Description
This Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili is a flavorful and hearty dish blending tender chicken, white beans, and a rich combination of spices with creamy textures from cream cheese and sour cream. Perfect for cozy dinners, this chili offers a spicy kick balanced by smooth, comforting ingredients, served hot with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Beans and Broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
Creamy Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion and chopped green bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for about 1 minute until aromatic.
- Combine and Simmer: Return cooked chicken to the pot. Add drained white beans, diced green chiles, chicken broth, and frozen corn. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes allowing flavors to meld together.
- Add Creaminess: Reduce heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the chili, creating a creamy texture.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Stir in sour cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow chili to warm through gently for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
- The chili thickens as it cools and sits; add a splash of chicken broth if reheating to loosen the consistency.
- For extra indulgence, top with shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, or both.
