Description
A rich and flavorful Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup loaded with tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, onions, celery, and a smooth blend of cream cheese and heavy cream, spiced with Cajun seasoning and hot sauce for a comforting and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic
- 1 cup onion (chopped)
- 1 cup carrots (chopped)
- 1 1/2 cup celery (chopped)
- 1 1/2 cup bell pepper (chopped, any color or a mix)
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay or Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 14 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes (drained)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: Heat a large pot or dutch oven to medium heat. Add the butter or olive oil, then sauté the garlic, onion, celery, bell pepper, and carrots for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Add Chicken and Seasoning: Place the chicken breasts into the pot. Sprinkle with the Cajun seasoning and add the hot sauce, drained fire roasted tomatoes, and chicken broth.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the soup to cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks on a cutting board.
- Create Creamy Base: While shredding the chicken, add the heavy cream and softened cream cheese to the soup. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese is fully dissolved and the soup is creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup. Serve immediately, optionally topped with green onions, sharp cheddar cheese, and additional hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- Use either butter or olive oil depending on preference or dietary needs.
- For a spicier soup, increase the hot sauce or Cajun seasoning amounts.
- Fire roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth; regular canned tomatoes can be substituted if unavailable.
- To keep it keto-friendly, avoid adding any high-carb thickeners.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or green onions as a garnish enhances flavor and presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.25 cups
- Calories: 238 kcal
- Sugar: 6.5 g
- Sodium: 401 mg
- Fat: 8.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10.8 g
- Fiber: 2.8 g
- Protein: 21.7 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
