Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 1 cup onion, chopped; 1 cup carrots, chopped; 1 1/2 cup celery, chopped; 1 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped (any color or a 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 101 reviews

If you’re craving something rich, flavor-packed, and downright comforting, you’ve got to try my Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe. This soup is one of those dishes that warms you up from the inside out, with just the right balance of spice and creaminess. When I first made it, my family went crazy for how it came together — smoky fire-roasted tomatoes, tender chicken, and that velvety cream cheese touch. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can nail this cozy classic right in your own kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy Flavor: The blend of cream cheese and heavy cream creates a luscious texture that feels indulgent without being heavy.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these pantry staples, making it a breeze to whip up anytime.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to match your spice level perfectly.
Family Favorite: I’ve made this soup countless times, and it’s always a hit with everyone from kids to adults.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy dish with shredded white meat mixed with small chunks of red, orange, and green vegetables like bell peppers and celery, all covered in a thick light orange sauce with a smooth texture. The creamy mixture fills most of the frame, with a metal spoon partially visible scooping some of the mixture from the edge. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup, Cajun Chicken Soup, Creamy Chicken Soup, Spicy Chicken Soup, Comforting Cajun Soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a special role in making this soup shine. The veggies bring freshness and texture, while the spices create that signature Cajun kick. I recommend picking fire-roasted tomatoes for their smoky flavor — it absolutely transforms the soup.

Flat lay of fresh garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of chopped white onion, another bowl with chopped orange carrots, a bowl containing chopped green celery, a bowl with a colorful mix of chopped red, yellow, and green bell peppers, raw whole chicken breasts, a small white bowl filled with bright red fire roasted tomato chunks, a small white bowl of creamy heavy cream, a small white bowl with softened cream cheese, a small white bowl holding golden olive oil, a few dried Cajun seasoning leaves and vibrant red chili flakes scattered nearby, a small white bowl of bright red hot sauce, all ingredients arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup, Cajun Chicken Soup, Creamy Chicken Soup, Spicy Chicken Soup, Comforting Cajun Soup

Butter or olive oil: I prefer olive oil for a lighter taste, but butter adds a lovely richness.
Garlic: Freshly minced gives the best punch, but pre-minced works in a pinch.
Onion: Yellow onion is standard here, as it sweetens when cooked and balances the spice.
Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and a pleasant crunch if not overcooked.
Celery: Essential for that classic soup base flavor, plus extra texture.
Bell pepper: I like mixing colors for a vibrant look and slightly sweet flavor.
Chicken breast: Use boneless, skinless for easy shredding and a lean protein source.
Old Bay or Cajun seasoning: Choose your favorite blend; it’s the heart of the soup’s spice.
Hot sauce: Adjust according to how much heat you want—start small and add more at the end.
Fire roasted tomatoes: Drained – their smoky notes add depth that’s unbeatable.
Chicken broth: Go for low-sodium if you want to control salt levels better throughout cooking.
Heavy cream: It’s what makes the soup creamy and comforting without being cloying.
Cream cheese: Softened — this gives the soup body and a subtle tanginess that’s irresistible.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe is flexible. You can easily tweak it to match your pantry or dietary preferences, which means you won’t get bored if you make it a lot like I do. Here are some ideas based on how I’ve personalized it over time.

Use smoked sausage instead of chicken: When I’m craving extra smoky depth, swapping in Andouille sausage gives a wonderful twist that’s more hearty.
Make it dairy-free: I replaced cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut milk and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute for my lactose-intolerant friends — still delicious.
Vegetarian version: Swap chicken broth for veggie broth and add extra beans or mushrooms to keep it filling.
Extra spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños if you want the heat to really pop.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Build the Base

Start by heating your pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and adding your butter or olive oil. Sauté the garlic, onion, celery, bell pepper, and carrots for about 3 to 4 minutes until everything starts to soften and smell amazing. This step is where your soup’s flavor foundation really comes together, so don’t rush it! Keep an eye so nothing burns; just gentle softening is perfect.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Spices, Then Simmer

Nestle the chicken breasts right into the pot and sprinkle on the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce. Pour in the drained fire roasted tomatoes and chicken broth. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, then bring it all to a simmer. Once bubbling, drop the heat to medium-low and cover the pot with a lid. Let it cook for about 30 minutes so the chicken can get tender and soak up all those flavors. Remember to stir occasionally to keep it even.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Stir in the Creamy Goodness

Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces on a cutting board. While you’re at it, whisk together the heavy cream and softened cream cheese directly in the pot or a bowl until smooth and creamy. Then stir the shredded chicken back into the soup and mix well. This final step is what makes this recipe so creamy and satisfying — I absolutely love this texture!

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Serve the soup hot and, if you like, add toppings like sliced green onions, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, or a little extra hot sauce. Trust me, those garnishes turn a great soup into something seriously crave-worthy.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe

Don’t Skip Draining Tomatoes: Leaving moisture in the fire-roasted tomatoes can water down your soup’s richness, so always drain them well.
Softening Cream Cheese: Room temperature cream cheese blends much easier and speeds up the mixing process—this prevents clumps.
Using Chicken Breasts: I prefer breasts over thighs here for easy shredding and a lighter finish, but thighs work too if you want more flavor.
Adjust Spices Gradually: You can always add more Cajun seasoning or hot sauce at the end; starting mild prevents overpowering the dish.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this soup with fresh green onions for that pop of color and bite. Sharp cheddar cheese melted in on top brings a perfect cheesy counterpoint to the spice, and a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce amps up the heat just right. These simple extras elevate the whole experience.

Side Dishes

My go-to side with this soup is a crusty loaf of French bread or buttery garlic toast to sop up every last drop. A light fresh salad also pairs nicely if you want to balance the rich soup with something crisp and bright.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve ladled this soup into small bread bowls, which always impress guests and make serving fun. You can also garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh twist and added color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s honestly just as good reheated – sometimes even better after the flavors meld overnight.

Freezing

This soup freezes well! Just leave out the cream and cream cheese if you plan to freeze it, then once thawed, stir them back in and warm gently. I learned this trick after a couple of freezer-test batches, and it keeps the creaminess intact without curdling.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often so it doesn’t stick or separate. If it gets too thick, a splash of broth or milk can help restore the perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more flavor and stay juicy, though they have a slightly different texture when shredded. If you prefer the richer taste, thighs are a great choice.
Is there a way to make this soup spicier?

Yes! Increase the amount of Cajun seasoning, add extra hot sauce, or toss in some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to amp up the heat. Just go slow so you don’t overpower the creamy base.
Can I make this soup dairy-free or vegan?

You can! Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, and replace heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut milk and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. For protein, toss in beans or tofu instead of chicken.
How do I prevent cream cheese from clumping in the soup?

Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature and whisk it well with the heavy cream before stirring into the hot soup. This helps it incorporate smoothly and avoids lumps.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe brings bold flavors and cozy comfort to the table with so little effort. Every time I make it, I’m reminded why it’s become a staple in my cooking rotation — it’s flexible, forgiving, and endlessly delicious. Give it a try for your next chilly night, and I bet you’ll find yourself making it over and over just like me!