Description
Cozy and spicy Cajun Chicken Soup made with tender chicken thighs, smoky turkey bacon, and a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful broth infused with authentic Cajun spices. This warm, hearty soup offers balanced heat and comfort perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave bold southern-style flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, diced
- 4 oz smoked turkey bacon, sliced into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups natural chicken broth
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning blend (paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 tsp natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the bell peppers, celery, onions, and garlic finely to allow the flavors to blend harmoniously. Slice the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and dice the chicken thighs evenly for consistent cooking.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large pot, cook the smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy to render out the smoky flavor and some fat, which will add depth to your soup base.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onions, garlic, celery, and bell peppers to the pot with turkey bacon and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the foundational flavor for your Cajun Chicken Soup.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings: Stir in the diced chicken thighs and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning blend evenly. Cook just until the chicken’s surface is sealed to keep it moist and flavorful inside.
- Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes, natural chicken broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), bay leaves, and a pinch of the natural gelling agent. Bring everything to a boil and then reduce to a gentle simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- Final Touches: Once the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, remove the bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and stir in fresh parsley and green onions just before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly ground black pepper and recently mixed Cajun seasoning to elevate flavor complexity.
- Do not rush the simmer; slow simmering deepens the broth’s flavor.
- Cooking the smoked turkey bacon first adds essential smoky depth.
- Adjust cayenne pepper gradually to control heat level and taste frequently.
- A small amount of natural gelling agent enhances broth texture without heaviness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken soup, spicy chicken soup, smoky turkey bacon soup, hearty soup, gluten free soup, natural ingredients soup, cozy soup recipe
