Spicy & Creamy Cajun White Chicken Chili: A Flavor-Packed, Weight Watchers Friendly Recipe

Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary journey with this Cajun White Chicken Chili, a dish that masterfully blends the comforting warmth of classic white chili with the vibrant, bold flavors of Louisiana’s signature spice. This isn’t just another chili recipe; it’s a one-pot wonder, celebrated for its rich, creamy texture, tantalizing smokiness, and a perfect kick of spice that awakens the senses. Featuring tender, shredded chicken, wholesome hearty beans, and the unmistakable zest of andouille sausage, every spoonful offers a seriously bold flavor profile, making it the ultimate cozy bowl for any occasion.

What makes this recipe truly stand out, especially for those mindful of their diet, is its incredible nutritional value coupled with its robust taste. At an astonishingly low 3 Weight Watchers Points per serving, you can indulge in this hearty and satisfying meal without any guilt. This recipe embodies the philosophy of enjoying delicious food while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Don’t miss out on exploring our extensive collection of Weight Watchers dinner recipes, each crafted to deliver maximum flavor with minimal points, ensuring your healthy eating journey is always exciting and delicious.

Cajun White Chicken Chili: Recipe Overview

This recipe is designed for ease and efficiency, bringing a delightful blend of flavors to your table in under an hour. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, offering generous servings of a nutritious and incredibly satisfying chili.

• Serving Size: A generous 430g per bowl, ensuring a truly filling meal.
• Number of Servings: This recipe yields 4 hearty servings, ideal for a family dinner or meal prepping.
• Time to Cook: From start to finish, you’ll have this delicious chili ready in just 40 minutes.
• 3 WW Points Per Serving. For those tracking their points, this dish is a fantastic option. You can view the complete recipe details and point breakdown on the WW App here. (Please note that a Weight Watchers login is required to access the full details.)

Essential Ingredients for Your Cajun White Chicken Chili

Crafting this flavorful Cajun white chicken chili requires a selection of fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and aromatic spices that are easily found at your local grocery store. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the depth and complexity of this incredible dish, from the foundational sautéed vegetables to the creamy finish provided by Greek yogurt. The combination of beans, chicken, and a touch of sausage creates a truly wholesome and satisfying meal.

• 1 tablespoon oil, (15 ml) – *For sautéing.*
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped, (100 g) – *Adds a sweet, savory base.*
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped, (50 g) – *Part of the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking.*
• 1 small green bell pepper, (90 g), chopped – *Another essential component for authentic flavor.*
• 1 andouille sausage or smoked turkey sausage, diced, (85 g) – *Provides a smoky, spicy kick. Smoked turkey sausage is a lighter alternative.*
• 2 garlic cloves, minced, (6 g) – *Aromatic and fundamental for chili.*
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning mix (see note below) – *The heart of the Cajun flavor.*
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, (1 g) – *Enhances the smoky depth.*
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – *For an extra layer of heat if desired.*
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, (8 g) – *To help thicken the chili to a creamy consistency.*
• 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded, (about 250 g) – *Pre-cooked chicken saves time and adds lean protein.*
• 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed, (1 ½ cups, 240 g) – *Contributes to the “white chili” aspect and provides fiber.*
• ½ cup red kidney beans, (120 g), cooked or canned – *Adds color and heartiness.*
• 3 ½ cups chicken broth, (840 ml) – *The liquid base for the chili.*
• 1 tablespoon lime juice, (15 ml) – *Brightens the flavors and adds a tangy finish.*
• ¼ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, (60 g) – *For a creamy texture without heavy cream.*
• Salt and pepper to taste – *To perfectly balance the flavors.*
• Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, more lime – *For garnish and added freshness/richness.*

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cajun White Chicken Chili

Follow these simple steps to create a rich and satisfying Cajun white chicken chili that will quickly become a household favorite. This recipe emphasizes building layers of flavor from the very first step, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.

1. Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables: Begin by placing a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and adding the oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced andouille or smoked turkey sausage. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is beautifully browned and crispy. This step renders out some fat and builds incredible flavor. Remove the browned sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot. In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Cook these “holy trinity” vegetables for 5–6 minutes, stirring periodically, until they soften and become translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it for extra heat). Sprinkle in the cornstarch and stir thoroughly, ensuring all the vegetables are coated in the spices. Allow this mixture to cook for another 2 minutes, letting the spices bloom and deepen in flavor.
2. Simmer to Blend Flavors: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly as you add it. This continuous stirring is crucial to ensure the cornstarch dissolves completely and prevents any lumps from forming, leading to a smooth, creamy chili. Once the broth is incorporated, stir in the shredded cooked chicken, drained and rinsed white beans, kidney beans, and the previously browned sausage. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 15–20 minutes. This simmering period is essential for allowing all the incredible flavors to meld together and deepen. Taste the chili and season with salt and pepper as needed to achieve your preferred balance.
3. Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat. This is a critical step before adding the final creamy touches. Stir in the fresh lime juice and the plain nonfat Greek yogurt. Mix well until the yogurt is fully integrated and the chili takes on a wonderfully creamy consistency. Be very careful not to bring the chili to a boil once the yogurt has been added, as this can cause the yogurt to curdle. Let the chili sit off the heat for a few minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the consistency to further develop. Serve the Cajun white chicken chili hot, garnished generously with fresh chopped cilantro, extra lime wedges for a burst of citrus, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal!

