Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup is a warm, comforting, and slightly spicy soup that features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, a rich creamy base, and bold Cajun spices. Perfect for chilly evenings or feeding a crowd, it balances creamy texture with smoky heat effortlessly, making it a versatile, hearty comfort meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers, mixed colors, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Fats and Thickening Agents
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1–2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop the bell peppers, onions, celery, and carrots finely. Mince the garlic. This prep ensures even cooking and a smooth process.
- Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, forming a flavorful base.
- Cook the Chicken: Add diced chicken to the pot and sauté until lightly browned on the outside but not fully cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes, sealing in juices for tenderness.
- Add Cajun Seasoning and Broth: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
- Make it Creamy: Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. If you want a thicker soup, whisk the flour with a small amount of butter in a separate pan to create a roux, then stir it into the soup to thicken.
- Final Simmer and Adjust: Let the soup simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Cajun spice if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh Cajun seasoning for best flavor and aroma.
- Take time to properly sauté vegetables to develop deep flavor.
- Choose chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
- Add cream gradually to prevent curdling and achieve velvety texture.
- Simmer soup gently to avoid toughening chicken and separating cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup, spicy chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, Cajun soup, comfort food, easy chicken soup, gluten free soup