Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe
This Cajun White Chicken Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, smoky sausage, creamy broth, and vibrant spices. It’s a comforting bowl perfect for cooler days, featuring a rich texture with the addition of pepper jack cheese and a blend of Cajun seasonings that deliver a mild heat and complexity.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Base
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
Protein & Veggies
- 3 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1 lb smoked or andouille sausage, sliced and browned
- 2 (15-oz) cans red beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (11-oz) can white corn, drained
- 2 (4-oz) cans chopped green chilies, undrained
Seasonings
- 2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1½ Tbsp cajun seasoning
Finishing
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- Make the roux base: In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux that will thicken the chili.
- Prepare the broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half-and-half, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add proteins and vegetables: Stir in the cooked chopped chicken, browned smoked or andouille sausage, rinsed red beans, drained white corn, and undrained chopped green chilies.
- Season the chili: Add the dried minced onion flakes, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and Cajun seasoning to the pot. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the chili for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors and ensure it heats through thoroughly.
- Add cheese and serve: Stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese until melted and well incorporated. Serve hot, optionally topped with fresh garnishes like cilantro or extra cheese.
Notes
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
- Substitute half-and-half with heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Make sure to brown the sausage well for deeper flavor.
- This chili freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers up to 3 months.
- Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
Keywords: Cajun White Chicken Chili, chicken chili, white chili, Cajun soup, sausage chili, comfort food, spicy chili