Description
Cajun Chicken Soup is a warm, hearty, and flavorful soup featuring tender chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and a vibrant blend of Cajun spices simmered together in a rich broth. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a comforting and nourishing meal, this recipe is quick to prepare, customizable, and ideal for meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced celery
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
Liquids & Broth
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grape juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (natural)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
Other
- 1 tbsp natural gelling agent
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Turkey Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Add the smoked turkey bacon and cook until it crisps slightly, releasing its smoky flavor into the base.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in diced bell peppers and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning (natural) evenly and add bay leaves. Stir everything together, allowing the spices to toast slightly and deepen their flavor.
- Add Chicken and Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and grape juice to enrich the broth’s complexity. Add diced chicken breast and natural gelling agent. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Until Tender: Allow the soup to cook for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked, vegetables are tender, and flavors are well blended.
- Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaves, season with salt and fresh black pepper to taste, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh Cajun seasoning (natural) for stronger flavor intensity.
- Do not skip the smoked turkey bacon for an authentic smoky depth.
- Simmer on low heat to meld flavors and keep chicken tender.
- Adjust the heat level by adding cayenne or jalapeños gradually.
- Add the natural gelling agent during simmering to thicken without clumps.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Cajun Chicken Soup, spicy chicken soup, comforting soup, healthy chicken soup, Cajun spices, hearty soup
