Description
This easy Cajun Chicken Soup is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish bursting with smoky spices, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for cozy nights, it offers a hearty and wholesome meal that brings the bold essence of Cajun cuisine into your home kitchen with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers (assorted colors, diced)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (natural)
Liquids & Sauces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Spices & Herbs
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (natural)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning (natural). Cook for an additional minute to allow the spices to toast and release their smoky aroma.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the pot and cook until lightly browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring not to fully cook through to keep the meat juicy.
- Build the Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (natural), 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 25-30 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the pot. Using two forks, shred the meat finely. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir well to distribute evenly.
- Final Touches and Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to combine all flavors thoroughly. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Cajun seasoning as desired.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for deeper flavor, removing bones after simmering if preferred.
- Toast Cajun seasoning before adding liquids to enhance spice depth.
- Use fresh vegetables instead of frozen for best texture and taste.
- Adjust the spice level by adding cayenne pepper or jalapeños according to preference.
- Simmer gently on low heat to keep chicken tender and vegetables from becoming mushy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Cajun Chicken Soup, spicy chicken soup, easy chicken soup, one-pot soup, hearty soup, comforting dinner
