Keto Chicken Soup is a nourishing and comforting dish tailored for those on the keto diet. Packed with shredded chicken, low-carb vegetables, and flavorful broth, this soup not only meets the keto criteria but also provides essential nutrients and warmth, making it a popular choice among keto enthusiasts seeking delicious and satisfying meal options.
The keto diet, short for ketogenic diet, is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating plan designed to induce a state of ketosis in the body. Ketosis is a metabolic state where the body primarily uses fat for energy instead of carbohydrates, leading to weight loss and other health benefits.
Keto-friendly recipes play a crucial role in supporting individuals following the keto diet. These recipes are specifically crafted to be low in carbohydrates while high in healthy fats and moderate in protein, helping individuals stay in ketosis and achieve their health goals.
Keto Chicken Soup Recipe
Ingredients
1. Chicken (cooked and shredded):
- Use around 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded. You can use leftover roasted or grilled chicken, or simply boil chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through, then shred.
2. Low-carb vegetables (e.g., celery, cauliflower, broccoli):
- Approximately 2 cups of chopped low-carb vegetables. This can include celery, cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, and any other keto-friendly vegetables of your choice.
3. Keto-friendly broth (bone broth or homemade broth):
- About 4 cups of keto-friendly chicken broth. You can use store-bought bone broth or make your own broth using chicken bones, vegetables, and seasonings.
4. Herbs and spices (e.g., thyme, rosemary, garlic powder):
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic)
- Salt and pepper to taste.
5. Optional additions (e.g., heavy cream, cheese):
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier soup)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for added flavor and creaminess)
These ingredients are tailored to create a delicious and satisfying Keto Chicken Soup that aligns with the principles of the ketogenic diet. Adjustments can be made based on personal preferences and dietary needs.
Instructions
1. Preparing the vegetables (chopping, dicing):
- Wash and chop the low-carb vegetables of your choice into bite-sized pieces. This can include celery, cauliflower, broccoli, and any other keto-friendly vegetables you prefer.
2. Cooking the chicken (boiling, baking, or using pre-cooked chicken):
- If using raw chicken, place chicken breasts or thighs in a pot of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through (about 15-20 minutes). Remove from water, let it cool slightly, then shred the chicken using two forks.
- If using pre-cooked chicken, such as leftover roasted or grilled chicken, shred it using two forks or your hands.
3. Simmering the broth with vegetables and spices:
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sauté until softened.
- Add chopped vegetables to the pot and sauté for a few minutes until slightly tender.
- Pour in the keto-friendly chicken broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine.
4. Incorporating cooked chicken:
- Add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot with the simmering broth and vegetables.
- Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to fully cook.
5. Adjusting seasoning and consistency:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Optional steps for creamy variation (adding heavy cream, cheese):
- If opting for a creamier soup, pour in the heavy cream and stir until well incorporated. Allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes.
- For added flavor and creaminess, sprinkle shredded cheese into the soup and stir until melted.
First, prepare the vegetables by chopping them into bite-sized pieces. Cook the chicken either by boiling it until tender or using pre-cooked chicken that’s shredded. Then, sauté garlic and onion in a pot before adding the vegetables, broth, and spices. Let everything simmer together until the vegetables are tender. Incorporate the cooked chicken into the soup and adjust the seasoning and consistency as needed. For a creamy variation, add heavy cream and cheese for extra flavor and richness.
Keto Chicken Soup is a nourishing and flavorful dish that aligns with the principles of the ketogenic diet. It features tender shredded chicken, low-carb vegetables, and a savory broth infused with herbs and spices. This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a popular choice among those following a keto lifestyle.
The ingredients used in Keto Chicken Soup are carefully selected to be low in carbohydrates while providing ample protein and healthy fats. This helps individuals on the keto diet maintain ketosis, a metabolic state where the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates, leading to weight loss and other health benefits.
Keto Chicken Soup Nutrition Info
Here’s a nutrition table for Keto Chicken Soup, based on the estimated values provided for the ingredients. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and measurements used.
