Keto Chicken Soup

Packed with protein, healthy fats, and nourishing vegetables, this keto chicken soup recipe is the perfect pick-me-up when you are feeling under the weather or simply want some comfort food.

While you can enjoy it anytime, this low carb chicken soup is especially comforting during the colder months or during cold and flu season. Plus, this simple soup is easy to make and ideal for a cozy night.

Ingredients

To make this quick and easy keto chicken noodle soup we are going to use leftover shredded chicken from cooking a whole chicken, and chicken bone broth.

Don’t have leftovers? You can also put some raw chicken breasts in your slow cooker with some broth and herbs and let it slowly cook until it’s ultra tender.

Or, if you are trying to save time, simply use a rotisserie chicken instead.

Whenever I make a whole chicken I always freeze the leftover chicken and then make the bone broth and freeze it so that it is ready to use.

• Chicken – cooked shredded chicken adds protein to the soup and makes it hearty and filling.
• Chicken broth – the liquid base of the soup. Use store-bought chicken stock or broth, or make homemade bone broth.
• Vegetables – onion, carrot, and celery form the base of the soup and provide flavor and nutrients.
• Garlic – minced garlic helps boost the flavor of the base.
• Butter – used to sauté the vegetables and add richness to the soup.
• Ginger – fresh ginger to give your immune system a boost.
• Lemon juice – adds a bit of zest and aids in digestion.
• Bay leaf – gives the soup a slight herbal boost.
• Salt and pepper – to taste

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Making keto chicken soup is an easy process that only requires 4 simple steps.

To serve the soup with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice you will want to add the zoodles or cauliflower rice to the bottom of the empty bowl and pour the hot soup over it. Let the soup sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the zucchini noodles/cauliflower rice to soften then serve.

Hint: to add even more fresh flavor, garnish your soup with chopped green onions, fresh dill, and a wedge of lemon.

Substitutions

The keto chicken soup recipe is versatile and allows for a range of ingredient substitutions to suit personal preferences and dietary restrictions.

• Fresh ginger – 1/4 tsp ground ginger can be used in place of fresh ginger.
• Chicken broth – bone broth or even vegetable broth can be used in place of chicken broth.
• Butter – olive oil is a good substitute to saute vegetables.
• Carrots – parsnips, butternut squash, or turnips are good substitutions for carrots.
• Lemon – if you don’t have lemon juice on hand, use apple cider vinegar instead.

Please keep in mind that any changes to the recipe will alter the nutritional facts found below.

Variations

Bring your soup to the next level. Here are five flavorful variations for keto chicken soup:

• Creamy Keto Chicken Soup – To make the soup creamy, add a cup of heavy cream or sour cream at the end before serving. You will want to let the soup cool for a few minutes before mixing the sour cream in to keep it from curling. You can also mix a tablespoon into the bowl after serving.
• Spicy Keto Chicken Soup – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup to give it a kick of heat. You can also add diced jalapenos or poblano peppers.
• Curry Keto Chicken Soup – Add a tablespoon of curry powder to the soup along with the ginger and garlic. This variation adds an aromatic and warming flavor to the soup.
• Lemon Herb Keto Chicken Soup – Add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary to the soup for a fresh and zesty flavor.
• Italian Keto Chicken Soup – Add a can of diced tomatoes, some Italian seasoning, and a handful of chopped spinach to the soup.

Looking for more soup recipes? You will love this Keto Pumpkin Soup with Bacon.

Equipment

You will only need basic equipment you likely already have to make keto chicken soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large pot– You’ll need a pot large enough to hold all the ingredients and allow them to simmer together. A pot with a capacity of 6-8 quarts should be large enough.
• Knife and Cutting board– A cutting board and knife is essential for safely chopping vegetables and shredding chicken.
• Measuring cups and spoons– You’ll need measuring cups and spoons to ensure that you add the right amount of each ingredient.
• Ladle– A ladle makes it easy to serve the soup and mix the ingredients.

Overall, the equipment needed for making keto chicken soup is simple and basic, and you likely already have everything you need in your kitchen.

Storage

Keto chicken soup is a great make-ahead meal that can be stored easily in the fridge or freezer. Here are some tips for storing and reheating keto chicken soup:

• Refrigerator– To store keto chicken soup in the refrigerator, let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezer– To store keto chicken soup in the freezer, let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. The soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
• Reheating– When you’re ready to eat the soup, you can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. To reheat on the stove, simply pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium heat until it’s hot all the way through. To reheat in the microwave, transfer the soup to a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Thawing– If you’ve frozen the soup, you’ll need to thaw it before reheating. The best way to thaw the soup is to transfer it from the freezer to the fridge the night before you plan to eat it. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw the soup by placing the container in a bowl of warm water.

By following these tips, you can easily store and reheat keto chicken soup for a delicious meal anytime you are feeling under the weather.

FAQ

Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.