When the weather turns chilly, this keto chicken soup recipe is a perfect choice for a healthy and hearty keto-friendly meal with only 5 grams of carbs per serving. Featuring a savory broth, tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a medley of aromatic vegetables like celery, carrots and onions, the chicken soup is one of our favorite keto soup recipes. The addition of fresh spinach not only adds vibrant color but also boosts the nutritional value.
Perfect for a cozy weeknight family dinner or a simple lunch, keto chicken soup is a nutritious and satisfying option to warm you up and keep you on track with your low-carb lifestyle.
Ingredients for Keto Chicken Soup
- Chicken: This keto chicken soup recipe calls for shredded chicken. You can use leftover roasted chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken to make things easier.
- Celery, onion, carrots: This soup’s base is a classic mirepoix. If possible, dice fresh vegetables, but frozen ones can also work.
- Chicken broth: Avoid using pre-formulated broths as they may contain added sugars. Make homemade chicken broth or look for organic, preservative-free broth to keep it keto-friendly.
- Fresh spinach: Adding low-carb leafy greens like spinach to keto recipes like this lends a vibrant color and a boost of vitamins and minerals.
- Seasonings: Garlic, thyme, oregano, parsley, salt and pepper give the soup a layer of herbaceous flavors.
- Olive oil: You need a little oil to saute the veggies. The best olive oil adds a buttery, bright flavor and a silky consistency.
Directions
Step 1: Saute the vegetables
In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the celery, carrot and onion. Cook and stir until crisp-tender, five to seven minutes. Add the garlic and cook one minute longer.
Step 2: Simmer the vegetables
Stir in the broth, thyme, salt, pepper and oregano. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pot and simmer until the vegetables are tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 3: Finish the soup
Stir in the spinach and chicken. Cook and stir until everything is heated through and the spinach wilts, two to four minutes. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Use keto noodles: Replace traditional noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a satisfying, pasta-like texture.
- Go greener: In addition to the spinach, add bok choy, collard greens, mustard greens, kale, spinach, Swiss chard or cabbage for more texture and nutrients.
- Make it creamy: Add heavy cream at the end of the cooking time to make this soup even more comforting. It’s a delicious way to add more fat and flavor.
- Add keto rice: Substitute cauliflower rice for the typical grains to create a heartier soup that remains keto-friendly and low in carbs.
- Finish with lemon juice: When the soup is done, squeeze half a lemon into the soup (watch out for the seeds!) and give everything a good stir. The lemon juice will brighten all the flavors for extra oomph.
How to Store Keto Chicken Soup
To store keto chicken soup, first allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. The soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until thoroughly warmed.
Can you freeze keto chicken soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency.
Keto Chicken Soup Tips
How can you thicken keto chicken soup?
There are several ways to thicken soup. One effective way is to use an immersion blender to blend half the soup (before adding the chicken), creating a thicker, creamier consistency while keeping the remaining vegetables intact. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of cream cheese or heavy cream to give the soup a richer texture. Another option is to sprinkle in some xanthan gum or guar gum, which are low-carb thickeners, and stir well to avoid clumping.
How do you make keto chicken soup in the Instant Pot?
To make the keto chicken soup recipe in an Instant Pot, set it to saute mode and heat the olive oil. Saute the chopped celery, carrot and onion for five to seven minutes, then add minced garlic for another minute.
Add the chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, pepper, oregano and shredded cooked chicken. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing and pressure-cook for five minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then release the remaining pressure. Stir in the chopped spinach and use saute mode to cook it for two to four minutes until wilted. Garnish with parsley and serve.
What can you serve with keto chicken soup?
Plenty of low-carb sides can turn keto chicken soup into a complete meal. Pair it with a green salad with fresh avocado slices for a creamy addition and healthy fats, or serve it alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and asparagus for a flavorful and nutritious side. For dipping and a bit of crunch, have the soup with keto bread or keto crackers.
