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)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of rich, flavorful soup on a chilly day. This Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe brings a delightful kick with tender chicken and a velvety, cheesy broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Trust me, it’s worth every spoonful.

A close-up of a creamy soup in a white bowl with blue patterns on the rim placed on a white marbled surface. The soup has a light brown creamy base with visible chunky pieces of red and green bell peppers and shredded light-colored chicken. On top, there is a generous layer of shredded orange and white cheese, and chopped green onions sprinkled as a fresh green garnish. A small drop of red sauce or oil is seen floating in the soup near the cheese. 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

I’ve made this soup more times than I can count, especially when I need a meal that’s quick yet comforting. What’s great is how the Cajun spices come alive without overpowering the creamy base, giving you just the right balance of heat and smoothness.

Balanced Flavor: The Cajun seasoning and hot sauce add a gentle heat that warms you from the inside out, but it never gets too spicy for the whole family.
Simple Ingredients: Most pantry staples and fresh veggies make this an easy weeknight dinner without a long shopping list.
Creamy Satisfaction: Cream cheese and heavy cream give it a luxurious texture that feels indulgent, yet it’s still wholesome and nourishing.
Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for cozy nights, meal prep, or impressing friends with minimal effort.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a special role in building the layers of flavor and texture in this soup. I’m always sticking to fresh veggies and quality spices because they make a noticeable difference in the final dish.

Flat lay of a raw whole chicken breast, a small pat of butter, a small white bowl of chopped white onion, a small white bowl of chopped orange carrots, a small white bowl of chopped green celery, a small white bowl of chopped multicolored bell peppers, two whole uncracked brown garlic bulbs, a small white bowl of bright red fire roasted tomato pieces, a small white bowl of creamy white heavy cream, a small white bowl of soft cream cheese, a small white bowl of reddish Cajun seasoning powder, a small white bowl of bright red hot sauce, a small white bowl of golden chicken broth, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed 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: A flavorful base to sauté vegetables and bring out their sweetness.
Garlic: Adds an aromatic depth that’s key in Cajun cuisine.
Onion: Provides natural sweetness and body to the soup.
Carrots: Adds a subtle sweet earthiness and a nice pop of color.
Celery: Brings crunch and a hint of bitterness that balances the creaminess.
Bell Pepper: Any color works; the peppers add vibrant flavor and texture.
Chicken Breast: Tender and lean, it soaks up the Cajun spices beautifully.
Old Bay or Cajun Seasoning: The star of the show, introducing smoky, spicy layers.
Hot Sauce: Just enough heat to tickle your taste buds.
Fire Roasted Tomatoes: Adds a smoky tang and bright acidity that cuts through the richness.
Chicken Broth: Builds a savory base that’s comforting and flavorful.
Heavy Cream: Creates that velvety mouthfeel that makes this soup extra special.
Cream Cheese: The secret for creamy thickness and a luscious texture.

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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 the season or my mood. This soup is pretty flexible—you can easily adjust the heat, swap in different veggies, or even turn it into a one-pot meal for a cozy dinner.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap chicken breast for thighs when I want richer flavor—the extra fat really shines in the creamy broth.
Spice Level: For a milder version, cut back on the hot sauce or use a smoky paprika instead of the full Cajun seasoning.
Low-Carb Twist: This soup is naturally keto-friendly, but you can skip the carrots if you want even fewer carbs while keeping that awesome flavor.
Veggie Boost: Throw in some chopped zucchini or spinach during the last 10 minutes for extra greens.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe

A large white bowl with blue patterns holds a creamy soup with a light orange color. The soup has chunks of chicken and pieces of red and green bell peppers. On top, there is a generous layer of shredded cheese in white and yellow colors, with bright green chopped scallions scattered over it. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side, and the bowl sits on a dark brown wooden surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Building the Flavor Base

Start by heating your pot over medium heat and melting the butter or warming your olive oil until it shimmers. Toss in the garlic, onions, celery, bell peppers, and carrots. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes—just until the veggies start to soften. This step wakes up all the flavors and sets the stage for the soup to come.

Step 2: Adding Chicken and Spices

Place the chicken breasts on the veggies and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over the top. Add the hot sauce, drained fire-roasted tomatoes, and pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine everything without breaking up the tomatoes too much. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 30 minutes—this slow simmer makes the chicken tender and infuses all those delicious spices into the broth.

Step 3: Shredding Chicken and Enriching the Soup

Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, carefully remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks on a cutting board. While the chicken rests, whisk together the heavy cream and softened cream cheese directly in the pot until smooth and silky. This will thicken the soup and add that signature creamy texture. Finally, stir the shredded chicken back into the pot and give everything a good mix to marry the flavors.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. In my kitchen, that’s usually chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, and an extra dash of hot sauce for those who want a little more punch. Then, dig in and savor every cozy, flavorful spoonful!

Top Tip

From my experience cooking this creamy Cajun chicken soup recipe, a few simple strategies can really elevate your results. These tips helped me avoid common pitfalls and get just the right balance of flavor and texture every time.

Don’t Rush the Veggies: Sautéing the vegetables just until tender—not mushy—keeps them vibrant and adds a subtle sweetness that complements the spices.
Season Liberally But Taste As You Go: Cajun seasoning is powerful, so start with less and adjust to your heat preference.
Cream Cheese Trick: Make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature; it blends smoothly without lumps for the creamiest soup.
Shred Chicken Warm: It’s easier to shred while still warm to keep nice bite-sized pieces and avoid shredding it too finely.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of green onions for a fresh bite, plus sharp cheddar because its bold flavor cuts through the creaminess. A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce on top add an extra spark. Sometimes, I even add crispy bacon bits for crunch when I want to really spoil myself.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or garlic butter toast pairs beautifully for soaking up every last drop of this soup. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bread bowls – it adds a fun, festive vibe and keeps the soup warm longer. You could also sprinkle some fresh cilantro or chopped parsley for a herbaceous pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge and find it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even better when reheated.

Freezing

This soup freezes quite well—I portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just note that the cream cheese and cream might separate a little, so whisk it back gently when warming up.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving if possible, since uneven heating can cause the cream to break down.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a richer flavor and tend to stay juicier after cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Is this soup spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat depending on how much hot sauce and Cajun seasoning you add. You can easily tone it down or ramp it up based on your preference.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, but the texture will be slightly different. The flavor will still be delicious!

Can I prep ingredients ahead of time?

Definitely! Chop all your veggies ahead of time and even measure out your spices. You can store the prepped ingredients in airtight containers in the fridge for a day or two to speed up cooking when you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that’s easy to make yet makes a big impression every time I serve it. The combination of cozy creaminess and lively spices creates a balance that’s deeply satisfying. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort soup, especially when the weather turns cold and you want something soothing and flavorful all in one bowl.