Cajun White Chicken Chili

ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced or diced
• 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced*
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans white beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup salsa verde
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or crema or heavy cream or 4 ounces cream cheese)
• 1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese) (or cotija), grated
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cilantro (or parsley), chopped (optional)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
• salt and pepper to taste

directions

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, add the sausage and cook, about 5-7 minutes, before setting aside.
2. Add the chicken, seasoned with cajun seasoning, and cook until lightly golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, before setting aside.
3. Add the butter, let it melt, add the onion, celery, bell pepper and jalapeno, and cook until tender, about 7-10 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, cumin, and cajun seasoning, and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
5. Add the broth, beans, salsa verde, sausage, and chicken, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Turn off the heat, remove the chicken and shred or slice it before returning it to the pot.
7. Add the sour cream and parmesan and let it melt.
8. Add the lime juice, cilantro, and green onion before seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Slow Cooker: Optionally implement steps 1-4, place everything up to and including the salsa verde into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-10 hours or high for 2-4 hours before, before turning off the heat, and continuing with steps 6-8.
Option: *You can omit the jalapeno, or replace it with a serrano, or poblano, or 1 (4 ounce) can of diced green chilies, or diced pickled jalapenos.
Option: Add 1 cup corn at the end.
Option: Garnish with your favourite chili toppings such as shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, onions, jalapenos, etc.
Option: Add hot sauce to taste!

Nutrition Facts: Calories 584, Fat 36g (Saturated 13g, Trans 0), Cholesterol 123mg, Sodium 1190mg, Carbs 45g (Fiber 8g, Sugars 6g), Protein 43g