Creamy Keto Chicken Soup Recipe

Living in the Dominican Republic, where even basic ingredients can be hit or miss, I’ve learned to rely on recipes that are not only comforting but adaptable. This creamy keto chicken soup is exactly that. I first made it during a rainy week when two of my kids were battling colds, and I needed something soothing, low-carb, and quick to prepare. Managing type 2 diabetes means I’m always looking for meals that are satisfying without spiking my blood sugar—and this soup has become a reliable favorite. Its rich creaminess, combined with fresh vegetables and lean protein, makes it a staple that warms both body and spirit.

This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a hearty experience. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a luscious cream base, you won’t miss the carbs. It’s a delightful dish that the whole family will love, keto or not! Even my youngest, who usually turns up her nose at anything green, asks for seconds when I make this soup.

Comforting Keto Chicken Soup

This creamy keto chicken soup offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying choice for those following a low-carb lifestyle.

With tender shredded chicken, crunchy celery, and vibrant spinach, each spoonful provides warmth and comfort.

The rich, velvety broth is a perfect foundation that ties all the ingredients together, ensuring every bite is full of flavor and nourishment.

Ingredients that Make a Difference

The key to this scrumptious soup lies in its wholesome ingredients.

Starting with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you achieve a lean protein base that keeps the dish light yet filling.

Complementing the chicken, you’ll find fresh, crisp celery and vibrant spinach, which not only add color but also essential nutrients. Finding fresh spinach here can be hit or miss, so I sometimes use frozen chopped spinach—it works beautifully and saves a step.

A touch of heavy cream gives the soup its creamy texture, while herbs like thyme elevate the flavor profile, making it more than just a simple meal.

A Nutritious Option for Any Day

This keto chicken soup is more than a comforting dish; it fits seamlessly into your daily meal plan without sacrificing taste.

With only 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it supports your dietary goals while satisfying your cravings.

Each bowl packs a punch with 350 calories, featuring 28 grams of healthy fats and 25 grams of protein, making it a balanced option for lunch or dinner.

This soup has been a weeknight lifesaver. After long days of mission work, I know I can pull this together quickly with ingredients I usually have on hand.

Preparation Made Easy

Preparing this scrumptious soup is a straightforward process that takes just 40 minutes from start to finish.

Begin by boiling chicken breasts in chicken broth until fully cooked, then shred them to create a tender texture.

In the same pot, sauté diced onions and garlic in olive oil, allowing their flavors to develop before adding celery.

The final steps involve combining all ingredients and letting them simmer together to meld flavors beautifully.

With four kids and a busy schedule, I often boil a double batch of chicken in advance and freeze half, which cuts prep time in half for meals like this.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This creamy keto chicken soup is not only ideal for chilly evenings but also makes for a hearty lunch or dinner option any day of the week.

Whether you’re gathering with family or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this dish brings warmth and comfort to the table.

Garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch, and enjoy it with your favorite rustic bread for those not strictly following a keto plan.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this recipe shines on its own, it’s versatile enough to adapt.

Consider adding other low-carb vegetables like zucchini or broccoli for more texture and nutritional benefits.

For a touch of spice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor profile, giving it a kick that can be quite enjoyable.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this keto chicken soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

One night I tossed in leftover roasted zucchini, and it added a lovely roasted sweetness—this soup really is a great canvas for whatever’s in the fridge.

Deliciously Low-Carb Chicken Soup

This keto chicken soup is a creamy, savory dish featuring succulent chicken, crunchy celery, and vibrant spinach. It’s bursting with flavor and perfect for those on a low-carb diet, making it a satisfying option any time of year.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: In a pot, boil the chicken breasts in chicken broth until fully cooked. Remove, shred, and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until translucent. Then add celery and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients: Return shredded chicken to the pot, add heavy cream, spinach, and dried thyme. Stir well and let simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Season: Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm!

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Pro Tips

1. Use rotisserie chicken for an even faster version. If you’re in a rush, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can cut your cooking time drastically while still delivering great flavor.
2. Don’t skip the sauté step. Sautéing onions and garlic before adding broth layers in depth that you won’t get from just boiling.
3. Add cream slowly. To avoid curdling, stir in the heavy cream gently after turning down the heat.
4. Taste and adjust. Low-carb broths vary in saltiness—always taste the soup before adding more salt.
5. Let it rest before serving. Letting the soup sit for 5 minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld and the texture settle.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Chicken Breasts → Boneless thighs: For a richer, more flavorful soup.
• Heavy Cream → Coconut cream: For a dairy-free, lower-lactose version.
• Spinach → Kale: Kale adds a slightly earthier texture and holds up well in soups.
• Olive Oil → Avocado oil: A good alternative for higher heat cooking.
• Chicken Broth → Vegetable broth: Works well if you’re trying to reduce sodium or use what you have on hand.

Tip from Grammie Shirley

To make your soup even more flavorful, simmer the chicken in broth with a bay leaf and a couple peppercorns—just remember to fish them out before serving.

Q&A

Q1: Can I freeze this soup?

A: Yes, but freeze it before adding the cream. Dairy tends to separate when frozen. Reheat and stir in cream just before serving.

Q2: How do I make it thicker?

A: You can puree a portion of the soup or add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for low-carb thickening.

Q3: Is this recipe diabetic-friendly?

A: Absolutely. With just 5g of carbs per serving, it’s a great option for managing blood sugar, especially when paired with lean protein and fats.

Q4: Can I make this in a slow cooker?

A: Yes—add all ingredients except spinach and cream. Cook on low for 6 hours, then add cream and spinach in the last 30 minutes.

Q5: What can I serve with this for non-keto family members?

A: Rustic bread or a small baked potato on the side makes it a hearty meal for everyone.

Nutrition & Serving Info

Servings: 4 bowls

Estimated per serving:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Net Carbs: 4g