Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a rich, cheesy broth infused with Cajun spices. Perfect as a hearty lunch or dinner, it's easy to prepare and brings a delightful spicy kick with a creamy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic
- 1 cup onion (chopped)
- 1 cup carrots (chopped)
- 1 1/2 cup celery (chopped)
- 1 1/2 cup bell pepper (chopped, any color or mix)
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay or Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 14-ounce can fire roasted tomatoes, drained
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter or olive oil, then sauté the garlic, onion, celery, bell pepper, and carrots for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Chicken and Seasoning: Place the chicken breasts into the pot. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce over the chicken. Add the drained fire roasted tomatoes and pour in the chicken broth.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks on a cutting board.
- Make Creamy Base: While shredding the chicken, whisk together the heavy cream and softened cream cheese in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the creamy mixture back into the soup, add the shredded chicken, and mix well. Serve immediately. Optionally, top with green onions, sharp cheddar cheese, and additional hot sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute olive oil with butter for a richer flavor.
- For a spicier soup, add extra hot sauce or use spicier Cajun seasoning.
- If cream cheese is not available, you may use sour cream as a substitute for creaminess.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.25 cups
- Calories: 238 kcal
- Sugar: 6.5 g
- Sodium: 401 mg
- Fat: 8.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10.8 g
- Fiber: 2.8 g
- Protein: 21.7 g
- Cholesterol: 74.8 mg
