Description
This creamy Cajun Chicken Soup features tender, spiced chicken simmered in a flavorful broth enriched with a classic Holy Trinity of vegetables and creamy heavy cream. It’s a comforting and hearty soup with a bold Cajun seasoning kick, perfect for cozy dinners or family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauté Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- ½ cup celery, chopped
- ½ cup bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Soup
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (e.g., avocado or canola)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half, at room temperature
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add butter. Once melted, add onion, celery, and bell pepper (the Holy Trinity) and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Mix in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to infuse the base with robust flavor.
- Add broth and tomatoes: Pour in chicken stock and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well, bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
- Cook chicken: Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken pieces for 3-5 minutes per side until firm and cooked through. Remove and let cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine cream and chicken: Lower the heat on the Dutch oven and stir in heavy cream until fully combined. Add the chopped chicken into the soup and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to meld flavors and warm through.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired before serving hot.
Notes
- This soup is rich and creamy with a balanced Cajun spice level, ideal for an indulgent yet comforting meal.
- The Holy Trinity (onion, celery, bell pepper) is essential for an authentic Cajun flavor base.
- Use freshly ground Cajun seasoning for the best depth of flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
