You know those nights when you want something warm, cozy, and flavorful… but also easy? Cajun White Chicken Chili is exactly that. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with just enough spice to make your taste buds dance, but not enough to make you sweat (unless you want that, of course — we’ve got options).

This isn’t your average chili. We’re talking tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, and a smoky Cajun kick all simmered together in a rich, velvety broth. And the best part? You can make it in a single pot in under an hour. Weeknight dinner, solved.

Cajun-style shrimp and sausage stew with beans and peppers in a rustic bowl

Ingredients You’ll Need

You probably have most of these in your kitchen already. Here’s the lowdown:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust based on your spice level)
1 teaspoon ground cumin (adds depth)
½ teaspoon paprika (smoky goodness)
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great)
2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed (cannellini or great northern)
1 can diced green chiles (adds tang and a little zing)
3 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream or half and half
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, chopped cilantro, tortilla strips, jalapeños

How to Make Cajun White Chicken Chili (Step-by-Step)

This is one of those “throw it all together and let it work its magic” kind of recipes.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Grab your favorite heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the olive oil over medium heat and toss in your diced onion. Cook for 3–5 minutes until soft and translucent.

Now toss in the garlic, Cajun seasoning, cumin, and paprika. Stir it around for 30 seconds or so. Your kitchen is gonna smell amazing right about now.

Pro Tip: This is where the flavor starts. Give those spices a minute to wake up in the oil.

Step 2: Add the Chicken, Beans, and Broth

Stir in the shredded chicken, white beans, diced green chiles, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 3: Simmer

Bring the pot to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes. This is when all the flavors get to know each other and become best friends.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat and stir in the cream. You don’t want it boiling at this point — just gently warmed through so everything gets nice and velvety.

Taste it. Does it need salt? More Cajun spice? Adjust it however you like.

Step 5: Serve and Top Like a Boss

Ladle it into bowls and top with whatever your heart desires: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, jalapeños, maybe a handful of crushed tortilla chips. Cornbread on the side? Yes, please.

Why This Cajun White Chicken Chili is a Total Weeknight Hero

One pot, no fuss. Less cleanup, more time to chill.
Tons of flavor. Smoky, spicy, creamy, and just a little tangy.
Protein-packed. Between the chicken and white beans, this chili fills you up and keeps you going.
Totally customizable. Mild, spicy, dairy-free, bean-free — it’s your call.
Leftovers? Even better. It reheats beautifully and freezes like a dream.

Cajun Chili FAQs (Because You Might Be Wondering…)

Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! Throw everything except the cream in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours. Stir in the cream at the end before serving.

Can I Use Raw Chicken Instead of Cooked?

Yep. Add uncooked, diced chicken breast or thighs after the aromatics and let it simmer with the broth for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked. Then shred it right in the pot.

Is This Spicy?

It’s got a kick, but it won’t blow your face off — unless you want it to. Start with a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and add more to taste. You can also toss in jalapeños or hot sauce if you’re feeling wild.

Can I Make It Dairy-Free?

Skip the cream and add a splash of full-fat coconut milk or just keep it brothy. It’ll still be delicious.

Variations to Keep It Fresh

Add corn: Sweet corn adds texture and a pop of color.
Use turkey: Great for post-holiday leftovers.
Go vegetarian: Swap the chicken for extra beans or mushrooms and use veggie broth.
Make it keto: Ditch the beans, double the chicken and cream.

Close-up of Cajun shrimp and sausage stew with peppers and beans in a rustic bowl

Serving Ideas

Pair your bowl with:

A thick slice of buttery cornbread
A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
Crunchy tortilla chips for scooping
Or honestly, just a spoon and your couch

Storage & Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you.

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months
Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave (stir halfway through)

Looking for More Cozy Dinners Like This?

Here are some recipes you’ll love on Virile Recipes:

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In the mood for something hearty? Browse all our recipes for cozy inspiration.

Final Thought

Cajun White Chicken Chili is basically a hug in a bowl. It’s creamy, spicy (but not too spicy), hearty, and endlessly comforting. Plus, it’s one of those recipes you can tweak and play with every time — and it still turns out amazing.

Whether you make it on the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this chili brings serious flavor with minimal effort. So grab a spoon, pile on the toppings, and dig in. You’ve got dinner covered.

Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe (Creamy, Spicy & Totally Cozy)