Name: Keto Chicken Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter or extra virgin olive oil; 1.25 small yellow onion, finely diced (approximately 87g); 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped (approximately 122g); 1 small leek, chopped (approximately 67g); 3 medium stalks celery, chopped (approximately 120g); 1 tablespoon thyme leaves, chopped; 8 g fresh parsley; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1.5 quarts chicken stock (approximately 1.5 litres); 2 bay leaves; 0.5 teaspoon salt or to taste (dependant on how salty your stock is); 0.25 teaspoon black pepper or to taste; 2.5 cups cooked shredded chicken (approximately 300g); 1 cup chopped cavolo nero or kale (approximately 50g); 1 squeeze lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon fresh parsley

Introduction to Keto Chicken Soup

If you're a busy young professional juggling work, social life, and self-care, homemade soups might just become your new best friend. Enter the keto chicken soup, a nourishing, low-carb option that’s not only quick to make but also incredibly satisfying. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a bowl of this comforting soup, which boasts a mere 7.6 grams of net carbs per serving.

Why homemade soups are game-changers for young professionals?

Homemade soups are versatile, making them a fantastic choice for meal prep. Imagine having a nutritious dish ready to go after a hectic day! Plus, they’re easy to customize. Want to add more veggies? Go for it! Prefer a spicier kick? Add some extra seasoning! According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, soups can contribute to hydration and satiety, keeping you fuller for longer and potentially helping with weight management.

With the convenience of storing leftovers in the fridge or freezer, you have wholesome meals ready for those days when cooking feels impossible. This keto chicken soup not only delivers on taste but also supports your healthy lifestyle effortlessly!

For the full recipe and cooking instructions, check out The Best Low Carb Keto Chicken Soup below!

Ingredients for Keto Chicken Soup

List of Fresh Ingredients

To whip up your delicious keto chicken soup, you’ll need a handful of fresh ingredients that bring both flavor and nutrition to the table:

Butter or Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
Yellow Onion: 1 ¼ small, finely diced, for a foundational flavor.
Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and chopped, adding natural sweetness.
Leek: 1 small, chopped, for that mild onion flavor.
Celery: 3 medium stalks, chopped, giving a lovely crunch.
Thyme Leaves: 1 tablespoon, chopped, to add herby goodness.
Fresh Parsley: 8g, to brighten the flavors.
Garlic Clove: 1, minced, for that aromatic kick.
Chicken Stock: 1.5 quarts (1.5 liters), the base of your soup.
Bay Leaves: 2, for depth of flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, depending on your stock’s saltiness.
Cooked Shredded Chicken: 2.5 cups (300g), for protein.
Cavolo Nero or Kale: 1 cup, chopped (50g), for a nutritious boost.

Optional Ingredients for Personalization

Making your keto chicken soup your own can be fun! Here are some optional ingredients you can consider adding:

Spinach or Swiss Chard: For extra greens and nutrients.
Zucchini: Chopped, adds texture without many carbs.
Spices: Like paprika or cumin for added warmth.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze at the end enhances the flavors beautifully.
Turkey Bacon or Chicken Ham: Adds a smoky richness if you desire.

Feel free to get creative with your additions, tailoring this nourishing soup to your taste! Looking for more inspiration? Check sites like Healthline for nutrition articles that can give you additional ideas on ingredient substitutions.

Preparing Keto Chicken Soup

Making a delightful keto chicken soup can be a heartwarming experience. This recipe not only fills your kitchen with delicious aromas but also results in a soothing bowl of goodness that’s perfect any time of year. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this comforting meal!

Sauté the aromatics

Start your soup by heating one tablespoon of butter or extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick soup pot over medium heat. Add finely diced yellow onion, chopped carrots, leek, and celery to the pot, along with chopped thyme and about two-thirds of the parsley. Sauté the mixture for about five minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. The key here is to release the essential flavors of these aromatics. Once soft, toss in a minced garlic clove and continue sautéing for another two to three minutes until it’s fragrant; your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Add and simmer the stock

Now, it's time to elevate your soup! Pour in 1.5 quarts of chicken stock along with the bay leaves, and season with half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper, adjusting to taste based on how salty your stock is. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich base for your keto chicken soup.

Blend for a creamy texture

Here comes the fun part! Using a stick blender, carefully remove half of the soup mixture (making sure to fish out the bay leaves first) and blend it until smooth. This will thicken your soup and infuse it with the comforting essence of the veggies without adding carbs. If you don’t have a stick blender, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender—just be cautious, as the soup will be hot!

Incorporate the chicken

After blending, pour the blended soup back into the pot, then stir in 2.5 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. If you’re looking for a time-saver, you can always use leftover chicken or a rotisserie bird from the store. Allow the soup to simmer for another addition of 5 minutes, so the flavors blend beautifully and the chicken warms through.

