Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base

01 - 2 tablespoons butter
02 - 1 ½ cups holy trinity (equal parts diced onion, celery, and bell pepper)
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided

→ Main Components

05 - 2 cups chicken stock
06 - 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
07 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
08 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, canola, etc.)

→ Finishing Elements

09 - 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half, at room temperature
10 - Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Heat a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add butter and let it melt completely. Add the holy trinity blend and sauté until vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and stir to coat everything evenly.
03 - Pour in chicken stock and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir well and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer while preparing the chicken.
04 - Season chicken with remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Heat neutral oil in a small skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Cook chicken 3-5 minutes per side until firm. Let cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
05 - Reduce heat under dutch oven to low. Let mixture cool slightly before stirring in the heavy cream until fully combined. Add the chopped chicken and simmer 3-5 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasonings to taste.
06 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve while hot.

# Notes:

01 - The holy trinity consists of equal parts diced onion, celery, and bell pepper - a cornerstone of Cajun cooking