Description
This flavorful Cajun Chicken Soup is a soul-warming meal packed with smoky spices, fresh vegetables, and the satisfying crunch of smoked turkey bacon. Balanced with heat, depth, and wholesome ingredients, it makes a perfect comforting bowl for chilly days or anytime you crave a meal full of character.
Ingredients
Proteins
- Smoked Turkey Bacon: 4 slices, chopped
- Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless): 1.5 pounds
Vegetables and Aromatics
- Bell Peppers (assorted colors): 2 cups, diced
- Celery Stalks: 2, diced
- Onion (yellow or white): 1 large, diced
- Garlic Cloves: 4, minced
- Diced Tomatoes (canned or fresh): 1 can (14 oz) or 2 cups fresh, diced
Liquids
- Chicken Broth: 6 cups
- Grape Juice (natural): 1/4 cup
Spices and Herbs
- Cajun Seasoning (natural): 2 tablespoons
- Smoked Paprika (natural): 1 teaspoon
- Bay Leaves: 2
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)
Texture Enhancer
- Natural Gelling Agent: 1 teaspoon (adjust as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat a large pot over medium heat and sauté the smoked turkey bacon until crisp and fragrant. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the bacon fat, add diced onions, celery, and bell peppers. Cook slowly until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic last, stirring for one minute until aromatic.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the pot and sear on all sides until lightly browned, locking in juices and enhancing color.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, stirring to coat the chicken and veggies evenly. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, grape juice, and tuck in the bay leaves. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer and Infuse: Let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is tender and flavors meld. Stir occasionally and add the natural gelling agent in the last 5 minutes to enhance texture.
- Finish with Freshness: Remove bay leaves, shred the chicken inside the soup for easy eating, and crumble the crispy smoked turkey bacon back in. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Layer Your Flavors: Take time sautéing veggies and herbs to build a rich base flavor.
- Use Bone-in Chicken: For extra richness in broth, consider bone-in thighs before shredding.
- Do Not Skip Grape Juice: Adds a subtle acidic brightness that balances the spice beautifully.
- Try Fresh Spices: Use freshly ground Cajun seasoning or make your own spice mix for vibrant flavor.
- Adjust Heat Gradually: Start with mild seasoning and increase to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken soup, smoky chicken soup, comforting soup, spicy chicken soup, one pot soup
