When the air turns crisp and you find yourself craving something warm, creamy, and just a little spicy, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of soul-warming chili to chase away the chill. This Cajun White Chicken Chili was born from one of those perfect autumn evenings when I wanted all the comfort of traditional chili but with a Louisiana-inspired twist that would wake up everyone’s taste buds. After experimenting with different combinations of proteins, spices, and that signature creamy base, I discovered that the magic happens when smoky andouille sausage meets tender chicken thighs in a rich, velvety broth infused with bold Cajun flavors. The result is a chili that’s not just different—it’s absolutely unforgettable, with each spoonful delivering layers of heat, creaminess, and that distinctive Gulf Coast personality that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun White Chicken Chili
- Bold Cajun flavor explosion – Infused with authentic seasonings, jalapeños, and salsa verde for personality in every bite
- Creamy and comforting perfection – Sour cream and Parmesan create luxurious texture that balances the heat beautifully
- Hearty and completely satisfying – Protein-packed sausage, chicken, and beans make it a full meal in one bowl
- One-pot wonder convenience – Everything cooks in one Dutch oven for easy cleanup and maximum flavor
- Customizable heat levels – Adjust spices to suit your family’s preferences from mild to fire
- Perfect for any occasion – Works for cozy weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or meal prep success
Ingredients You’ll Need
Proteins:
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced – Adds smoky, spicy depth that defines the dish
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut bite-sized – Juicy and flavorful, stays tender
Vegetables:
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced – Sweet foundation for the flavor base
- 1 cup celery, diced – Classic Cajun trinity component
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced – Adds color and mild sweetness
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced – Provides the perfect kick of heat
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Essential aromatic backbone
Broth & Beans:
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Rich, savory liquid base
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed – Cannellini or Great Northern work perfectly
- ½ cup salsa verde – Adds tang and subtle heat complexity
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided – The signature spice blend that makes it authentic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – Earthy warmth that complements the other spices
- Salt and black pepper to taste – Final seasoning adjustments
Creamy Base:
- 1 tablespoon butter – For sautéing and richness
- ½ cup sour cream – Creates that signature creamy texture
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds umami depth and richness
Garnishes:
- Fresh lime juice – Brightens every bowl
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley – Color and freshness
- Sliced green onions – Mild onion flavor and beautiful color
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Meats:
Step 1: Brown the Sausage Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken In the same pot with the flavorful drippings, add chicken thighs and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Sear until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Step 3: Build the Base In the same pot, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add diced onion, celery, bell pepper, and jalapeño, sautéing for about 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Bloom the Spices Stir in minced garlic, remaining Cajun seasoning, and cumin, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until wonderfully aromatic. This step releases and intensifies all the spice flavors.
Build the Chili:
Step 5: Add Liquids and Beans Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in white beans and salsa verde until well combined.
Step 6: Combine Everything Return the cooked sausage and chicken to the pot, stirring well to distribute evenly.
Step 7: Simmer to Perfection Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly for perfect consistency.
Make It Creamy:
Step 8: Add the Cream Remove pot from heat and stir in sour cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until fully incorporated and beautifully creamy.
Serve:
Step 9: Ladle and Garnish Serve hot in bowls, topped with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions for the complete experience.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Complete the Southern Experience Transform this chili into a full Gulf Coast feast:
- Cornbread or jalapeño cheddar muffins – Perfect for soaking up every drop
- Tortilla chips – Great for dipping and adding crunch
- Grilled cheese sandwiches – Classic comfort food pairing
- Pickled vegetables – Tangy contrast that cuts through the richness
Beverage Pairings The bold flavors pair wonderfully with cold beer, especially lagers or wheat beers. For non-alcoholic options, iced tea or lemonade provides perfect cooling contrast.
Make-Ahead Tips
Perfect for Meal Planning This chili is incredibly make-ahead friendly and actually improves in flavor:
Day-Ahead Prep Make the entire chili and store in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezer Success Freeze portions without the sour cream and cheese for up to 3 months. Add the dairy components when reheating for best texture.
Component Prep Brown the meats and chop vegetables up to 2 days ahead, storing separately until ready to assemble and cook.
Storage and Leftovers
Keeping It Fresh Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The chili stays creamy and delicious throughout the storage period.
Reheating Instructions Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it seems too thick. Microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.
Portion Control This recipe makes about 8 servings, perfect for families or meal prep. Freeze individual portions for quick, satisfying meals.
Custom Variations and Add-Ons
1. Extra Spicy Version Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or keep jalapeño seeds for serious heat lovers.
2. Dairy-Free Alternative Use coconut cream instead of sour cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for dairy-free richness.
3. Rotisserie Shortcut Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for busy weeknight convenience—just add it during the last few minutes.
4. Vegetable Boost Stir in corn kernels or fresh spinach during the last few minutes for extra nutrition and color.
5. Smoky Twist Add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for deeper smoke flavor and complex heat.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: ~385
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sodium: 920mg
Cajun White Chicken Chili FAQs
Is this chili very spicy? It has moderate heat from Cajun seasoning and jalapeños. You can easily adjust by reducing jalapeños or using mild salsa verde for sensitive palates.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the meats and vegetables first, then transfer to slow cooker. Cook on LOW 6-7 hours or HIGH 3-4 hours. Stir in dairy components at the end.
What’s the best white bean to use? Cannellini or Great Northern beans are ideal—they’re creamy and hold their shape beautifully. Navy beans work too.
How can I thicken the chili? Mash some beans against the pot sides, or stir in a cornstarch slurry during simmering for thicker consistency.
Can I freeze this chili? Yes, but leave out sour cream and cheese before freezing. Add them when reheating for best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts: Share the Love!
This Cajun White Chicken Chili isn’t just another chili recipe—it’s a celebration of bold Southern flavors that brings warmth, comfort, and excitement to every bowl. It takes the familiar comfort of traditional chili and elevates it with authentic Cajun personality that makes ordinary weeknight dinners feel special and memorable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, entertaining friends, or meal prepping for busy weeks ahead, this chili delivers satisfaction, nutrition, and that distinctive Gulf Coast soul that makes every spoonful an adventure. Get ready for empty bowls, satisfied sighs, and requests to add this incredible recipe to your permanent rotation of cold-weather favorites!
