If you love a rich, flavorful soup with a bit of a kick, Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup is perfect for you. This soup combines tender chicken, creamy goodness, and a spicy Cajun twist to create a comforting meal that’s both easy and delicious. Here’s a simple Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe to make this hearty soup at home.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound (450 grams) chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 cup (120 grams) frozen peas (optional)
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Heat the Olive Oil:
   • Place a large pot or Dutch oven on the stove over medium heat.
   • Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it warm up.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Add 1 pound of diced chicken (breasts or thighs) to the pot.
   • Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and fully cooked.
   • Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

2. Cook the Vegetables

1. Add the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced green bell pepper, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks.
   • Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.

3. Add Tomatoes and Broth

1. Stir in Tomatoes:
   • Add 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes to the pot. Include the juice from the can.
2. Add Chicken Broth:
   • Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth.
   • Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Simmer:
   • Reduce the heat to low.
   • Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the vegetables to become tender.

4. Season the Soup

1. Add Seasonings:
   • Stir in 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

5. Add Cream and Chicken

1. Incorporate the Cream:
   • Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
   • Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream.
2. Return the Chicken:
   • Add the cooked chicken back into the pot.
   • Stir well and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until everything is heated through and the flavors are well combined.

6. Optional Add-Ins

1. Add Frozen Peas (if using):
   • If you like, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds a nice pop of color and sweetness.

7. Thicken the Soup (Optional)

1. Make a Flour Slurry:
   • If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a small amount of water to create a slurry.
2. Add to Soup:
   • Stir the slurry into the soup.
   • Let it cook for a few more minutes, stirring frequently, until the soup reaches your desired thickness.

8. Serve and Garnish

1. Serve Hot:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Garnish (optional):
   • Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
3. Accompaniments:
   • Serve with crusty bread or crackers on the side for a complete meal.

Tips for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe

1. Choose the Right Chicken

• Thighs or Breasts: Chicken thighs add more flavor, but chicken breasts work too. Just don’t overcook them.

2. Season Well

• Cajun Spice: Start with a little Cajun seasoning and add more if you like it spicier.
• Taste as You Cook: Keep tasting the soup and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.

3. Use Fresh Ingredients

• Veggies: Use fresh bell peppers, carrots, and celery for the best taste.
• Garlic and Onion: Cook them until soft and fragrant, but don’t burn them.

4. Build Flavor

• Sauté First: Cook the veggies before adding the broth to bring out their sweetness and flavor.
• Tomatoes: Use canned tomatoes with juice for added flavor and a touch of sweetness.

5. Pick Good Broth

• Quality Matters: Use a good-quality chicken broth. Homemade is great, but store-bought works too—just pick low-sodium if you’re watching your salt.

6. Adjust Thickness

• Thicken if Needed: If you like a thicker soup, use a flour slurry or let it cook longer to thicken.
• Cream: Add enough heavy cream to make it rich, but adjust if you prefer a lighter soup.

7. Add Fresh Herbs

• Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a nice touch. Stir it in just before serving for extra flavor.

8. Include Extras

• Peas: Adding frozen peas at the end adds a pop of color and sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the soup just before serving.

9. Let It Sit

• Resting Time: Let the soup sit for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors blend.

10. Serve with Sides

• Bread: Pair the soup with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making the perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup is all about using fresh ingredients, balancing flavors, and adjusting to your taste. Start with flavorful chicken, season well, and don’t forget to taste as you cook. Use good-quality broth, sauté your veggies to build rich flavors, and add cream to make it nice and creamy. Fresh herbs and a splash of lemon can enhance the taste. Let the soup sit for a bit to blend the flavors, and serve it with some crusty bread for a complete meal. With these tips, you’ll have a delicious, comforting soup that’s sure to impress.

(Also, read Cajun Fried Chicken Recipe)