When the weather turns chilly, nothing warms you up quite like a steaming bowl of hearty soup. This Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup delivers comfort and flavor in every spoonful. With tender shredded chicken, smoky Cajun spices, and a creamy, cheesy broth, it’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet soul-satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy family meals, or a comforting winter dish, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup: Spicy Comfort in a Bowl
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup is bold, hearty, and comforting with tender chicken, smoky Cajun spices, and a rich creamy base. Perfect for cozy winter dinners.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant.
Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, letting the spices toast briefly.
Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in shredded chicken.
Lower the heat and stir in cream, followed by cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Cajun spice if desired.
Notes
Toast the spices for deeper flavor. For convenience, use rotisserie chicken. Adjust thickness with extra broth or simmer longer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
why you’ll love creamy cajun chicken soup
This soup isn’t just another chicken soup. It combines the creaminess of classic comfort food with the bold kick of Cajun seasoning. The smoky paprika, garlic, and cheddar cheese create layers of flavor that make every bite exciting.
Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its simplicity. Using leftover shredded chicken makes it quick to prepare, and the ingredients are pantry-friendly. In just over 30 minutes, you’ll have a pot of hearty, creamy goodness ready to serve.
This soup is also versatile. You can adjust the heat to your liking, make it thicker or lighter, and even customize the veggies you add. It’s comfort food with personality.
how to make creamy cajun chicken soup
Making this Cajun-inspired chicken soup is easier than you think. Here’s how it comes together:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot, then sauté onion, red bell pepper, and garlic until softened. This builds a flavorful base.
- Add Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, letting them toast briefly in the oil to release their aroma.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in shredded chicken so it soaks up the flavors.
- Lower the heat and add heavy cream, followed by shredded cheddar cheese. The soup becomes creamy and smooth as the cheese melts.
- Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning depending on how bold you want the flavor.
- Serve hot with fresh parsley on top and maybe an extra sprinkle of spice for a final kick.
In less than 40 minutes, you’ll have a pot of hearty, cozy soup ready to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, letting the spices toast briefly.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in shredded chicken.
- Lower the heat and stir in cream, followed by cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Cajun spice if desired.
tips for success
- Toast the spices: Letting the Cajun seasoning and paprika warm in the oil brings out deeper, smokier flavors.
- Use rotisserie chicken: For extra convenience, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
- Adjust thickness: If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered a few minutes longer.
creative variations
- Spicy Sausage Twist: Add sliced and browned Cajun or andouille sausage along with the chicken for an even bolder flavor.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in corn, diced tomatoes, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Use a blend of cheddar and pepper jack for a spicier, cheesier soup.
serving suggestions
- With Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping.
- Over Rice: Serve the soup over a bowl of steamed rice for a hearty Cajun-inspired dinner.
- As a Starter: Offer smaller bowls before a main dish for a flavorful appetizer.
storing leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it. Avoid boiling after adding cream and cheese to keep the texture smooth.
If you love cozy bowls like this, you might also enjoy a nourishing Creamy Vegetable Soup or a comforting Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. Both are hearty, delicious options perfect for chilly nights.