Nothing beats the cozy warmth of a bowl filled with rich flavors and a little spicy kick. This Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe hits all the right notes—creamy, hearty, and just the right amount of heat to make it special. I can’t wait to share it with you because it truly feels like a hug in a bowl.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
One of my favorite parts about this Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe is how it balances bold Cajun spices with the soothing creaminess you really want on a chilly day. It’s a winner whether it’s a weeknight dinner or you’re hosting friends who enjoy a little Southern soul in their bowls.
- Bold and comforting: The Cajun seasoning combined with cream cheese creates a unique, rich flavor that’s both spicy and smooth at the same time.
- Easy to make: You don’t need to be a pro cook to pull this off—it’s straightforward and perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
- Versatile ingredients: With simple pantry staples plus fresh veggies, it’s adaptable for what you’ve got on hand.
- Perfect for leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, which means plenty of comfort for days to come.
Ingredients & Why They Work
I love how the combination of fresh veggies, tender chicken, and creamy dairy blends seamlessly here. Each ingredient plays a role to build layers of flavor and texture, making this soup a satisfying, well-rounded meal. Plus, most of these are easy to find and many are staples you probably have already.
- Butter or olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the aromatics without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Garlic: Gives that classic, inviting aroma and depth of flavor essential to Cajun cooking.
- Onion (chopped): Provides a subtle sweetness to balance the spices.
- Carrots (chopped): Add a hint of natural sweetness and texture contrast.
- Celery (chopped): Brings freshness and a slight bitterness to balance out the richness.
- Bell pepper (chopped): Any color works here, and I usually go for a mix to brighten up the soup’s look and flavor.
- Chicken breast: The star protein—tender and mild, ready to soak up the spices.
- Old Bay or Cajun seasoning: The magic blend that gives this soup its signature kick. Be generous but taste as you go!
- Hot sauce: Adds extra heat and tang, perfect for layering spice levels.
- Fire roasted tomatoes (canned, drained): Give subtle smokiness and acidity for balance without watering down the soup.
- Chicken broth: Creates the flavorful base—homemade or store-bought both work fine.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess that softens the spices and complements the chicken.
- Cream cheese (softened): This is the secret to making the soup rich and velvety—it melts smoothly into the broth.
Make It Your Way
I like to switch things up depending on what I’m in the mood for or what ingredients I have. Sometimes I add a little smoked sausage for extra flavor, or swap out heavy cream for sour cream if I want a tangier depth. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice level to your taste—it’s easy to add more hot sauce at the table!
- Vegetarian Variation: Try using smoked tofu and vegetable broth for a vegetarian take—it’s surprisingly satisfying.
- Spice Adjustments: If you like it mild, reduce the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce, or amp it up for true Cajun heat.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to add corn or zucchini for extra texture and freshness.
- Keto Friendly: This soup is naturally low-carb with cream cheese and heavy cream adding richness without carbs.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies to Build Flavor
Heat your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add your butter or olive oil. Toss in the garlic, onion, celery, bell peppers, and carrots. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until they soften and start releasing their aroma. This step is crucial because those tender veggies create a flavorful base to carry the soup’s spices through.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Spices, Then Simmer
Add the chicken breasts right on top of your veggies. Sprinkle the Cajun or Old Bay seasoning evenly, followed by the hot sauce, drained fire-roasted tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir once gently to distribute the spices without breaking up the chicken. Bring it all to a gentle simmer, then cover and turn your heat down to medium-low.
Step 3: Cook and Shred the Chicken
Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken should be fork-tender and cooked through. Carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them on a cutting board using two forks. It’s easy and quick, and you’ll see the chicken soak up the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Stir in Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream
While shredding the chicken, whisk the softened cream cheese and heavy cream together either in a small bowl or directly in the pot if you prefer. Make sure the cream cheese dissolves completely, then stir the shredded chicken back into the big pot. Heat through for a few minutes and you’re ready to serve!
Top Tip
Having made this Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned how small tweaks make a big difference—especially in balancing creaminess and spice. Here are my key tips to help you nail it every time.
- Use softened cream cheese: This ensures it melts smoothly and blends without lumps, giving you that velvety texture.
- Don’t skip the simmer: Slow simmering lets the chicken and veggies fully soak up the rich flavors while keeping the chicken juicy.
- Adjust seasoning last: After stirring in cream, taste and tweak salt, spice, and heat so it’s just right for you.
- Shred carefully: Take your time shredding the chicken into bite-size pieces—bigger chunks can overwhelm the texture.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping the soup with freshly sliced green onions—they add a nice crunch and pop of color. A sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese on top really amps up the richness, and if you like a little more heat, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce never disappoints.
Side Dishes
Some crusty French bread or cheesy garlic biscuits on the side make this soup feel like a full meal. I’ve also enjoyed pairing it with a simple green salad when I want to add a refreshing bite alongside the creamy soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving it in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers. It adds a fun twist and looks gorgeous on the table—guests always ask for the recipe when I do this!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so I often make this a day ahead intentionally!
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully—just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. I recommend portioning smaller servings for easy thawing. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
When reheating, I gently warm the soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Sometimes the cream cheese firms up a little in the fridge or freezer, but a good stir helps it melt back perfectly. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream if it thickened too much.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and juiciness, though the cooking time might be slightly longer depending on thickness.
You can try using sour cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute for cream cheese, but add it off heat to prevent curdling and adjust the amount to taste.
Yes! The combination of heavy cream and cream cheese keeps this soup rich and low in carbs, making it great for keto and low-carb diets.
The soup has a moderate spicy kick thanks to the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce, but you can easily adjust the heat level to your preference by adding less or more hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe has been a go-to comfort food for me when I want something that feels indulgent but is still simple to throw together. Sharing it with friends and family always brings smiles, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy it just as much. Don’t hesitate to make it your own and savor every spicy, creamy spoonful!
Print
Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish loaded with tender chicken, bell peppers, onions, celery, and a blend of Cajun spices. Enriched with cream cheese and heavy cream, it offers a rich, cheesy texture perfect for a comforting meal. Ideal for those seeking a delicious, moderately low-carb soup with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic
- 1 cup onion (chopped)
- 1 cup carrots (chopped)
- 1 ½ cup celery (chopped)
- 1 ½ cup bell pepper (chopped, any color or a mix)
Protein and Seasonings
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay or Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 14 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes (drained)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil or butter, then sauté the garlic, onion, celery, bell pepper, and carrots for 3 to 4 minutes until tender.
- Add chicken and seasonings: Place the chicken breasts in the pot. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and hot sauce. Add the drained fire roasted tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the soup: Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the soup 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.
- Add cream and cream cheese: While the chicken is shredded, stir the heavy cream and softened cream cheese into the soup. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese dissolves completely and the soup is creamy.
- Finish and serve: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stir well, and serve immediately. Optionally, top with chopped green onions, sharp cheddar cheese, and extra hot sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- This soup is packed with colorful vegetables and spices, giving it a vibrant flavor and texture.
- For a keto-friendly option, this soup contains only 8 net carbs per serving.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer a juicier texture.
- If you like more heat, increase the hot sauce to your taste.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the sodium content.
- For a thicker soup, add more cream cheese or reduce the broth slightly.
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: 3.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10.8 g
- Fiber: 2.8 g
- Protein: 21.7 g
- Cholesterol: 74.8 mg
Leave a Reply