Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup

Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup

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Introduction:

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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​
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  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

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