Cajun White Chicken Chili

A creamy Cajun white chicken chili with tender chicken, beans, green chiles, and warm spices for a rich, comforting bowl with a gentle kick.

This creamy Cajun white chicken chili is a comforting, flavor-packed bowl made with tender shredded chicken, hearty white beans, and mild green chiles simmered in a warmly spiced broth, then enriched with cream cheese and heavy cream for a smooth, velvety finish. Sautéed aromatics and bold seasonings add depth and a gentle kick, while fresh cilantro, melty cheese, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime brighten each spoonful for a cozy yet vibrant meal.

Servings

2-4

Prep Time

10-15 minutes

Cook Time

20-25 minutes

Total Time

30-40 minutes

Fresh
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, diced (seeds removed for mild heat)
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro (optional for color at the end)

Packaged
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

Seasoning
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)

Serving
Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or pepper jack)
Sour cream
Extra jalapeño slices
Lime wedges
Tortilla chips or strips

Building the Flavor Base
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and 1 diced jalapeño (seeds removed for mild heat), cooking for about 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Adding the Chicken and Beans
Stir in 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, 1 (15 oz) can white beans (drained and rinsed), and 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, mixing well to combine.

Seasoning the Soup
Add 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste). Stir thoroughly so the spices evenly coat the mixture.

Adding the Broth and Simmering
Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Creating the Creamy Finish
Reduce the heat to low and stir in ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup softened cream cheese, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated. Continue stirring until the soup is creamy and heated through.

Finishing and Serving
Stir in ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro (optional) just before serving. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or pepper jack), a dollop of sour cream, and optional extra jalapeño slices. Serve with lime wedges and tortilla chips or strips on the side for added texture.