Cajun Chicken Soup
Cajun Chicken Soup is a warm, spicy, and flavorful soup that combines tender chicken breast with vibrant vegetables and bold Cajun spices. Perfect for cold nights, this comforting bowl is packed with lean protein, vegetables, and a rich broth, delivering a delicious taste of Cajun cuisine that is easy to prepare and customizable to your spice preference.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast, diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 bell peppers (green or red), finely chopped
- 2–3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme blend)
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice or andouille sausage, sliced
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic finely to ensure even cooking. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for quick and easy cooking.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, celery, and bell peppers, sautéing until soft and fragrant to build the soup’s flavor base.
- Add the Chicken and Spices: Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until lightly browned. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly and release the spices’ aromas.
- Pour in Broth and Tomatoes: Pour the chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the pot, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld. If using rice or sausage, add them halfway through cooking to incorporate fully.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust seasoning by adding salt, pepper, or extra Cajun spice as desired to match your preferred flavor balance.
Notes
- Use freshly ground Cajun seasoning for more vibrant flavor.
- Don’t rush sautéing aromatics; fully soften them for deeper flavor.
- Layer spices gradually during cooking instead of adding all at once.
- Opt for homemade or high-quality chicken broth for the best taste.
- Let the soup rest before serving to allow flavors to meld even more.
- Adjust spice level by increasing cayenne or adding hot sauce if desired.
- Vegetarian version: substitute chicken with mushrooms and beans.
- Low-carb option: omit rice or sausage and add zucchini or spinach.
- Seafood twist: replace chicken with shrimp or crawfish.
- For a thicker soup, add a cornstarch slurry or puree some vegetables.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
- Freeze soup in portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat gently on stove with splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken soup, spicy chicken soup, comfort food, Cajun recipe, gluten free soup, hearty soup, easy dinner