If you’re looking for a comforting soup that’s packed with bold, spicy flavor, then Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup is the perfect dish for you. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth with the bold and zesty flavors of Cajun seasoning. Whether you’re craving something to warm you up on a chilly day or looking for a flavorful dinner, this soup will not disappoint.
What makes this soup so special is the balance of flavors. The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy, velvety broth. The chicken is tender and juicy, while the veggies provide just the right amount of texture. This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, and it’s also easy to make in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
I first made Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup when I was craving something comforting but with a little heat. The combination of spices and creamy texture was exactly what I needed. It has since become one of my go-to soups for dinner parties or casual nights at home. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion!
Why This Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Will Be Your New Favorite
- Bold and flavorful: The Cajun seasoning adds a delightful heat and smokiness, making each spoonful packed with flavor.
- Hearty and filling: With tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy broth, this soup is satisfying and comforting.
- Easy to make: Made in one pot with simple ingredients, this soup comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking and add more veggies or protein to make it your own.
- Perfect for meal prep: This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a richer flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup
- Cook the chicken:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest. Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken with two forks. - Sauté the veggies:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. - Add the seasonings:
Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper over the sautéed veggies. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices, allowing the seasonings to bloom for about 1 minute. - Add the liquids:
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Stir well to combine, then bring the soup to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. - Add the cream and chicken:
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded chicken. If you prefer a thicker soup, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the soup. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. - Serve and garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some extra Cajun seasoning on top if you like a little more heat. - Enjoy:
Your Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup is ready to be served! Enjoy it with some crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version of it. If you love heat, feel free to add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Use bone-in chicken: For extra flavor, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs and shred the meat after cooking. The bones will add richness to the broth.
- Make it dairy-free: If you want a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free broth.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add more vegetables: You can add extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or corn to make the soup heartier and more nutritious.
- Use different protein: Instead of chicken, you can use turkey, sausage, or shrimp for a different take on this soup.
- Vegetarian version: For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for beans (like kidney beans or black beans) and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use lean chicken: Opt for chicken breasts without skin for a lower-fat version of this soup.
- Reduce the cream: You can use a lighter version of cream (like half-and-half or even milk) to reduce the fat content.
Closing
And there you have it! Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup is the perfect blend of bold flavors, creamy texture, and comforting warmth. This soup is easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or enjoying it on your own, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Don’t forget to let us know how your soup turns out, and be sure to check out more of our flavorful and comforting soup recipes for even more tasty inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop, adding a little more broth if necessary. - Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat on the stovetop. - Can I use cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use leftover or rotisserie chicken in place of the cooked chicken breast. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup when you add the cream. - Can I make this soup spicier?
Yes, you can add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños to increase the heat level. Just adjust to your taste! - Can I make this soup without the cream?
Yes, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a lighter milk option for a lighter, dairy-free version. - Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Frozen vegetables like corn or peas can easily be added to the soup for extra texture and flavor. Just add them in when you add the broth. - How do I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water or let the soup simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken. - Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with beans (such as kidney beans or chickpeas) and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of the soup. - How do I make the soup more creamy?
To make the soup extra creamy, you can add more heavy cream or use a combination of cream cheese and milk for a thicker consistency. - Can I serve this soup with anything?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, cornbread, or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup
4
servings30
40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 lb 1 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a richer flavor)
2 tablespoons 2 olive oil
1 small 1 onion, chopped
1 1 bell pepper, chopped
2 2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves 3 garlic, minced
1 tablespoon 1 Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
1 teaspoon 1 smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 black pepper
1 can 1 diced tomatoes (with juices)
4 cups 4 chicken broth
1/2 cup 1/2 heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
1 tablespoon 1 cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the chicken:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest. Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken with two forks.
- Sauté the veggies:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the seasonings:
- Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper over the sautéed veggies. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices, allowing the seasonings to bloom for about 1 minute.
- Add the liquids:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Stir well to combine, then bring the soup to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Add the cream and chicken:
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded chicken. If you prefer a thicker soup, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the soup. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve and garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some extra Cajun seasoning on top if you like a little more heat.
- Enjoy:
- Your Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup is ready to be served! Enjoy it with some crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad for a complete meal.
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