Description
Cozy up with spicy Cajun Chicken Soup made with smoked turkey bacon and rich plant-based ingredients for a comforting, hearty meal that blends bold Cajun spices, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you need something warm and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Meat
- 6 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, diced evenly
Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers (red and green), diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup okra, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (natural)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth (natural)
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning (natural)
- 2 bay leaves
- Optional: 1-2 tsp Cajun hot sauce (natural), to taste
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and dice the chicken thighs evenly. Dice bell peppers, onion, celery, and mince the garlic to get everything ready for cooking.
- Cook the Bacon and Aromatics: In a large pot, cook the smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside. Add the onion, celery, bell peppers, and garlic to the pot; sauté in the bacon fat until softened and fragrant.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the diced chicken thighs to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides, sealing in the juices for a flavorful soup base.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and add the Cajun seasoning (natural) along with bay leaves. Stir everything well to combine.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Add the okra and natural gelling agent to thicken the broth slightly. Let simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is tender and flavors have melded beautifully.
- Final Touches: Season with salt, pepper, and, if desired, Cajun hot sauce (natural) for extra heat. Stir in the cooked smoked turkey bacon pieces just before serving to keep their crunch and smoky flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh Cajun seasoning for best flavor and avoid stale spices.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Add okra toward the end of cooking to maintain pleasant texture and avoid sliminess.
- Adjust heat level by adding Cajun hot sauce gradually to taste.
- Use a natural gelling agent to achieve a richer, smooth soup texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Cajun Chicken Soup, Spicy Soup, Smoked Turkey Bacon, Comfort Food, Gluten Free Soup, Plant-Based Ingredients