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 178 |
Total Fat | 10g |
Saturated Fat | 4g |
Cholesterol | 70mg |
Sodium | 650mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 4g |
Dietary Fiber | 1g |
Sugars | 2g |
Protein | 17g |
Vitamin A | 15% DV |
Vitamin C | 20% DV |
Calcium | 10% DV |
Iron | 8% DV |
These values are rough estimates and can be adjusted based on specific quantities and ingredient brands. Always refer to the nutritional information on product labels for the most accurate data.
Here is a detailed nutrition table for each ingredient used in Keto Chicken Soup, based on typical values per common measurement units. The values provided are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and preparations.
Ingredient | Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Total Carbs | Dietary Fiber | Sugars | Protein |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chicken (cooked, shredded) | 1 cup (140g) | 220 | 10g | 3g | 80mg | 70mg | 0g | 0g | 0g | 36g |
Celery | 1 cup (101g) | 14 | 0.2g | 0g | 0mg | 80mg | 3g | 2g | 1g | 1g |
Cauliflower | 1 cup (107g) | 25 | 0.1g | 0g | 0mg | 30mg | 5g | 2g | 2g | 2g |
Broccoli | 1 cup (91g) | 31 | 0.3g | 0g | 0mg | 30mg | 6g | 2.4g | 1.5g | 2.5g |
Chicken broth | 1 cup (240ml) | 10 | 0g | 0g | 0mg | 860mg | 1g | 0g | 0g | 1g |
Garlic | 1 clove (3g) | 4 | 0g | 0g | 0mg | 1mg | 1g | 0.1g | 0g | 0.2g |
Onion | 1 small (70g) | 28 | 0.1g | 0g | 0mg | 3mg | 6.5g | 1.1g | 2.6g | 0.9g |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp (14g) | 120 | 14g | 2g | 0mg | 0mg | 0g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
Heavy cream | 1/2 cup (120ml) | 400 | 43g | 28g | 164mg | 40mg | 3g | 0g | 3g | 3g |
Shredded cheese | 1/2 cup (56g) | 200 | 16g | 10g | 50mg | 350mg | 2g | 0g | 0g | 14g |
Thyme (dried) | 1 tsp (1g) | 2 | 0g | 0g | 0mg | 1mg | 0.4g | 0.3g | 0g | 0.1g |
Rosemary (dried) | 1 tsp (1g) | 3 | 0.1g | 0g | 0mg | 0mg | 0.6g | 0.4g | 0g | 0.1g |
Garlic powder | 1 tsp (3.1g) | 10 | 0g | 0g | 0mg | 1mg | 2g | 0.3g | 0g | 0.5g |
Salt | To taste (1g) | 0 | 0g | 0g | 0mg | 387mg | 0g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
Black pepper | To taste (1g) | 2 | 0g | 0g | 0mg | 1mg | 0.4g | 0.1g | 0g | 0.1g |
These values are based on standard serving sizes and can vary depending on the specific brands and preparations used. Always refer to product labels for the most accurate nutritional information.
Tips for Best Results 🍽
Here are some tips for achieving the best results when making Keto Chicken Soup:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients:
- Opt for organic, free-range chicken for the best flavor and nutritional value.
- Choose fresh, high-quality vegetables to enhance the soup’s texture and taste.
- Homemade Broth:
- Making your own chicken broth or bone broth can significantly enhance the flavor and nutritional profile of the soup. Simmer chicken bones with vegetables and herbs for several hours to extract maximum flavor and nutrients.
- Seasoning:
- Taste the soup as you cook and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding a little salt at a time allows you to control the flavor without over-salting.
- Fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor. Consider adding fresh thyme or rosemary towards the end of cooking for a more vibrant taste.
- Vegetable Texture:
- Add vegetables in stages based on their cooking times to avoid overcooking. For example, add harder vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli earlier, and softer vegetables like spinach or zucchini later.
- Creamy Variation:
- If you’re making the creamy version, add the heavy cream or cheese at the end of the cooking process and simmer gently. Avoid boiling the soup after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Shredded Chicken:
- For the best texture, shred the chicken rather than cutting it into chunks. This helps the chicken absorb the flavors of the broth better.
