Description
Hearty Cajun Chicken Soup delivers bold Louisiana flavors in a comforting bowl of spicy, creamy goodness. Robust seasonings and tender chicken create a soulful meal that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1.5 cups holy trinity (0.5 cup onion, 0.5 cup celery, 0.5 cup bell pepper, chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (e.g., avocado or canola)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
Instructions
- Warm a spacious Dutch oven over medium-high temperature, melting butter until shimmering. Sauté the aromatic vegetable blend of onions, celery, and bell peppers until softened and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic to the pan, stirring rapidly for 30-60 seconds until releasing its fragrant essence. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning and blend thoroughly.
- Pour chicken stock and diced tomatoes with their natural juices into the Dutch oven. Gently stir and elevate to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to a soft simmer.
- Generously coat chicken pieces with remaining Cajun seasoning. In a separate skillet over medium heat, sear chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until achieving a golden exterior and firm texture. Allow to cool momentarily, then slice into bite-sized morsels.
- Reduce Dutch oven’s temperature and stream heavy cream into the simmering mixture. Incorporate chopped chicken and allow to meld together for 3-5 minutes, developing rich flavors.
- Taste and calibrate seasonings as desired. Optional: Enhance presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped green onions before serving the robust soup.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to suit your heat tolerance, using less for mild or more for extra kick.
- Easily replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
- Use coconut milk or cashew cream for dairy-free version while maintaining rich, creamy texture.
- Chop vegetables and chicken ahead of time to reduce cooking time and streamline weeknight dinner preparation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 204 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg