This rich and flavorful soup is packed with tender chicken, a medley of vegetables, and a spicy kick from Cajun seasoning and hot sauce. With a creamy base made from cream cheese and heavy cream, this soup is both comforting and hearty, perfect for cooler days.
Servings & Timing
- Yield: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients List
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1½ cup celery, chopped
- 1½ cup bell pepper, chopped (any color or a mix)
- 1½ pounds chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay or Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 (14 ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes, drained
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
Instructions
-
Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside. -
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the garlic, onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften. -
Add the Seasonings and Tomatoes
Stir in the Cajun seasoning (or Old Bay), hot sauce, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. -
Add the Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. -
Add the Creamy Ingredients
Lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese, making sure it melts smoothly into the soup. Then add the heavy cream and cooked chicken. Stir well and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, until the soup is creamy and heated through. -
Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or hot sauce if needed. -
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh herbs if desired.
Additional Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your taste for more or less heat. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as zucchini or tomatoes, for more variety.
- Chicken: Use cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker version, or use chicken thighs for more flavor.
Dietary Info
- Calories: 350 (per serving)
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Step 1: Cook the diced chicken in butter or oil until browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: Sauté the vegetables until softened, then add seasonings and tomatoes.
- Step 3: Add the chicken broth and simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Step 4: Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream, then add the cooked chicken.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust the seasoning, then serve.
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Chicken: You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened for smooth blending into the soup.
- Hot Sauce: Adjust the hot sauce to your desired level of spice. You can also use a milder sauce if you prefer less heat.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Spicy Cajun Version: Add more cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a spicier version of the soup.
- Serving Suggestion: This soup pairs well with a side of cornbread or a crisp green salad.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the consistency.
- Freezer: This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove until warmed through.
FAQs
Q: Can I use heavy cream instead of cream cheese?
A: While heavy cream will create a creamy base, the cream cheese helps thicken the soup and adds a rich flavor. If you prefer, you can use both for the best creamy texture.
Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A: Yes, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream, and use a dairy-free hot sauce and broth.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: It’s best to thaw the chicken before cooking for even cooking, but you can also cook the chicken from frozen if needed by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Optional Personal Story
I created this creamy Cajun chicken soup on a chilly evening when I was craving something hearty and flavorful. The blend of Cajun spices and creamy texture makes it so comforting—my family loves it, and it’s perfect for meal prep too!
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