Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
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)

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.

The image shows a close-up of a bowl filled with thick, creamy soup that has a light orange color. The soup contains small chunks of white meat and pieces of red and green vegetables mixed throughout. On top of the soup, there is a generous layer of shredded yellow and white cheese, along with chopped green onions scattered over. The bowl is white with a blue patterned rim and sits on a white marbled surface. The textures include the smooth soup base, the soft meat and vegetables, the firm cheese strands, and fresh green onion rings photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe

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.

Flat lay of a whole raw chicken breast, a small white bowl of softened cream cheese, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl of bright orange chopped carrots, a small white bowl of green chopped celery, a small white bowl of mixed chopped red, yellow, and green bell peppers, a small white bowl of chopped white onion, a small white bowl of minced garlic, a small white bowl of vibrant red fire roasted tomatoes without liquid, a small white bowl of reddish-brown Cajun seasoning, a small white bowl of deep red hot sauce, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

A close-up view of creamy soup filled with light beige chicken pieces, light orange cheese strips, red and green bell pepper slices, and light green chopped spring onions on top. The soup has a smooth, slightly thick texture and is served in a white ceramic bowl with blue patterns on the outside. A metal spoon is resting inside the bowl. The image uses a white marbled surface as background with natural lighting, showing details clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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:

Can I use thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and juiciness, though the cooking time might be slightly longer depending on thickness.

What can I substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any?

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.

Is this recipe keto friendly?

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.

How spicy is this soup?

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!