If you’ve been craving something cozy, filling, and just a little bit spicy, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup is going to be your new weeknight hero. It’s warm, cheesy, and crammed with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and Cajun spices that bring just the right amount of kick. Honestly, it’s the kind of soup that makes you feel like you’ve wrapped yourself in a soft blanket—only with way more flavor.
When I first made this recipe, I was skeptical that my kids would love it (because, you know, “spicy” can sometimes be code for “too adventurous” at my dinner table). But to my surprise, they slurped it up and even asked for seconds. That’s when I knew this one was staying in my rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup
- Quick and simple: Ready in about 40 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
- Hearty but low-carb: A full serving is just 8 net carbs, which makes it a great choice if you’re watching your carb count.
- Customizable spice: You control the heat—add extra hot sauce if you love fire, or keep it mild for the family.
- Leftover-friendly: The flavors actually get better the next day.
What Does Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Taste Like?
Think of it as a Cajun hug in a bowl. The broth is rich and creamy, with smoky undertones from the Cajun seasoning. The cream cheese gives it that velvety texture, while the fire-roasted tomatoes bring a subtle tang that balances the heat. Pair it with a crusty piece of bread (or Mexican Street Corn Soup for a fun soup night), and you’ve got a meal that feels like it came from your favorite café.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup
One of the things I love about making Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup is how it transforms everyday pantry staples and fresh veggies into something so comforting. Each ingredient has its role—adding flavor, body, or that creamy finish we can’t resist. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Butter or olive oil – This is your flavor foundation. Whether you go with rich butter or a lighter olive oil, it’s what helps the garlic and veggies release their aroma and sweetness.
- Garlic – A tablespoon of fresh garlic gives the soup depth and that irresistible “something’s cooking” smell that will bring everyone to the kitchen.
- Onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper – These are the soul of the soup. Known as the Cajun “holy trinity,” onion, celery, and peppers bring earthiness and zing. Carrots add just the right hint of natural sweetness to balance the spice.
- Chicken breast – Lean, protein-packed, and hearty, chicken breast shreds beautifully after simmering. If you prefer, boneless chicken thighs can be swapped in for a juicier bite.
- Cajun seasoning (or Old Bay) – This is where the magic happens. A smoky, spicy seasoning blend ties everything together and creates that signature Cajun kick. If Cajun flavors are your thing, you’ll also love my Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni for another cozy dinner idea.
- Hot sauce – Just a dash wakes up the flavors. Don’t worry—it won’t overpower unless you pour it in with a heavy hand.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes – These add tangy, slightly smoky notes that balance out the creaminess.
- Chicken broth – The base that keeps everything hearty but not too heavy. Go with low-sodium broth if you want more control over seasoning.
- Heavy cream – This is where the “creamy” in Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup really shines through. It lightens the spice and adds richness.
- Cream cheese – Softened cream cheese melts down into the broth, making it luxuriously smooth and indulgent.
Optional toppings like green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, or an extra drizzle of hot sauce make the soup even more irresistible.
This list might look simple, but when you bring it all together, it’s nothing short of comforting magic. And the best part? Most of these ingredients are things you probably already have in your fridge or pantry.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup (Step by Step)
Making Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup is much easier than it looks. It’s one of those recipes that feels like it simmered all day, but in reality, you can have it on the table in about 40 minutes. Here’s exactly how to do it, step by step:
Step 1: Sauté the flavor base
Start by heating a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add butter or olive oil—whichever you prefer—and let it warm up until it shimmers. Toss in the garlic, onion, celery, carrots, and bell pepper. This combination is the heart of Cajun cooking and gives the soup its bold, savory flavor. Stir frequently and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables soften and your kitchen smells incredible.
(Pro tip: This step is similar to the start of my Comforting Chicken Soup with Potatoes, another family favorite if you’re a soup lover.)
Step 2: Add the chicken and spices
Next, nestle the chicken breasts right on top of the sautéed veggies. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over the chicken, and then add a couple of dashes of hot sauce. This seasoning step ensures the chicken absorbs all that smoky, zesty flavor while it simmers.
Step 3: Build the broth
Pour in the drained fire-roasted tomatoes and chicken broth. Give it a gentle stir so all the veggies and spices are evenly distributed. Once combined, bring the pot up to a light boil, then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, which gives the chicken time to become perfectly tender.
Step 4: Shred the chicken
After simmering, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. At this point, you’ll see how juicy and flavorful it has become, thanks to the Cajun spices working their magic.
Step 5: Make it creamy
While the chicken is resting on the board, add the heavy cream and softened cream cheese directly into the simmering pot. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese fully melts and blends into the broth. This step is where the soup transforms into the luscious, silky base that makes Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup so irresistible.
Step 6: Return the chicken to the pot
Add the shredded chicken back into the creamy broth and stir well to combine. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes, just enough for the flavors to marry together and for the soup to thicken slightly.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Ladle the hot Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup into bowls and garnish with toppings of your choice. I recommend a sprinkle of green onions, a handful of sharp cheddar cheese, and maybe a little extra hot sauce if you like things spicy. Serve it with warm crusty bread or cornbread on the side, and you’ve got a hearty dinner that tastes like pure comfort.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup
- Make it mild: Cut the Cajun seasoning in half if you want a more family-friendly version.
- Cream cheese hack: Cube it and let it soften to room temp—it’ll melt into the soup more smoothly.
- Protein swap: Try leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast.
- Storage win: The soup thickens as it sits, so add a splash of broth when reheating.
Storage
- Fridge: Keeps well for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it—just know the texture may change slightly because of the cream cheese. Store up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
FAQs
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the veggies first, then toss everything (except the cream and cream cheese) into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3. Stir in the creamy ingredients before serving.
Is this soup keto-friendly?
Yes—it has only 8 net carbs per serving, so it’s a great option if you’re watching carbs.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs are juicier and just as tasty in this recipe.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—fast, hearty, and downright comforting. The Cajun spices wake up your taste buds, while the creamy base makes every spoonful feel indulgent. I hope it brings your family to the table the way it does mine. Give it a try this week, and don’t forget to come back and let me know how it went—I love hearing your kitchen stories!
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup – Quick, Easy & Delicious
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup is loaded with tender chicken, peppers, onions, celery, and bold Cajun spices! Rich and cheesy, this keto-friendly soup has just 8 net carbs per serving and makes a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 1/2 cups celery, chopped
1 1/2 cups 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
Instructions
1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and sauté the garlic, onion, celery, bell pepper, and carrots for 3-4 minutes until tender.
2. Add the chicken to the pot. Top with Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, drained fire roasted tomatoes, and chicken broth.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low.
4. Cook the soup for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it on a cutting board.
6. While the chicken is out, add the heavy cream and softened cream cheese to the pot. Whisk until the cream cheese is fully melted and combined.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the soup. Stir to combine and heat through.
8. Serve immediately, topped with green onions, sharp cheddar cheese, and extra hot sauce if desired.
Notes
Net carbs are 8g per serving.
This soup is keto-friendly and perfect for meal prep.
You can adjust spice levels by using more or less Cajun seasoning or hot sauce.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.25 cups
- Calories: 238
- Sugar: 6.5g
- Sodium: 401mg
- Fat: 8.3g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10.8g
- Fiber: 2.8g
- Protein: 21.7g
- Cholesterol: 74.8mg
Keywords: creamy cajun chicken soup, keto soup, spicy chicken soup
