When you’re craving something warm and comforting but carbs are off the table, I’ve got your back with this ridiculously satisfying keto chicken soup. Think of it as a cozy hug in a bowl, minus the noodles that’ll kick you out of ketosis faster than you can say “oops.” This isn’t your grandmother’s chicken soup, but honestly, it might just be better—creamy, rich, and packed with enough flavor to make you forget those pesky carbohydrates ever existed.
Why You’ll Love this Keto Chicken Soup
Comfort meets convenience in this ridiculously creamy, soul-warming soup that’ll have you wondering why you ever bothered with those carb-heavy versions.
I’m talking five days of meal prep magic sitting in your fridge, ready to rescue you from hangry moments. The heavy cream and cream cheese create this velvety base that coats your spoon like liquid gold.
No noodles needed when you’ve got tender, shredded chicken doing all the heavy lifting. Plus, with only one pot to wash, I can actually pretend I’m a functional adult who’s their life together.
The ghee adds this nutty richness that makes store-bought versions taste like sad, watery disappointments. Pure keto comfort food.
What Ingredients are in Keto Chicken Soup?
This creamy, dreamy soup comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have lurking in your fridge.
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 4.25 cups chicken broth
- 3.5 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 oz ghee or butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility – swap the ghee for regular butter if that’s what you’ve got, or use dried thyme instead of fresh when you’re too lazy to chop herbs like I usually am.
How to Make this Keto Chicken Soup
Step 1: Cook the Chicken Base
Heat 1 oz of ghee or butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add your 1 lb of chicken breast along with 1 minced garlic clove and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme.
Cook everything together until the chicken is no longer pink and has absorbed all those aromatic flavors – this is where the magic starts, people.
Step 2: Add the Liquids
Pour in 4.25 cups of chicken broth, then add your 3.5 oz of cream cheese and ½ cup of heavy cream to the pot.
Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to help that cream cheese melt into creamy perfection.
Step 3: Remove and Shred Half the Chicken
Take out half of your cooked chicken breast and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks – or your hands if you’re feeling rebellious.
Set this shredded chicken aside because it’s going back into the soup later for that perfect chunky texture.
Step 4: Blend for Creaminess
Using an immersion blender, blend the remaining chicken with the soup mixture until it’s completely smooth and velvety.
If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer portions to a regular blender, but honestly, who’s time for that mess. A premium food processor can also work well for achieving that silky texture if you transfer the soup in batches.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together gently.
Season with salt and pepper to taste – and don’t be shy about it, bland soup is nobody’s friend.
Step 6: Heat Through and Serve
Let the soup simmer for just a few more minutes to heat the shredded chicken through and allow all the flavors to meld together.
Ladle into bowls and get ready for some serious comfort food satisfaction.
What to Serve with Keto Chicken Soup
This creamy soup makes the perfect comfort meal for lunch or dinner, but honestly, who’s judging if you want it for breakfast too?
Pair it with some crispy keto crackers or cheese crisps for that satisfying crunch we all crave. A simple side salad with olive oil and lemon keeps things fresh and light, while roasted Brussels sprouts or cauliflower add some serious veggie power to your bowl.
Want to get fancy? Drizzle some good olive oil on top and sprinkle fresh thyme like the recipe suggests.
For drinks, unsweetened iced tea or sparkling water with lemon works perfectly, though let’s be real – sometimes you just need a warm mug of bone broth on the side.
Keto Chicken Soup Substitutions and Variations
Want to switch things up? This soup is basically a blank canvas waiting for your creativity. Here are some simple swaps that’ll keep you in ketosis while satisfying those taste buds:
- Protein swaps: Turkey, rotisserie chicken, or leftover pork work beautifully
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and swap cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives
- Herb variations: Rosemary, oregano, or sage instead of thyme for different flavor profiles
- Veggie additions: Diced celery, mushrooms, or spinach add texture and nutrients
- Fat substitutions: Coconut oil or avocado oil work if ghee isn’t your thing
- Spice it up: Add cayenne, paprika, or red pepper flakes for heat
- Seasonal twist: Throw in some roasted garlic or caramelized onions for deeper flavor
- Garnish game: Top with crispy bacon bits, chives, or a dollop of sour cream
The beauty of this recipe? It’s nearly impossible to mess up, so feel free to experiment.
Leftovers and Storage for this Keto Chicken Soup
Reheating magic: Warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
If it seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to concentrate those flavors again.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a soup that manages to be both incredibly rich and surprisingly light at the same time.
This keto cream of chicken soup delivers that perfect balance, with its silky texture and deep, satisfying flavors that don’t leave you feeling weighed down.
It’s the kind of recipe that saves busy weeknights when you need something nourishing on the table fast, but it’s also elegant enough for when you want to impress without the stress.
The best part is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Net Carbs Are in Each Serving of This Soup?
I can’t calculate the exact net carbs per serving since the recipe doesn’t specify how many servings it makes. However, the ingredients are very low-carb, so each serving likely contains 2-4 net carbs.
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking Fresh Chicken Breast?
Yes, you can absolutely use rotisserie chicken instead! I’d recommend adding it during step 4 after blending, since it’s already cooked. This saves time and adds extra flavor to your keto soup.
Is This Soup Safe for People With Dairy Allergies or Lactose Intolerance?
No, this soup isn’t safe for dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. I’ve included cream cheese, heavy cream, and butter/ghee. You’d need to substitute these with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan butter.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Frozen Portions Without Curdling?
I’d thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight first. Then I’ll reheat gently on low heat, stirring constantly. I avoid high temperatures and add a splash of broth if needed to prevent the cream from separating.
Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, I recommend using either appliance! For slow cooker, cook on low 4-6 hours. For Instant Pot, use soup setting for 20 minutes. Add cream cheese and heavy cream after cooking to prevent curdling.
