Easy Keto Chicken Soup: Comfort in a Bowl

When the weather turns cool and you’re craving something warm and nourishing, few things satisfy like a hearty bowl of chicken soup. But what if you’re following a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle? That’s where this easy keto chicken soup recipe comes in. It’s the ultimate comfort food, reimagined to be deliciously compliant with your dietary goals. Instead of traditional noodles, we use clever, low-carb swaps that give you the same satisfying texture and flavor you love, without the guilt.

This recipe is more than just a substitute; it’s a vibrant, flavorful experience. We’ve packed it with tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a rich, aromatic broth that will warm you from the inside out. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this low carb chicken soup recipe is simple to prepare, yet tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Get ready to add a new staple to your keto soups and stews repertoire.

Key Recipe Information

• Difficulty: Easy
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Estimated cost: Affordable

Ingredients of the Easy Keto Chicken Soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chopped celery (about 2 stalks)
• 1 cup chopped carrots (about 2 medium)
• 8 cups chicken bone broth or stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (optional, for a creamier soup)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional Low-Carb “Noodles”: 1 large zucchini, spiralized or peeled into ribbons, or 1/2 head of cauliflower florets

Equipment/Utensils Required

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Garlic press or mincer
• Spiralizer or vegetable peeler (if using zucchini noodles)

Recipe Preparation: Detailed Steps

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. This step is crucial for building the flavor base of your soup.
2. Add Garlic and Chicken: Add the minced garlic and cubed chicken to the pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
3. Pour in the Broth and Seasonings: Carefully pour in the chicken bone broth. Add the dried thyme and rosemary, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Simmer to Perfection: Cover the pot and let the low carb soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Incorporate Low-Carb Noodles: If you are using zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets, add them to the simmering soup during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking. This prevents the vegetables from becoming overly soft and mushy. Pro-tip: For the best texture, add the zucchini noodles right at the end and serve immediately.
6. Finish with Cream and Parsley: Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The cream adds a wonderful richness to the broth, transforming this into a creamy keto chicken soup.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot Keto Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls and serve immediately. Top with extra fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Chef’s Tips, Tricks, and Variations

• Creamy Keto Soups and Stews: For an even richer, thicker soup, you can use a hand blender to puree a portion of the soup (about 2 cups of the broth and vegetables) before adding the chicken back in. This will give you a velvety texture without sacrificing the hearty chunks of chicken and other vegetables.
• Adapting for a Crockpot: This recipe can easily be adapted into a Keto Crockpot Soup. Simply place all ingredients except the heavy cream and fresh parsley into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream and parsley just before serving.
• Ingredient Swaps for Variety: Don’t have celery or carrots? You can substitute with other keto-friendly vegetables like chopped bell peppers, green beans, or even some thinly sliced mushrooms. For a different flavor profile, a touch of curry powder can transform this into a curry-inspired low carb soup.
• Butternut Squash Soup? While this recipe doesn’t use butternut squash, which is higher in carbs, it’s a great example of how you can create hearty, satisfying soups on a keto diet. For a similar feel with a different flavor, try a keto-friendly pumpkin or cauliflower soup.
• Storage and Freezing: Leftover easy homemade soups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This soup also freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then gently warm on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Protein: ~28g
• Carbohydrates: ~7g (Net Carbs: ~5g)
• Fat: ~22g

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This is a general guide for a delicious, keto-friendly soup.

Conclusion and Call to Action

This easy keto chicken soup is the perfect answer to chilly days and busy nights. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that proves you don’t have to compromise on flavor to stick to your low-carb goals. Whether you’re looking for a simple dinner solution or a way to get your veggies in, this recipe hits all the right notes.

We’d love to know how your soup turned out! Please leave a comment below to let us know if you tried the recipe, or if you have any questions or unique variations you’ve discovered. Don’t forget to share your photos and this recipe on social media with your friends and family—let’s spread the love for delicious keto friendly soups!

Looking for more keto-friendly meals? Check out our other popular recipes like “Keto Beef Stew” and “Creamy Low-Carb Cauliflower Soup” to continue your culinary journey.

FAQ

Q1: Is Keto Chicken Noodle Soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses keto-friendly alternatives to traditional egg noodles, such as zucchini or cauliflower. Always be sure to check the labels of your bone broth or stock to ensure it’s also gluten-free.

Q2: Can I use different vegetables in this low carb chicken soup recipe?

Absolutely! The beauty of this soup is its versatility. Feel free to use other low-carb vegetables you have on hand, such as chopped green beans, mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. Just be mindful of the carb count of what you’re adding.

Q3: What makes this a “keto friendly soup”?

This soup is “keto friendly” because it avoids high-carb ingredients like potatoes, traditional noodles, and cornstarch. Instead, it relies on protein, healthy fats, and low-carb vegetables to create a satisfying and nutrient-dense meal that aligns with a ketogenic diet.

Q4: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, to save time, you can use pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken. Simply add it to the soup during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering to allow it to heat through and absorb the flavors of the broth.

Q5: How can I make this a creamy keto soup?

For a creamy texture, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut cream (for a dairy-free option) during the final stages of cooking, just before serving. You can also blend a portion of the vegetables and broth with an immersion blender to create a thicker base.

10. Comments Section

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