Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup (Keto-Friendly)
This rich and spicy keto-friendly Cajun Chicken Soup is loaded with tender chicken, bell peppers, onions, celery, and a perfect blend of Cajun spices. Despite its indulgent flavor, it’s low-carb, with only 8 net carbs per serving, making it a great comfort food option that fits into your keto or low-carb diet.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, chopped (optional for a bit of sweetness)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 lb chicken breast (or chicken tenderloins, or boneless thighs)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or Old Bay seasoning)
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add butter or olive oil. Once melted, sauté garlic, onion, carrot, celery, and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Add the chicken to the pot and season with Cajun seasoning and hot sauce. Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add the Cream and Cream Cheese:
- Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Whisk until the cream cheese is completely dissolved into the soup, making it creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the soup hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
FAQs for Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. They will add a slightly richer flavor to the soup, and they tend to stay juicier.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, and the soup can be reheated on the stove over low heat.
3. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove.
4. What if I don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes?
If you don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes, you can use regular canned tomatoes. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky flavor, but regular tomatoes will still work fine in the recipe.
5. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make this soup dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the cream cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative, such as a cashew cream or dairy-free cream cheese.
6. How can I adjust the spice level?
If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of hot sauce and Cajun seasoning. You can also omit the hot sauce entirely or add a dash of honey to balance out the heat.
7. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or even cauliflower to make the soup even heartier and more nutritious.
8. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients except for the heavy cream and cream cheese to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the cream and cream cheese at the end of the cooking time, then serve.
9. What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, keto-friendly bread, or a side of roasted vegetables. For extra protein, you can serve it alongside some grilled shrimp or chicken.
10. How many carbs are in this soup?
Each serving of this soup contains about 8 net carbs, making it a great option for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
Enjoy this comforting, creamy, and spicy soup that’s perfect for chilly nights or a quick weeknight dinner. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and keeps you on track with your keto goals!