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, minced; 1 cup onion, chopped; 1 cup carrots, chopped; 1 1/2 cup celery, chopped; 1 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped (any color or 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 deeply comforting about a bowl of creamy, spicy soup simmering on the stove, and this Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe hits every note just right. It’s rich, flavorful, and just the little kick of heat you need to cozy up your day.

A close-up of a creamy soup served in a white bowl with a blue rim, filled with layers of small pieces of light beige chicken, finely chopped red and green bell peppers, and a creamy light orange broth. On top, there are bright green chopped spring onions and a pile of shredded yellow and white cheese. The soup surface shows small drops of red oil, and the bowl sits on a white marbled surface. 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

Every time I make this Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe, it reminds me why comfort food is truly a mood lifter. The creamy texture balanced with that bold Cajun zing keeps me coming back for more, and I bet you’ll feel the same way once you try it.

Simple ingredients: No fancy stuff here—just wholesome veggies, chicken, and spices you likely have on hand.
Speedy prep: You can whip this up in about 40 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Rich creamy texture: Thanks to cream cheese and heavy cream, it’s smooth without being too heavy.
Customizable heat: You control the spice level with hot sauce and Cajun seasoning to suit your taste buds.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe brings together fresh veggies, tender chicken, and bold Cajun flavors—all rounded out with creamy indulgence. Here’s why I always reach for each of these ingredients when I make it.

Flat lay of a raw whole chicken breast, a small white bowl of chopped bright orange carrots, a small white bowl of chopped pale green celery, a small white bowl of mixed colorful chopped bell peppers, a small white bowl of chopped white onion, a small white bowl containing minced garlic, a small white bowl with creamy softened cream cheese, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl of vibrant red fire roasted tomato pieces, a small white bowl of bright red hot sauce, a small white bowl of golden butter, a small white bowl of reddish-brown Cajun seasoning, and a small white bowl of clear light golden chicken broth, all ingredients fresh and natural, neatly arranged in perfect symmetry, 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: Great for sautéing your aromatics and veggies, giving a flavorful base.
Garlic: Adds a wonderful savory depth—don’t skip it!
Onion: Sweetness balances the spice, plus it softens beautifully when sautéed.
Carrots: A touch of natural sweetness and texture.
Celery: Brings that classic soup flavor and crunch before it softens.
Bell pepper: The Cajun trifecta isn’t complete without it—adds color and subtle sweetness.
Chicken breast: Lean and tender, perfect for shredding into the soup.
Old Bay or Cajun seasoning: The star of the show—this spice blend delivers that unmistakable Cajun kick.
Hot sauce: Personalize the heat level and contribute a little tang.
Fire roasted tomatoes: Adds smoky depth and a rich tomato flavor without watering it down.
Chicken broth: The soup’s heart and soul, making it cozy and filling.
Heavy cream: For that silky, luscious texture.
Cream cheese: Melts in for velvety smoothness and a lovely slight tang.

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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 love tweaking this Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe depending on what’s in my pantry or my mood. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—you’d be surprised how a little variation can keep it exciting!

Variation: I sometimes swap chicken breast for shredded rotisserie chicken when I’m short on prep time—it still comes out just as flavorful.
Spice level: Use more or less hot sauce depending on your heat tolerance; for kids, I usually tone it down and serve extra hot sauce on the side.
Veggie swap: Feel free to add zucchini or corn for seasonal variety.
Keto-friendly: This soup is naturally low in carbs, which is why it’s been my go-to on keto days.

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

A bowl of creamy soup with a light orange base filled with small pieces of meat and vegetables, topped with thin strips of white and orange cheese and sprinkled with bright green sliced scallions. The soup is in a white bowl with blue patterns, and there is a silver spoon inside the bowl. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Flavor Base

Heat up a large pot over medium heat and melt your butter or olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic, chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, and carrots. Stir them around for about 3-4 minutes until everything gets tender and fragrant. This step brings out the sweetness in the veggies and builds a solid flavor foundation.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Place the chicken breasts right on top of the softened veggies. Sprinkle over the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce, then add the drained fire roasted tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth, stir a little, then bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Cover with a lid, turn the heat down to medium-low, and let it cook for about 30 minutes. This slow simmer lets the chicken soak in all those smoky and spicy flavors.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken & Make It Creamy

Once your chicken is cooked through and tender, fish it out onto a cutting board and shred it with two forks. Meanwhile, whisk the softened cream cheese and heavy cream together until totally smooth—no lumps! Stir this rich cream mixture back into your pot, add the shredded chicken, and mix well. This is where the soup transforms into that luscious, creamy delight.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions, a bit of sharp cheddar cheese, and extra hot sauce if you want to dial up the heat. Grab a spoon, sit down, and enjoy the comforting warmth!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe turn out perfectly every single time—and I want you to get that same success.

Perfect Shredding: Let the chicken cool just a bit before shredding to avoid tearing it into chewy bits.
Season Gradually: Start with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning but taste after cooking—you can always add more if you want more punch.
Cream Cheese Whisk: Make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature to avoid lumps—whisk it with cream until silky smooth.
Don’t Rush Simmering: Low and slow simmering lets flavors marry beautifully—resist turning up the heat to speed up cooking.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this soup with green onions—they add a mild zest that complements the creaminess beautifully. Sharp cheddar cheese melted on top brings that cheesy, gooey goodness I crave, and a splash of hot sauce on the side lets me kick it up when I want extra heat.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is my go-to side here. Something like a warm, buttery French baguette or even garlic bread soaks up every last drop of that flavorful soup. For lighter options, a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables work wonderfully to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve served this Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or even inside small bread bowls at casual dinner parties. It makes the meal feel special without much fuss!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before serving, I give it a good stir because the cream cheese sometimes settles at the bottom. It reheats beautifully and still tastes fresh.

Freezing

Freezing is totally doable! I freeze the soup in portioned freezer-safe containers without the garnishes. When thawed, I often add a little extra cream or cheese while reheating to bring back that luscious texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching the cream. Microwave works too, but go low and slow, stirring every 30 seconds to keep it smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and stay juicy, but you may want to reduce the cooking time slightly since thighs can cook faster. Shred them just like the breast.

Is this soup really low-carb/keto-friendly?

Yes! The soup is loaded with protein and veggies, and thanks to cream cheese and heavy cream, it has a creamy texture without excess carbs. It’s a great choice on low-carb or keto diets.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely. Start by sautéing the veggies and garlic in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the chicken, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, shred the chicken, and stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream toward the end.

How spicy is the soup?

The spice level really depends on your Cajun seasoning and hot sauce. By default, it has a gentle kick—enough to warm you up but not overpower. You can adjust by adding more hot sauce or sprinkling extra Cajun seasoning if you like it hotter.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe has become one of my kitchen champions whenever I need a meal that’s easy, satisfying, and full of bold flavor. I hope it brings that same cozy, spicy warmth to your table that it does for mine. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll probably earn a permanent spot in your weekly meal rotation.