A spicy, hearty, and creamy chili loaded with chicken, andouille sausage, and just the right touch of black beans for a moderate low-carb meal. Ready in under an hour!
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Dietary Badges: High-Protein | Moderate Low-Carb |
Ingredients
Protein:
- 1 lb smoked andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
Fresh Vegetables:
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup diced sweet bell pepper (any color)
- 1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
Broth & Beans:
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
- ½ (7.5 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup salsa verde
Seasoning & Spices:
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Creamy Elements:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup sour cream (regular or light)
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Garnishes (Optional):
- Fresh lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro or flat-leaf parsley
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
1. Brown the Sausage and Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the sausage slices and cook 5–7 minutes until browned and slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Add chicken pieces to the same pot with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning. Cook until golden and fully cooked through. Transfer to the bowl with the sausage.
Tip: Browning the sausage first adds depth of flavor to the chili base.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- Melt butter in the pot.
- Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook ~5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in garlic, remaining Cajun seasoning, and cumin. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Tip: For extra smoky depth, lightly caramelize the onions.
3. Build the Chili Base
- Pour in chicken broth, black beans, and salsa verde.
- Return sausage and chicken to the pot.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Tip: For thicker chili, simmer longer to reduce liquid slightly.
4. Add the Creamy Finish
- Turn off heat.
- Stir in sour cream and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Tip: Avoid boiling after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle into bowls.
- Top with a squeeze of lime juice, cilantro or parsley, and sliced green onions for freshness.
Ingredient Insights & Substitutions
- Black Beans: Using ½ can keeps this recipe moderate low-carb while still providing fiber and creaminess.
- Chicken Thighs: Juicier than breast; can substitute with chicken breast if preferred.
- Salsa Verde: Adds tang and subtle heat; sub with ½ cup roasted red peppers + 1 tsp lime juice if needed.
- Sour Cream: Light or regular works; Greek yogurt can be a lower-fat alternative.
Equipment Tip: A Dutch oven is ideal, but a heavy-bottomed pot works fine.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Flavor Twist: Add 1 tsp smoked paprika or ½ tsp cayenne for extra heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in 1 cup chopped zucchini or corn during the simmer phase.
- Serving: Serve with low-carb tortillas, over cauliflower rice, or with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Up to 2 months; thaw overnight in fridge.
- Reheat: Stove-top over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 12g (net carbs ~9g)
- Fat: 18g
Dietary Highlights: High-Protein, Moderate Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes, just reduce cooking time to avoid drying out.
Q: Can I make this spicier?
A: Add extra jalapeño or ½ tsp cayenne pepper during aromatics step.
Q: Can this be frozen?
A: Yes, freeze portions up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Personal Notes
I created this Cajun White Chicken Chili as a cozy weeknight dinner that’s flavorful yet moderate in carbs. The combination of smoky sausage, tender chicken, and creamy chili base is comforting any day of the week.
Fun Tip: Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld!
