Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup is a flavorful and comforting soup that combines the bold and spicy flavors of Cajun seasoning with a creamy and rich base. It’s a delicious twist on traditional chicken soup and perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals. Here’s a basic recipe to make Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (about 450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (red, green, or a mix)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to your preferred level of spiciness)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour (if making it gluten-free)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables become tender.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the vegetables and stir to coat them evenly. Cook for a minute to toast the spices and release their flavors.
- Stir in the all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour (if making it gluten-free) to create a roux with the vegetables and spices.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked and shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, mixing well to create a creamy base.
- Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed, depending on the saltiness of the broth and Cajun seasoning.
- Ladle the Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup into serving bowls.
- Garnish the soup with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Serve the delicious and spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup immediately and enjoy! It’s a hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving a little Cajun-inspired comfort.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup calories count
The calorie count for Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup can vary based on the specific ingredients used and the portion sizes. However, I can provide you with an estimated calorie count based on a standard recipe and typical serving sizes.
Please note that the following calorie counts are approximate and may vary based on the actual ingredients and quantities used:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb): Approximately 400-500 calories
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Approximately 80-100 calories (depending on whether it’s homemade or store-bought)
- Heavy cream or half-and-half (1 cup): Approximately 400-500 calories
- Chopped onion, celery, bell peppers, and garlic (negligible calories)
- Cajun seasoning (2 tablespoons): Approximately 30-40 calories (depending on the brand and ingredients)
- Unsalted butter or oil (2 tablespoons): Approximately 200-240 calories
- All-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Approximately 60-70 calories (depending on the type used)
- Salt and black pepper (negligible calories)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional) (negligible calories)
Total Estimated Calorie Count for Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup (per serving): Approximately 1170-1510 calories
It’s important to keep in mind that the calorie count can change depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used. Additionally, the calorie count will be influenced by the portion sizes of the soup served per serving.
For a more accurate calorie count, it’s best to calculate it using the specific ingredients and quantities you use in your recipe. You can use online calorie calculators or refer to the nutrition information on the product labels for more precise results. If you’re looking to reduce the calorie content of the soup, you can consider using lighter ingredients or reducing the portion sizes to fit your dietary needs.