- Consistent Cooking Temperature:
- Simmer the soup on low to medium heat to allow flavors to meld together without boiling, which can cause the chicken to become tough and the vegetables to break down too much.
- Garnishing:
- Garnish with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of cheese just before serving to add a final touch of flavor and visual appeal.
- Storage:
- Let the soup cool completely before storing it in airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage.
- Customization:
- Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite keto-friendly ingredients, such as adding spinach, mushrooms, or cooked bacon for extra flavor and variety.
Following these tips will help you create a delicious and satisfying Keto Chicken Soup that is full of flavor and perfect for your ketogenic diet.
Keto Chicken Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven For cooking the soup and simmering the ingredients.
- Cutting board and knife For chopping vegetables and shredding cooked chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons For accurate measurement of ingredients like broth, herbs, and spices.
- Cooking Spoon or Ladle For stirring and serving the soup.
- Optional Blender or Immersion Blender If you prefer a smoother, creamier soup, you may use a blender to puree some or all of the soup ingredients.
- Optional Instant Pot or Slow Cooker While not necessary, you can adapt the recipe to use these appliances for convenience or to achieve different textures.
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Cooked Chicken, shredded
- 4 Cups Keto-friendly Chicken Broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 Cups Low-carb Vegetables (e.g., celery, cauliflower, broccoli), chopped
- 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Small onion, Diced
- 1 Teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 Teaspoon Dried rosemary
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- 1/2 Cup Heavy cream (for a creamier soup)
- 1/2 Cup Shredded cheese (for added flavor and creaminess)
- Olive oil or butter for sautéing
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by chopping and dicing them into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the chicken by boiling, baking, or using pre-cooked chicken. Shred the cooked chicken into small pieces.
- Simmer the chicken broth with the chopped vegetables and spices until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the shredded cooked chicken to the simmering broth and vegetables.
- Adjust the seasoning and consistency of the soup according to your taste preferences.
- For a creamy variation, add optional ingredients like heavy cream or shredded cheese and stir until well incorporated. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
Notes
Delicious Topping Ideas
Here are some delicious topping ideas to enhance your Keto Chicken Soup:
1. Fresh Herbs:
- Chopped parsley, cilantro, or basil adds a burst of fresh flavor and color.
- Chopped chives or green onions for a mild oniony taste.
2. Cheese:
- Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor.
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for a melty, creamy texture.
3. Creamy Additions:
- A dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess and tang.
- A swirl of heavy cream for a richer texture.
4. Crunchy Elements:
- Toasted nuts or seeds such as sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds add a satisfying crunch.
- Crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory flavor.
5. Avocado:
- Sliced or diced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.
6. Spices and Seasonings:
- A sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
- Everything bagel seasoning for a savory, crunchy topping.
7. Lemon or Lime:
- A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice adds brightness and acidity.
- Lemon or lime zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
8. Vegetable Garnishes:
- Diced red bell peppers or sliced radishes for a pop of color and crunch.
- Sauteed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
These toppings not only add extra flavor and texture to your Keto Chicken Soup but also make it more visually appealing and enjoyable. Mix and match based on your preferences to create your perfect bowl of soup.
FAQ
Is Keto Chicken Soup suitable for a ketogenic diet?
Yes, Keto Chicken Soup is indeed suitable for a ketogenic diet. It’s specifically designed to be low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, which aligns with the principles of the ketogenic diet. The ingredients in Keto Chicken Soup, such as shredded chicken, low-carb vegetables, and keto-friendly broth, are chosen to keep the carb content minimal while providing essential nutrients and satisfying flavors. It’s a great option for those following a ketogenic lifestyle looking for delicious and nutritious meal choices.
Can I freeze Keto Chicken Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Keto Chicken Soup for future consumption. Freezing soup is a convenient way to have a ready-to-eat meal on hand whenever you need it. Here are some tips for freezing and thawing Keto Chicken Soup:
- Cool the Soup: Allow the Keto Chicken Soup to cool completely before freezing. This helps maintain the quality and prevents ice crystals from forming inside the soup.
