Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup

Introduction:

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup is a comforting blend of tender chicken, a medley of vegetables, and a spicy Cajun kick, all brought together in a luscious, creamy broth. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 1–2 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 ½ cups diced onion, celery, and bell pepper (Cajun “Holy Trinity”)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
• 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted optional)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• Optional: cream cheese or shredded cheddar for extra richness
• Garnish: green onions or chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat butter or oil in a large pot. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper mix, cooking until tender. Stir in the garlic and 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning, sautéing until fragrant.
2. Prepare the Soup Base: Add the chicken broth and tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
3. Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with the remaining Cajun seasoning, then either cook directly in the soup or pan-sear separately. Once cooked, shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
4. Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream (and optional cream cheese or cheddar). Add the chicken back to the pot and simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with green onions or parsley, and serve hot.

Conclusion:

Rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup combines the warmth of Cajun spices with the creaminess of a hearty broth. It’s versatile, perfect for meal prepping, and guaranteed to become a household favorite

Tips:

1. Spiciness Level:
   • For more heat, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or extra Cajun seasoning.
   • Tone down the spice by using mild Cajun seasoning or adding more cream.
2. Thicker or Thinner Soup:
   • For a thicker soup, include softened cream cheese or a slurry of cornstarch mixed with cold water.
   • To thin it out, simply add extra chicken broth.
3. Use the Holy Trinity Efficiently:
   • Frozen pre-chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper blends can save time.
   • Fresh vegetables give a more vibrant flavor.
4. Protein Substitutes:
   • Swap chicken with shrimp, sausage, or a combination of both for a Cajun seafood twist.
5. Vegetable Variations:
   • Add mushrooms, carrots, or okra for added texture and depth.
   • Stir in frozen peas or corn for a pop of color and sweetness.
6. Cheesy Additions:
   • Sprinkle grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar before serving for extra richness.
7. Make It a Meal:
   • Add cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta (e.g., small rigatoni or orzo) for a more filling dish​
     40 Aprons Carlsbad Cravings.

Variations:

1. Low-Carb Option:
   • Skip the pasta and thicken the soup with heavy cream and cream cheese.
2. Crockpot Style:
   • Combine all ingredients (except cream and cheese) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add cream and cheese in the last 30 minutes​
     In the Kitchen with Momma Mel.
3. Dairy-Free Version:
   • Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for the heavy cream.
4. Flavor Boosters:
   • Add Worcestershire sauce, a splash of lime juice, or smoked paprika for a nuanced flavor profile