Description
This easy Cajun Chicken Soup is a cozy and flavorful dish packed with bold Cajun spices, smoked turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and tender chicken breast. It offers a warm, hearty meal perfect for chilly days, balancing spicy heat and savory depth in a comforting broth that is customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, sliced into strips
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- Optional: okra slices or zucchini (to taste)
Liquids & Broth
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Seasonings & Garnish
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (natural)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-ins
- 1 to 1 ½ cups cooked rice or plant-based noodles
- Natural gelling agent (small amount dissolved in cold water) to thicken
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Finely chop the onions, celery, and bell peppers to create the Cajun “holy trinity.” Chop the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and slice the smoked turkey bacon into strips. Mince the garlic cloves to release their aromatic flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables and Bacon: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the smoked turkey bacon, cooking until crispy. Remove bacon strips and set aside. Use the rendered fat to sauté onions, celery, and bell peppers until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot and brown lightly, stirring occasionally to seal in juices and add flavor.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and apple cider vinegar. Stir in Cajun seasoning (natural), bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Simmer and Finish: Allow soup to simmer for about 20 minutes so the chicken cooks through and flavors meld. Add cooked rice or plant-based noodles if using. Return the crispy smoked turkey bacon to the pot. If desired, stir in a small amount of natural gelling agent dissolved in cold water to thicken the soup. Finish by tossing in chopped fresh parsley for brightness and garnish.
Notes
- Use fresh Cajun seasoning or prepare your own blend for the best flavor.
- Sauté the holy trinity of veggies low and slow to bring out natural sweetness.
- Adding apple cider vinegar brightens and balances the soup.
- Adjust spice level gradually to suit your taste preferences.
- Let the soup rest 10 minutes off heat before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cajun Chicken Soup, spicy soup, Creole, smoked turkey bacon, comforting soup, gluten free soup, spicy chicken soup
