This creamy Keto Cajun Chicken Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a chilly day or any time you're craving a comforting, low-carb meal. It combines tender chicken, a medley of vegetables, and bold Cajun spices in a rich, creamy broth. Whether you're following a keto diet or simply looking for a delicious and satisfying soup, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Introduction
This recipe is designed to be both easy to make and incredibly flavorful. It's a one-pot meal that comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of Cajun spices, creamy broth, and tender chicken creates a truly unforgettable taste experience.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 thin chicken breasts (approximately ¼ pound each), thinly sliced or 2 thicker chicken breasts halved into cutlets
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided (1 tbsp + 1 tbsp)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional, for a thicker soup)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the thinly sliced chicken to the pot, spreading it out into one layer. Season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Building the Soup Base
- Reduce the heat to low and add the butter to the pot.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and red bell pepper (the "holy trinity") to the pot. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 30-60 seconds more, until the garlic is fragrant.
Simmering the Soup
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes. Stir to incorporate, then bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Once the liquid begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Finishing the Soup
- Add the cooked chicken and heavy cream to the pot. If desired, add the softened cream cheese for a thicker, creamier soup.
- Stir to combine, then let the soup simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to meld together.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt, pepper, or additional Cajun seasoning to your preference.
Serving
- Portion the soup into serving bowls.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Chicken: For the juiciest chicken, use thinly sliced chicken breasts or chicken tenders. If using thicker chicken breasts, halve them into cutlets before cooking.
- Holy Trinity: You can use a pre-packaged frozen "holy trinity" blend (onion, celery, and bell pepper) to save time.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste. For a milder soup, use less seasoning.
- Creaminess: For an extra creamy soup, add 2 ounces of softened cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
- Shrimp Addition: To add a seafood twist, include shrimp to create a Keto Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Soup. Sauté the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until cooked through and add it to the soup along with the chicken.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, okra, or spinach.
- Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Sharp cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a dash of hot sauce can add extra flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:
- Keto-friendly biscuits or bread
- A crisp side salad
- Air fryer grilled cheese (for non-keto eaters)
- Cajun Cod with Asparagus
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, consider using a vacuum sealer or freezer-safe bags with the air pressed out.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until hot.
Nutritional Information
- Servings: Approximately 8 servings (depending on portion sizes)
- Net Carbs: Approximately 8 grams per serving
Note: Nutritional information is an approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
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