cannellini beans, or navy beans all work well in this recipe.
3. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier and add more flavor to the chili.
4. How can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free butter substitute and swap the sour cream and Parmesan for coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.
5. Is andouille sausage spicy?
Yes, it has a smoky heat, but you can use a milder sausage if preferred.
6. Can I use homemade Cajun seasoning?
Absolutely! Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.
7. What’s the best way to thicken the chili?
Mash some of the beans or let it simmer uncovered longer to reduce the liquid.
8. Can I add corn to this recipe?
Yes, corn adds a nice sweetness that balances the spice.
9. What should I serve with Cajun White Chicken Chili?
It pairs well with cornbread, rice, or a side of crusty bread.
10. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Conclusion
Cajun White Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy, creamy, and satisfying taste. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Try it today and enjoy a delicious bowl of warmth!
PrintCajun White Chicken Chili
Cajun White Chicken Chili is a bold and creamy twist on classic chili, featuring smoky andouille sausage, tender chicken, white beans, and a zesty Cajun kick. This protein-packed dish is comforting, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 20min
- Cook Time: 40min
- Total Time: 1hour
- Yield: 6servings
- Category: Soup, Stew, Chili
- Method: StoveTop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Proteins:
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables:
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Broth & Beans:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup salsa verde
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Creamy Base:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnishes:
- Fresh lime juice
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
-
Cook the Meats
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the andouille sausage, cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, then remove.
- In the same pot, add chicken and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook until browned, then remove.
-
Sauté the Vegetables
- Melt butter in the pot.
- Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and jalapeño, sautéing for 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, remaining Cajun seasoning, and cumin. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
-
Build the Chili
- Pour in chicken broth, white beans, and salsa verde. Stir well.
- Return the cooked sausage and chicken to the pot.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors.
-
Make It Creamy
- Remove from heat, stir in sour cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
-
Serve & Garnish
- Ladle into bowls, squeeze fresh lime juice on top.
- Garnish with cilantro, parsley, or green onions.
Notes
- Spicier Option: Add extra jalapeños or cayenne.
- Milder Option: Reduce Cajun seasoning and omit jalapeño.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream and Parmesan.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.