⭐ Mediterranean Cajun White Chicken Chili
Creamy • Cozy • High-protein • Smoky Cajun spices + Mediterranean brightness
🥘 Ingredients (4–6 servings)
Chicken & Base
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2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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1 lb (450g) chicken breasts or thighs, diced
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1 medium onion, diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup diced bell peppers (red or yellow)
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1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
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1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), rinsed
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1 can (4 oz) chopped mild green chiles
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4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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1 cup milk or half & half
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½ cup Greek yogurt (adds Mediterranean creaminess)
Cajun + Mediterranean Seasoning
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1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp cumin
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½ tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp dried thyme
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¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
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Salt & black pepper to taste
Creamy Thickener (choose one)
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½ cup mashed white beans
or -
2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Mediterranean Enhancements
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Juice of ½ lemon
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2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro
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¼ cup crumbled feta (optional but delicious!)
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1 diced avocado (optional topping)
👩🍳 Instructions
🔸 1. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot.
Add diced chicken, sprinkle with salt & pepper.
Cook 5–6 minutes until lightly browned.
Remove and set aside.
🔸 2. Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add:
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onion
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garlic
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bell peppers
Cook 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
🔸 3. Build the Chili Base
Add to the pot:
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Cajun seasoning
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smoked paprika
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cumin
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oregano
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thyme
Stir 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
Then add:
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white beans
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corn
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green chiles
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chicken broth
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cooked chicken
Bring to a simmer for 10–12 minutes.
🔸 4. Make It Creamy
Stir in milk or half & half.
Add mashed beans or cornstarch slurry to thicken.
Simmer 5 more minutes until creamy.
Turn heat to low and stir in Greek yogurt.
🔸 5. Mediterranean Finishing Touch
Add:
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lemon juice
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fresh parsley/cilantro
Taste and adjust Cajun spice, salt, or lemon.
🔸 6. Serve
Top with:
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crumbled feta
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sliced avocado
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extra parsley
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a drizzle of olive oil
Serve with warm pita, crusty bread, or tortilla chips.
🍲 Nutrition (approx. per serving)
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Calories: ~380
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Protein: ~35g
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Healthy Mediterranean fats from olive oil
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High fiber from beans & peppers
🌿 Mediterranean Variations
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Add artichoke hearts
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Swap beans for chickpeas
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Use harissa instead of chili flakes for a smoky heat
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Add spinach in last 2 minutes