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cajun White Chicken Chili

To ensure your Cajun white chicken chili fusion turns out absolutely amazing and perfectly balanced, here are some invaluable tips and tricks:

• Mastering the Cajun Seasoning: The Cajun seasoning mix is the soul of this recipe. While many excellent pre-made blends are available, crafting your own ensures freshness and allows for customization. If you can’t find a ready-made mix or prefer a homemade version, simply combine paprika (preferably smoked paprika for extra depth), salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, a pinch of cayenne (adjust to your spice preference), dried oregano, and dried thyme. Experiment with ratios to find your perfect blend, but generally, a good starting point is equal parts of most spices, with a bit more paprika and less cayenne depending on desired heat.
• Sausage Selection for Flavor and Points: On this occasion, a single diced andouille sausage was used, primarily because of its intense flavor profile that truly enhances the chili. To maximize taste, browning the sausage well until crispy is key. However, for those carefully tracking Weight Watchers points, opting for a smoked turkey sausage is highly recommended. It still delivers that crucial smoky flavor and hearty texture but with significantly fewer points, making your chili both delicious and diet-friendly.
• Boosting the Smoky Flavor: The smoky touch is absolutely fundamental to an authentic Cajun flavor. To intensify this aspect, consider a brilliant trick: toast your jalapeños or green bell peppers directly over a gas stove flame or under the broiler in your oven until their skin is charred and blistered. Peel the charred skin, and then chop the peppers to add to your chili. This process not only adds a rich smoky note but also a subtle sweetness. Combining this technique with smoked paprika will truly elevate the overall smoky essence. If these options aren’t available, a few drops of liquid smoke can provide a convenient alternative, but use sparingly as it’s potent.
• Achieving the Perfect Creamy Base: For a luscious and creamy chili without relying on heavy cream, a tablespoon of cornstarch added while sautéing the vegetables is a game-changer. When the chicken broth and beans are introduced, the cornstarch works its magic, gradually thickening the stew to a desirable consistency. The Greek yogurt is crucial for that final creamy, tangy finish. Remember to always add the yogurt *after* turning off the heat to prevent it from curdling. Stir it in thoroughly but gently until fully integrated. This method ensures a velvety texture and a bright tang.
• Beyond the Bowl: Creative Serving Suggestions: In Louisiana, hearty stews like gumbo or jambalaya are traditionally served over rice. While this chili would also be delicious over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, it’s absolutely not necessary. This chili is incredibly satisfying on its own. To truly elevate the experience, focus on fresh, vibrant toppings. Beyond chopped cilantro and lime wedges, consider a dollop of extra Greek yogurt, sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of crumbled cornbread. For a touch of indulgence without too many extra points, a small amount of shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese can be a wonderful addition.
• Chicken Preparation Made Easy: For the shredded cooked chicken, convenience is key. You can cook chicken breasts specifically for this recipe by boiling, baking, or grilling them, then shredding. However, to save time, consider using a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store – it’s already cooked, flavorful, and easy to shred. Alternatively, cooking chicken breasts in an Instant Pot or slow cooker makes shredding a breeze.
• Storage and Meal Prep: This Cajun White Chicken Chili is excellent for meal prepping. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the chili has thickened too much.

Discover More Flavorful Chili Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the bold flavors of this Cajun White Chicken Chili, you’ll love these other hearty and delicious chili recipes from our collection:

Spicy Chicken Chili – A classic with a fiery kick.

Classic Weight Watchers Chili – A comforting, slow-cooked favorite that’s kind to your points.

Weight Watchers White Chicken Chili – For a traditional, creamy white chili experience.

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Cajun White Chicken Chili

Servings: 4

Total: 40 minutes mins

A bold and satisfying Cajun-style white chicken chili recipe, perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Ingredients 

• ▢ 1 tablespoon oil, (15 ml)
• ▢ 1 medium onion, finely chopped, (100 g)
• ▢ 1 celery stalk, finely chopped, (50 g)
• ▢ 1 small green bell pepper, (90 g), chopped
• ▢ 1 andouille sausage or smoked turkey sausage, diced, (85 g)
• ▢ 2 garlic cloves, minced, (6 g)
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning mix, see note below
• ▢ ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, (1 g)
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
• ▢ 1 tablespoon cornstarch, (8 g)
• ▢ 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded, (about 250 g)
• ▢ 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed, (1 ½ cups, 240 g)
• ▢ ½ cup red kidney beans, (120 g), cooked or canned
• ▢ 3 ½ cups chicken broth, (840 ml)
• ▢ 1 tablespoon lime juice, (15 ml)
• ▢ ¼ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, (60 g)
• ▢ Salt and pepper to taste
• ▢ Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, more lime

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Instructions 

• Place a large pot over medium heat and add the oil. Once hot, sauté the diced andouille or smoked turkey sausage for about 5 minutes until well browned and crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft. Add the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and cornstarch. Stir well to coat all the vegetables in the spices and let them cook for another 2 minutes.
• Add the chicken broth gradually, stirring constantly so the cornstarch dissolves completely and no lumps remain. Then stir in the shredded chicken, white beans, kidney beans, and the previously toasted sausage. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Turn off the heat and add the lime juice and Greek yogurt. Stir well to integrate, being careful not to boil once the yogurt is added so it doesn’t curdle. Let sit for a few minutes, then serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and a touch of shredded cheese if desired.

Notes

This Cajun White Chicken Chili is 3 Weight Watchers Points per serving, making it a fantastic healthy choice. 

 

Nutrition

Serving: 427gCalories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 22gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 0.7gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 2307mgPotassium: 591mgFiber: 5.7gSugar: 4.4gCalcium: 103mgIron: 3.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Cajun

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