Description
This creamy Cajun chicken soup is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breast with a vibrant mix of sautéed vegetables, Cajun spices, and a rich creamy base. Perfect for a cozy meal, the soup is enhanced by fire-roasted tomatoes and a touch of hot sauce, delivering a comforting balance of spice and creaminess.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter or olive oil and sauté the minced garlic, chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, and carrots for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings: Place the chicken breasts in the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle with the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce. Add the drained fire roasted tomatoes and pour in the chicken broth.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the soup cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks or your preferred method. Set aside.
- Create the Creamy Base: While shredding the chicken, add the heavy cream and softened cream cheese to a bowl and whisk until smooth and the cream cheese is fully dissolved.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot. Pour in the creamy mixture and stir to fully combine. Serve immediately, optionally topped with chopped green onions, sharp cheddar cheese, and extra hot sauce for added flavor and garnish.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, add more hot sauce or use a hotter Cajun seasoning blend.
- Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
- Pair the soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