Finish with greens and seasoning

For the final touch, toss in one cup of chopped cavolo nero or kale to the pot and simmer for another minute until the greens are just tender. Before serving, swirl in a tablespoon of olive oil mixed with a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with the remaining fresh parsley. Adjust the seasoning one last time, and there you have it—your luscious keto chicken soup is ready to be enjoyed!

This soup not only serves as a nourishing meal but also makes for excellent leftovers, perfect for prepping ahead or taking to work in a soup flask. Enjoy your homemade creation!

Variations on Keto Chicken Soup

Spicy Keto Chicken Soup

If you adore a bit of heat in your meals, try adding diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to your keto chicken soup. Not only does this elevate the flavor profile, but it also adds a delightful kick! For additional depth, consider incorporating spices like cumin or smoked paprika, which pair beautifully with the chicken and vegetables.

Coconut Curry Keto Chicken Soup

For a unique twist, transform your keto chicken soup into a creamy coconut curry delight. Simply add a can of full-fat coconut milk and a tablespoon of red curry paste during the cooking process. The warming spices and rich coconut create a comforting bowl of soup that's both filling and low in carbs. Toss in some chopped spinach or broccoli for an extra boost of nutrients!

These variations keep your keto meal prep exciting and delicious. Which one will you try first?

Cooking Tips for Keto Chicken Soup

Importance of Quality Stock

Using a high-quality chicken stock is key to achieving the rich, comforting flavor in your keto chicken soup. Homemade stock is always best since it allows you to control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives. Alternatively, choose a low-sodium version if you’re short on time. A good-quality broth can elevate your soup, making it not just tasty but also nourishing.

How to Adjust Seasoning Effectively

Tasting and tweaking your seasonings after the soup simmers is essential for perfecting your dish. Remember, you can always add more salt or pepper, but you can’t take it out! Start with a little and build up. You might like to finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness or a dollop of fresh herbs for an extra flavor kick. These simple tweaks can transform your keto chicken soup into a masterpiece!

Serving Suggestions for Keto Chicken Soup

Perfect Pairings for a Complete Meal

To elevate your keto chicken soup into a complete feast, consider pairing it with a fresh, crisp side salad dressed in olive oil and lemon. Adding some sliced avocado can also introduce healthy fats, complementing the soup's flavors beautifully. If you're in the mood for something heartier, serve the soup alongside a slice of low-carb almond flour bread for dipping—a satisfying combo that will keep you full and energized.

Ideal Containers for Meal Prep

Planning ahead? Use glass meal prep containers for your keto chicken soup. Not only do they preserve flavors, but they also make reheating a breeze! Look for ones with separate compartments if you want to bring along those tasty sides mentioned earlier. With proper storage, this soup can last in the fridge for up to three days, or you can freeze it for up to three months—perfect for those busy workweeks.

For more meal prep tips, check out Meal Prep on Fleek.

Time Breakdown for Keto Chicken Soup

Preparation Time
Getting started on this keto chicken soup is a breeze! You'll need about 10 minutes to chop your veggies and prep your ingredients.

Cooking Time
After that, let the magic happen on the stove! The cooking process takes approximately 30 minutes, allowing all those rich flavors to meld beautifully.

Total Time
In just 40 minutes, you have a comforting and nourishing bowl of keto chicken soup ready. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for meal prep!

For more tips on prepping your ingredients, check out this simple guide on meal prep. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Facts for Keto Chicken Soup

When you dig into a bowl of keto chicken soup, you're not just treating your taste buds—you're also nourishing your body. Here's a closer look at its nutritional profile:

Calories: Each serving contains approximately 286 calories, making it a satisfying yet light choice for dinner.
Protein: With around 29 grams of protein per serving, this soup is a fantastic way to support muscle health and keep you feeling full longer.
Carbohydrate Content: At just 10.2 grams of total carbohydrates, including only 7.6 grams of net carbs, this low-carb soup is perfectly aligned with ketogenic dietary principles.

For more details on the health benefits of protein and low-carb diets, you might want to check out this article from Healthline. Enjoy your wholesome bowl!

FAQs about Keto Chicken Soup

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for your keto chicken soup. Simply shred the chicken and toss it into the pot during the last steps. It adds rich flavor and saves you time, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without the fuss.

How to store leftovers?

Leftover keto chicken soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. If you want to enjoy it later, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a quick meal!

Ideas for modifying the recipe?

Feel free to get creative! You can add additional low-carb vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more texture. Want a creamier soup? Stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk right before serving. And if you’re looking for added protein, consider mixing in Turkey Bacon or Chicken Ham for that extra deliciousness. The options are endless!

For more tips on low-carb eating, check out this guide on keto-friendly ingredients to enhance your cooking experience!

Conclusion on Keto Chicken Soup

In summary, this keto chicken soup is not only nourishing but also low in carbs, making it perfect for any dinner table. With its vibrant flavors and comforting warmth, we encourage you to give this recipe a try! It could become your new go-to dish for busy nights. Enjoy!