Cajun Chicken Soup
Cajun Chicken Soup is a rich, hearty soup combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a bold blend of Cajun spices, delivering smoky heat and aromatic herbs in a soul-soothing, comforting meal that’s quick to prepare and easily customizable.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, thyme, and oregano)
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice or andouille sausage, sliced (optional for added texture and traditional flavor)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping all your vegetables evenly—bell peppers, onions, celery, and garlic. Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and bell peppers, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add the Chicken and Seasoning: Throw in the chicken pieces and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly. Stir well so every piece is coated, allowing the spices to toast slightly and deepen the flavors as the chicken cooks through.
- Pour in Broth and Tomatoes: Pour the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with juice into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
- Final Touches and Serve: If desired, stir in cooked rice or andouille sausage at this point. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions or fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use freshly ground paprika and cayenne for brighter, more vibrant heat.
- Allow vegetables to gently soften to build depth and natural sweetness.
- A gentle simmer lets all the flavors marry without toughening the chicken.
- If possible, use homemade broth for a richer, cleaner base.
- Taste before adding extra salt as Cajun seasoning can be salty.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken soup, spicy chicken soup, comfort food, Cajun spices, hearty soup, gluten free soup, easy soup recipe