- Use Freezer-Safe Containers: Transfer the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Leave some space at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion as the soup freezes.
- Label and Date: Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification. This helps you keep track of how long the soup has been frozen.
- Freeze Flat (For Bags): If using freezer bags, lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, you can stack the bags in the freezer to save space.
- Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw the Keto Chicken Soup in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting or by placing the sealed bag/container in a bowl of cold water.
- Reheat Gently: Reheat the thawed soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling the soup rapidly as it can affect the texture.
By following these tips, you can freeze Keto Chicken Soup effectively and enjoy it as a convenient meal option whenever you’re in the mood for a warm and comforting dish.
How long does Keto Chicken Soup last in the refrigerator?
Keto Chicken Soup can typically last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days when stored properly. It’s important to store the soup in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent contamination.
Here are some tips for storing Keto Chicken Soup in the refrigerator:
- Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Transfer the soup to an airtight container or cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid if storing it directly in the pot.
- Label the container with the date of preparation to track its freshness.
- Store the soup in the coldest part of the refrigerator, such as the back of a shelf or in the refrigerator’s designated crisper drawer.
- Avoid leaving the soup at room temperature for an extended period, as this can promote bacterial growth and spoilage.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Keto Chicken Soup stays fresh and safe to consume for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. If you need to store it for longer, consider freezing portions of the soup for later use.
What can I serve with Keto Chicken Soup?
You can serve several keto-friendly accompaniments with Keto Chicken Soup to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas:
- Low-Carb Salad: A fresh salad made with leafy greens (like spinach or kale), cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and a keto-friendly dressing (such as olive oil and vinegar or a creamy ranch dressing).
- Keto Bread or Rolls: Serve Keto Chicken Soup with a slice of homemade keto bread or low-carb rolls. These can be made using almond flour, coconut flour, or other keto-friendly flours.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or zucchini make a delicious and nutritious side dish that complements the soup.
- Cheese Crisps: Crispy cheese crisps made by baking shredded cheese until golden and crispy are a tasty and crunchy addition to your soup.
- Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles): Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb alternative that pairs well with the soup.
- Keto Crackers or Croutons: Homemade keto crackers or croutons made from almond flour or coconut flour can add texture and crunch to your soup.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices add healthy fats and a creamy texture to your meal.
- Pickles or Fermented Vegetables: A side of pickles or fermented vegetables can provide a tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
- Herb Butter: Spread herb-infused butter on keto bread or rolls for added flavor.
- Cauliflower Rice: Serve Keto Chicken Soup over a bed of cauliflower rice for a hearty and filling meal.
These options are keto-friendly and can be tailored to suit your taste preferences while complementing the flavors of the Keto Chicken Soup.
Can I use rotisserie chicken in Keto Chicken Soup?
Yes, you can definitely use rotisserie chicken in Keto Chicken Soup. Using rotisserie chicken can be a convenient and flavorful option for adding cooked chicken to your soup. Here’s how you can incorporate rotisserie chicken into Keto Chicken Soup:
- Purchase a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store or market.
- Remove the skin and bones from the rotisserie chicken, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using your hands or a fork.
- Follow the cooking instructions for Keto Chicken Soup, starting with sautéing vegetables and simmering the broth.
- When the soup is almost done simmering, add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot.
- Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to heat through.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Using rotisserie chicken not only saves you time on cooking and shredding chicken but also adds a delicious flavor to the soup. Just be mindful of any seasoning or marinade that may have been used on the rotisserie chicken, especially if it contains added sugars or high-carb ingredients that may not be suitable for a keto diet.
I’m Priscilla Swahn, a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutritional sciences. With over a decade of experience in holistic nutrition, I specialize in creating delicious keto recipes to help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle. On iKetoMom, you’ll find a variety of recipes for every meal—hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, mouthwatering dinners, indulgent desserts, and refreshing drinks. My recipes make keto living easy and enjoyable for the whole family. Featured in EatingWell and MindBodyGreen, I also collaborate with health centers and corporate companies to share my expertise. Join me and discover the joy of keto cooking!