Creamy, hearty, and packed with bold Southern flavor, this Cozy Cajun White Chicken Chili is the kind of comfort food you crave when you want something warming but not heavy. Smoky sausage, tender chicken, white beans, and a gently spiced broth come together in one pot for a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet balanced. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this chili delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

For the Base

2 tablespoons oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or butter)
1 pound smoked poultry sausage, sliced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon butter

For the Aromatics

1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 bell pepper, diced
1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Chili

1 teaspoon ground cumin
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups white beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup salsa verde

For Creaminess

1 cup sour cream, crema, heavy cream, or cream cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Finish

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
¼ cup chopped cilantro or parsley
2 green onions, sliced
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions for Cajun White Chicken Chili

Brown the Sausage
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes until deeply browned. Remove and set aside.
Sear the Chicken
Season chicken generously with Cajun seasoning. Sear in the same pot for 5–7 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and reserve.
Cook the Vegetables
Melt butter in the pot. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for 7–10 minutes until softened and aromatic.
Bloom the Spices
Stir in garlic, cumin, and an additional pinch of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Chili
Add chicken broth, white beans, salsa verde, sausage, and chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken, shred or chop into bite-size pieces, then return it to the pot.
Make It Creamy
Stir in sour cream and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Finish and Season
Add lime juice, cilantro, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Pro Tips

Brown the sausage well for deeper smoky flavor
Season chicken generously before cooking
Add cream gradually to control thickness
Finish with lime juice to balance richness

Why This Recipe Works

One-pot meal with easy cleanup
Bold Cajun seasoning balanced by creamy broth
Customizable heat level
Perfect for meal prep or entertaining

Substitutions & Variations

Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream
Spicier: Add cayenne or hot sauce
Extra Veggies: Corn or zucchini work beautifully
Protein Swap: Use turkey sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make Ahead: Prep vegetables and shred chicken up to 3 days in advance
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove, adding broth if needed

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Serving Ideas for Cajun White Chicken Chili

Crusty artisan bread
Cornbread muffins
Steamed rice or cilantro-lime rice
Fresh green salad
Avocado slices or tortilla chips

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

Calories: ~400
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 10g
Sodium: ~600mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chili milder?

Yes. Skip the jalapeño and use a mild Cajun seasoning.

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Can I freeze this chili?

Absolutely. Freeze without garnishes and add fresh toppings after reheating.

What beans work best?

Cannellini or great northern beans are ideal, but kidney beans also work.

How do I thicken the chili?

Add extra cream, cheese, or mash a portion of the beans.

This Cozy Cajun White Chicken Chili is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor in every spoonful. Easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.