One-Pot Cajun White Chicken Chili

Cozy up with a bowl of hearty, flavorful one-pot Cajun white chicken chili! This easy recipe takes the comforting warmth of chili and infuses it with zesty Cajun spices and creamy richness. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this chili is sure to become a family favorite.

This creamy and comforting chili is loaded with tender chicken, savory sausage, and a blend of beans and corn, all simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth, and finished with a generous topping of spicy cheese.

Recipe Details

• Flavor Profile: A vibrant blend of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors with a hint of sweetness from the corn.
• Texture: Creamy, with tender chicken, hearty beans, and satisfying sausage.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes.
• Cook Time: About 20 minutes.
• Difficulty: Easy, perfect for beginner cooks.

What You’ll Need

This simple, one-pot Cajun white chicken chili comes together with a combination of tender chicken, savory sausage, a creamy base, flavorful spices, and a touch of heat from the Cajun seasoning and green chilies. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup!

Ingredient Notes

• Butter – Creates the base for the creamy sauce, adding richness.
• All-purpose flour – Used to thicken the sauce, creating a velvety texture.
• Chicken broth – Forms the flavorful liquid base of the chili. Use low-sodium for more control over the saltiness.
• Half-and-half – Adds a smooth, creamy texture and richness to the chili. If you prefer a lighter chili, you could substitute with milk.
• Cooked chopped chicken – This is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken and adds a boost of protein.
• Smoked sausage – Adds a delicious smoky flavor to the chili. Use your favorite brand or type.
• Red beans – Provides a hearty, earthy base to the chili.
• White corn – Adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
• Chopped green chilies – Adds a mild, zesty heat. You can adjust the amount based on your preference.
• Dried minced onion flakes – Infuses the chili with onion flavor.
• Garlic powder – Adds depth of flavor without the sharpness of fresh garlic.
• Cumin – Contributes a warm, earthy flavor that complements the other spices.
• Chili powder – Adds a warm, mild chili flavor.
• Cajun seasoning – Gives the chili its signature spicy and flavorful kick.
• Shredded pepper jack cheese – Melts beautifully and adds a spicy, creamy finish.

Add-ins and Substitutions

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
• Add vegetables: Include some chopped bell peppers or corn for added texture and nutrients.
• Use different beans: Substitute some of the red beans with cannellini beans or Great Northern beans.
• Swap the meat: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of shredded chicken or a different type of of smoked sausage.

How to Make One-Pot Cajun White Chicken Chili

This recipe is incredibly simple, with all the cooking done in one pot for easy cleanup! Here’s how you can make it:

1. Create the Roux: In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, creating a light roux that will thicken the sauce.
2. Build the Base: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Thicken and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the chopped chicken, smoked sausage, red beans (rinsed and drained), white corn (drained), green chilies (undrained), dried minced onion flakes, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and Cajun seasoning to the pot.
5. Simmer and Serve: Cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together. Serve your One-Pot Cajun White Chicken Chili warm, garnished with shredded pepper jack cheese.

Pro Tip: Make sure to stir the roux constantly to avoid burning the flour and to ensure a smooth sauce base.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t Rush the Roux: Take your time when cooking the flour and butter to create the roux. This step is essential for thickening the chili and adding flavor.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning.
• Season to Taste: Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings to your liking before serving.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh ingredients will always result in the best flavor.
• Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the chili, as this can make the chicken dry.

FAQs

• Can I make this chili in a slow cooker? While this is designed to be a one-pot meal on the stovetop, you could adapt the recipe to a slow cooker. Brown the sausage, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
• Can I freeze this chili? Yes, this chili is freezer-friendly! Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• What can I use instead of half-and-half? You can substitute with heavy cream for a richer flavor, or milk for a lighter version. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, it can be made a day in advance. The flavors will meld even more. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop.

Serving Suggestions

• Toppings: Sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Sides: Crusty bread, cornbread, or tortilla chips for dipping.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.

Make This Recipe in Advance

This Cajun white chicken chili is perfect for meal prepping. You can make the entire recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

One-Pot Cajun White Chicken Chili

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• Author: Emma Hart
• Total Time: 35
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

A creamy, zesty chili with tender chicken, smoky sausage, beans, and corn. Infused with Cajun spices and topped with spicy cheese. A hearty, easy, weeknight comfort food that’s sure to delight your family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup half-and-half or milk

2 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 halal smoked turkey sausage (subbed for pork)

1 cup cooked red beans

1 cup white corn

1/2 cup chopped green chilies

1 tablespoon dried minced onion flakes

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add flour and sauté for 2-3 minutes to make a roux.

Stir in chicken broth gradually, then add half-and-half or milk until blended.

Add chopped chicken, red beans, white corn, green chilies, onion flakes, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until flavors meld.

Remove from heat. Top each serving with a spoonful of shredded pepper jack cheese and a pinch of additional Cajun seasoning if desired.

Notes

Substitute the halal turkey sausage with plant-based sausage or extra chicken for a non-meat version

Use low-sodium broth to control salt content

Add bell peppers or zucchini for extra vegetables

Leftovers store well refrigerated for 3-4 days

• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 20
• Category: dinner
• Method: Stovetop Simmering
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg