Louisiana-Style Chicken Soup

This Louisiana-Style chicken soup with okra is the kind of cozy, flavor-packed meal that warms you right down to your toes.

Loaded with tender chicken, okra, veggies, smoky andouille sausage, and brown rice, it’s everything you love about a hearty chicken soup with a Cajun twist. It’s bold, brothy, and brings that unmistakable Louisiana comfort to your table.

I originally made this recipe ages ago, scribbled it onto a neon post-it, and then promptly lost it to the depths of my “system”. When I rediscovered it, I knew I had to share it with you because goodness gracious, this soup deserves its moment in the spotlight. 

If you’re craving something nourishing with a little personality (and a little spice!), pull up a bowl and get ready to slurp happily.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Louisiana-Style chicken soup is a fun variation of traditional chicken soup. It’s still comforting, still wholesome, but infused with that signature Cajun depth of flavor. The combination of okra, tomatoes, and smoky andouille creates a silky, savory broth that feels both grounding and energizing.

It’s the kind of meal that tastes even better as it sits, works beautifully for meal prep, and can easily be customized to fit your heat preference or dietary needs. And if you’ve never cooked with okra before, this soup is the perfect intro: it gently thickens the broth and adds a delightful, veggie-forward texture.

Here are a few more reasons you’ll love this recipe:

• Cozy, hearty, and protein-packed
• Naturally gluten-free
• Great for meal prep
• Easily adjustable heat level
• Tons of veggie goodness

Ingredients for Louisiana-Style Chicken Soup

Olive oil: Helps soften the veggies and build foundational flavor. Avocado oil works too.

Yellow onion: Adds a mellow sweetness that balances the spice.

Red bell pepper: Bright and slightly sweet (classic in Cajun cooking).

Jalapeño: For a mild kick. Use more or less depending on your heat preference.

Celery: Classic soup base ingredient that adds balance and depth.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender and flavorful dark meat brings richness and protein to the meal. Chicken breasts or shredded rotisserie chicken work too (just add cooked chicken near the end so it stays tender). 

Cajun seasoning: The heart of the recipe! Choose your favorite blend or make your own.

Low-sodium chicken broth: A flavorful base that keeps the soup brothy and slurpable.

Okra: A traditional Southern staple that gently thickens the soup. Frozen or fresh, both work.

Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and body to the soup broth.

Andouille sausage: Smoky and spicy, andouille sausage adds full maximum flavor. You can swap for kielbasa or turkey sausage if needed.

Fresh parsley: Brightens everything up right at the end for earthy flavors.

Kosher salt: To bring all the flavors together.

Cooked brown rice: For serving. It adds fiber and makes this soup a full, satisfying meal. White rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice all work too!

How to Make Louisiana-Style Chicken Soup

Start by warming a splash of olive oil in a large pot such as a Dutch oven over medium heat, then toss in your onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and celery. Let them sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, about 10-12 minutes.

Stir in the chopped chicken along with the Cajun seasoning, giving the chicken a moment to lightly brown. 

Pour in the broth, tomatoes, okra, and sliced andouille sausage, then bring everything to a boil. Once bubbling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Ladle the soup over a scoop of warm cooked brown rice in large bowls and get ready for the coziest, Cajun-style hug in a bowl!

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
• Meal prep tip: Keep the rice separate to prevent it from soaking up all the broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Adaptations and Additions

• Make it vegetarian – Swap the chicken and sausage for white beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth. 
• Seafood twist – Add shrimp, crawfish, crab or other shell fish for a true Louisiana vibe.
• Veggie boost – Stir in chopped kale, spinach, or collard greens at the end for extra color and nutrients.
• Smoky flair – Add a pinch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a deeper, BBQ-like undertone.
• Make it creamy – Stir in 1/2 cup to 1 cup of full-fat canned coconut milk or heavy cream for a luscious, rich finish to a creamy Cajun chicken soup.
• Low-carb option – Skip the rice and serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Herb swap – Try fresh thyme leaves or oregano in place of parsley for an earthy twist.
• Add noodles – Add another 2 cups of broth and 4 ounces of your favorite pasta noodles to make Cajun chicken noodle soup.

What to Serve with Louisiana-Style Chicken Soup

This hearty, flavor-packed soup is plenty satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a fresh or cozy side takes it over the top. Try rounding out your meal with a mix of vibrant greens and crave-worthy bites like:

• Crunchy Kale Salad with Sunflower Seeds
• Herb and Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
• Cream Cheese Stuffed Baby Bell Peppers
• Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Other Cozy Soup Recipes to Try

• Tomato Bisque Soup (Dairy-Free)
• Crock Pot Curry Lentil Soup With Spinach 
• Potato Leek Soup
• Vegetable Soup Recipe
• Creamy Carrot Soup (paleo, vegan)

This comforting blend of tender chicken and rice soup!

I shared this recipe on August 14, 2014. On January 6, 2026, I updated the photos, added information about the ingredients, preparation tips, an FAQ section and more information about the recipe itself.