When the weather turns chilly or when you’re simply in need of comfort food, there’s something undeniably soothing about a hot, hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup. But if you’re on a keto diet, the classic version-with its pasta noodles-might not align with your low-carb goals. Enter Keto Chicken Noodle Soup: a delicious, keto-friendly twist on the traditional recipe, full of flavor, warmth, and all the right ingredients to keep you feeling satisfied without the carbs.
This keto version uses simple, wholesome ingredients while swapping out the typical wheat noodles for a low-carb alternative. The result? A warm, nourishing bowl of soup that fits perfectly into your ketogenic lifestyle. Whether you’re trying to reduce your carb intake or just craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Keto Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Let’s get into the specifics of this delightful dish. It’s a hearty, filling soup made with tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and a rich, flavorful broth. Instead of noodles, we’ll use something that’ll maintain that noodle-like texture but without the carbs.
Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you need to whip up this delicious, keto-friendly chicken noodle soup. The ingredients are easy to find, and most are kitchen staples, so you don’t have to worry about special trips to the store.
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Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut)
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Broth
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium to control salt content)
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Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced thinly
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
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Keto ’Noodles’
- 1 medium zucchini, spiralized or cut into thin strips (zucchini noodles are a great low-carb alternative!)
- 1/2 cup shirataki noodles (optional but great for adding texture)
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Herbs & Spices
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Fat
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (for sautéing the vegetables)
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Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for a pop of color and fresh flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Here’s how you can put it all together for a piping hot bowl of keto chicken noodle soup:
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Cook The Chicken
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in the pot for about 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once cooled, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
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Make The Soup Base
- Add the chicken broth to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom (these add amazing flavor).
- Stir in the thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
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Add The ’Noodles’
- Once the broth is simmering, stir in the zucchini noodles and shirataki noodles (if using).
- Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the zucchini noodles soften. Be careful not to overcook them-zucchini can get mushy quickly.
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Finish The Soup
- Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy the cozy comfort of your keto-friendly chicken noodle soup!
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this recipe has been carefully selected to fit into a keto-friendly diet while still delivering that comforting chicken noodle soup taste you crave.
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Chicken
- Chicken is a fantastic source of protein and low in carbs, making it an ideal choice for a keto meal. Whether you choose breasts or thighs depends on your flavor preference. Thighs add more fat, making them a bit juicier, while breasts are leaner.
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Zucchini Noodles
- Zucchini is a low-carb vegetable that’s perfect for replicating the texture of traditional noodles. It’s rich in water and fiber, so it gives a nice bite without any starchy carbs.
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Shirataki Noodles
- These noodles are made from konjac root and are extremely low in carbs. They provide a noodle-like texture and are perfect for a keto twist on the classic chicken noodle soup.
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Chicken Broth
- Opt for a low-sodium, high-quality broth, or better yet, make your own! Homemade broth is loaded with collagen and amino acids, making it a nourishing, gut-friendly addition to the soup.
Expert Tips
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For A Richer Broth
Add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or cream cheese to the broth just before serving. This will add a velvety richness that takes the soup to the next level.
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Don’t Overcook The Zucchini
Zucchini noodles cook very quickly, so don’t leave them in the pot for too long! If they become mushy, they’ll lose their texture and turn soggy. Aim to cook them just until tender.
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Add Bone Broth For Extra Health Benefits
Bone broth is a great option for extra protein and minerals, especially collagen. If you’re using store-bought broth, look for one that’s rich in collagen or even try adding a scoop of collagen powder to the soup.
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Herb Swaps
If you’re not a fan of thyme or oregano, you can easily substitute them with rosemary or parsley. Fresh herbs also work great as a garnish, so feel free to experiment!
Recipe Variations
This keto chicken noodle soup is wonderfully versatile. Here are some variations you can try to make it your own:
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Creamy Chicken Soup
- Add some heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy twist on the soup. This makes the broth richer and more indulgent.
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Vegetable Add-ins
- You can add other low-carb vegetables like spinach, kale, or cauliflower. They’ll add nutrients and texture without adding any significant carbs.
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Shirataki Noodle-Free Version
- If you prefer a more brothy soup with fewer “noodles”, just skip the zucchini and shirataki noodles altogether. You’ll still have a flavorful and satisfying soup.
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Spicy Kick
- Add some red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to give your soup an extra kick. A little heat can really liven up the flavors.
Final Words
This Keto Chicken Noodle Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a reminder that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor when following a keto lifestyle. It’s an incredibly satisfying, low-carb version of the classic comfort food, and it comes together quickly and easily. You’ll feel nourished, satisfied, and warm after just one bowl!
If you’re in need of a comforting dish that’s not just healthy but also indulgent in all the right ways, then this recipe is a keeper.
FAQs
What Is A Keto Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
A keto chicken noodle soup recipe is a low-carb variation of traditional chicken noodle soup, where the regular wheat-based noodles are replaced with keto-friendly alternatives, such as zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or cauliflower rice. It is designed to be compliant with the ketogenic diet, which focuses on high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carb meals.
Can I Use Regular Chicken For Keto Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes, you can use regular chicken for keto chicken noodle soup. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are commonly used. However, some people prefer using rotisserie chicken for convenience, while others may opt for dark meat chicken, like thighs, for added flavor and richness.
What Are The Best Low-carb Noodles For Keto Chicken Noodle Soup?
Some of the best low-carb noodles for keto chicken noodle soup include zucchini noodles (zoodles), shirataki noodles, and spaghetti squash. These alternatives provide a similar texture to traditional noodles but are much lower in carbohydrates, making them ideal for a keto diet.
How Do I Make Keto Chicken Noodle Soup Creamy?
To make keto chicken noodle soup creamy, you can add heavy cream, coconut milk, or a combination of both. You can also use cream cheese or a small amount of full-fat Greek yogurt to achieve a rich, creamy texture without adding too many carbs.
Can I Make Keto Chicken Noodle Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make keto chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker. Simply add the chicken, broth, vegetables, and seasoning to the slow cooker, and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the low-carb noodles toward the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
What Vegetables Can I Use In Keto Chicken Noodle Soup?
Common vegetables used in keto chicken noodle soup include celery, carrots (in moderation, due to their carb content), onions, garlic, and spinach. You can also experiment with other low-carb vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or kale.
Is It Possible To Make Keto Chicken Noodle Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, keto chicken noodle soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, it’s best to store the noodles separately if possible, as they may become soggy when stored in the soup. Reheat the soup gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What Can I Use To Replace The Chicken Broth In A Keto Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
If you need a substitute for chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth, bone broth, or even homemade chicken stock for a richer flavor. Just ensure that the broth or stock is low in carbohydrates and doesn’t contain added sugars.
Can I Add Cheese To Keto Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes, cheese can be added to keto chicken noodle soup for extra flavor and creaminess. You can stir in shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella, or Parmesan. Adding cheese is a great way to increase the fat content and make the soup even richer.
How Many Carbs Are In Keto Chicken Noodle Soup?
The number of carbs in keto chicken noodle soup depends on the ingredients used. If you use low-carb noodles like zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles and avoid starchy vegetables, a typical serving of keto chicken noodle soup may have around 3-5 grams of net carbs per serving. However, it’s important to calculate based on the specific ingredients you use.