Description
This Cajun Chicken Chili recipe offers a flavorful, hearty meal featuring tender diced chicken, beans, and a rich blend of Cajun spices. Perfectly spiced with smoked paprika and a robust Cajun seasoning, this chili simmers to develop deep flavors and is ideal for warming up on cooler days or for meal prepping and freezing. Garnish with green onions or sour cream for an added creamy touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Beans and Liquids
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes (optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion, green bell pepper, diced celery, and minced garlic. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth. Add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well to combine the flavors evenly.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the chili to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the Cajun chicken chili hot. Garnish with chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream if desired for added freshness and creaminess.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by adding cayenne pepper or using a spicier Cajun seasoning if you prefer more heat.
- This chili is excellent for meal prep as it freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Serve alongside cornbread or rice to make the meal more filling and hearty.
