Keto Chicken Noodle Soup is a healthy, low-carb version of the classic comfort food. Instead of regular noodles, zucchini noodles or other keto-friendly substitutes are used. The soup is made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth, all while keeping the carb count low. It’s a great option for anyone on the keto diet, offering a rich, hearty meal without straying from the diet’s principles.
This keto chicken noodle soup can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal option. The chicken is sautéed first, followed by the vegetables and broth, then simmered together for a flavorful finish. Once the zucchini noodles are added, the soup cooks in just a few minutes, ensuring a fast, satisfying dish.
Making this soup provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a warm, flavorful meal that stays true to the keto lifestyle. The zucchini noodles add a fresh, light texture, while the chicken and broth create a comforting foundation. It’s satisfying without being heavy, and the herbs and vegetables blend perfectly to create a tasty, nourishing soup. The whole family will enjoy it, even if they aren’t following a keto diet!
Why You’ll Love It Keto Chicken Noodle Soup
- Low-Carb Delight: Keto Chicken Noodle Soup is a perfect low-carb choice for anyone following a keto diet. It’s packed with protein from chicken and nutrient-rich veggies, making it a satisfying, healthy option that won’t kick you out of ketosis.
- Comforting and Hearty: This soup offers the warmth and comfort you crave, especially on chilly days. The rich, savory broth combined with tender chicken makes every spoonful satisfying, providing that home-cooked feel in every bite.
- Easy to Prepare: Keto Chicken Noodle Soup is simple and quick to make. With minimal ingredients and prep time, it’s a hassle-free meal perfect for busy weeknights, ensuring you get a nutritious meal without much effort.
Ingredient Notes for a Keto Chicken Noodle Soup
- Chicken Breasts: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are ideal for this keto chicken noodle soup. They are low in carbs, high in protein, and offer a lean texture. You can easily shred the chicken for a smooth, comforting soup.
- Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables, olive oil adds healthy fats and flavor. It’s a great addition to keep the soup keto-friendly and maintain a rich, savory taste.
- Onion: A medium onion brings a mild, slightly sweet flavor to the soup. It adds depth without compromising the low-carb nature of the dish. Make sure to finely chop it for even cooking.
- Celery Stalks: Celery gives the soup a satisfying crunch and mild taste. It is low in calories and carbs, making it a perfect addition to your keto chicken noodle soup.
- Carrots: Carrots are a classic soup ingredient, but you’ll want to use them in moderation since they contain more carbs than other veggies. You can slice them thinly to add a burst of color and flavor without overwhelming the carb count.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will infuse your soup with a bold, aromatic flavor. Garlic is low in carbs and rich in antioxidants, making it a healthy and tasty addition.
- Chicken Broth: A key base for the soup, chicken broth adds savory depth and moisture. Opt for low-sodium versions to control the salt level, and ensure it’s free of added sugars or unnecessary carbs.
- Water: Adding water helps adjust the soup’s consistency. It ensures the broth isn’t too thick, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly while keeping the carb count low.
- Dried Thyme: This herb adds an earthy, slightly minty flavor to the soup. Dried thyme is low in carbs and gives a fragrant backdrop to the savory chicken broth.
- Dried Rosemary: A little rosemary goes a long way in this soup, giving it a bold, pine-like aroma and flavor. It’s perfect for enhancing the overall taste without adding carbs.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste with salt and pepper. These are essential for balancing the flavors and ensuring your keto chicken noodle soup is perfectly seasoned. Be mindful of the salt content in your broth.
- Zucchini Noodles: Zucchini noodles (zoodles) are a fantastic keto-friendly alternative to traditional noodles. They are low in carbs, yet still give that satisfying noodle texture, making them perfect for this soup.
- Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the soup with a burst of color and freshness. It also adds a subtle herbaceous flavor that complements the richness of the chicken broth.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch
Keto Chicken Noodle Soup is a delicious and healthy option for those on a low-carb diet. To make your soup even better, consider using zucchini noodles instead of regular pasta. This keeps the soup keto-friendly while still offering the comforting texture of noodles.
Experiment with seasonings to make your soup unique. Garlic, thyme, and rosemary are great additions for flavor. Adding a bit of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the taste, making your Keto Chicken Noodle Soup stand out from the rest.
For extra protein, try adding some cooked chicken breast or even shredded rotisserie chicken. You can also swap the chicken for turkey for a different flavor. This customization allows you to make the soup your own while keeping it low-carb and nutritious.
Keto Chicken Noodle Soup Variation
While the classic version is always a winner, you can customize your keto chicken noodle soup to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations:
- Add Other Veggies: Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables such as spinach, kale, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Version: For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Creamy Option: Make it a creamy soup by adding a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream to the broth.
- Cheese Lovers: Stir in some shredded cheese like mozzarella or Parmesan for added richness and flavor.
These variations allow you to experiment with different flavors while keeping the soup keto-friendly.
How to Serve Keto Chicken Noodle Soup
Keto Chicken Noodle Soup is versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas:
- As a Main Dish: This soup can be enjoyed as a hearty main dish. It’s filling, so a small bowl is usually enough to keep you satisfied.
- With a Side Salad: Serve with a fresh, leafy green salad for a balanced and refreshing meal.
- For Meal Prep: Keto Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch and store individual portions for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
The soup can be enjoyed hot or warm, making it a comforting meal during the colder months or any time you want a healthy, low-carb option.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers or want to make the soup ahead of time, here are some storage options:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover keto chicken noodle soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezer: This soup can be frozen for longer storage. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
- Noodle Consideration: If you’re planning to freeze the soup, consider adding the zucchini noodles fresh when reheating. Freezing zucchini noodles can result in a soggy texture, so it’s best to add them just before serving.
FAQs About Keto Chicken Noodle Soup
Can I make Keto Chicken Noodle Soup in advance?
Yes, you can make keto chicken noodle soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to add the noodles closer to serving time to keep them from becoming soggy.
What are the benefits of Keto Chicken Noodle Soup?
Keto chicken noodle soup provides a satisfying, low-carb meal that supports fat-burning and weight loss, thanks to its high-protein and healthy fat content. It’s also packed with nutrients like vitamins and minerals from the chicken and vegetables.
How do I store Keto Chicken Noodle Soup?
Store Keto Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to a month, but it’s best to avoid freezing the noodles to maintain texture.
Can I add more vegetables to Keto Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes, you can add extra low-carb vegetables like spinach, kale, or cauliflower to boost the soup’s nutrition. Just make sure to keep the carb count in check if you’re strictly following the keto diet.
Keto Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups zucchini noodles zoodles
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Method
- Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook and shred your chicken. Whether you use leftover chicken or cook fresh chicken breasts, make sure to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Set it aside for later.
- Sauté the Veggies: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, until they become soft and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the pot. Stir everything well and let it cook for another minute to release the wonderful flavors.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften.
- Add Zucchini Noodles and Chicken: Once the soup is simmering and the vegetables are tender, it’s time to add the zucchini noodles and shredded chicken. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes, just long enough for the zucchini noodles to soften and warm through.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.