Description
This hearty Cajun Chicken Soup combines bold Cajun spices, tender chicken thighs, smoked turkey bacon, and fresh vegetables in a savory broth with a hint of apple cider vinegar. Perfect for a comforting meal, it offers a balanced texture and rich flavor that warms you on chilly days while bringing vibrant Cajun cuisine to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 6 oz smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
Vegetables
- 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (natural)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the smoked turkey bacon and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Cut the chicken thighs into even chunks for quick, uniform cooking and flavor absorption.
- Sauté the Base: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside. Add diced onion, garlic, celery, and bell peppers to the bacon fat and sauté until softened and aromatic.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken chunks to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, sealing in the juices and creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Build the Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer to meld all the flavors together.
- Thicken and Finish: Sprinkle the natural gelling agent into the soup and stir well to gently thicken the broth. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Return the smoked turkey bacon to the pot for a final layer of smoky flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly ground Cajun seasoning or blend your own for the best flavor.
- A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens and balances the richness of the soup.
- Simmer the soup gently to keep the chicken tender and let flavors develop fully.
- Prepare ingredients in advance to speed up cooking time.
- Add the natural gelling agent slowly to control the thickness of the soup broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Cajun Chicken Soup, spicy soup, chicken soup, comfort food, smoked turkey bacon soup, healthy soup
