Sometimes, a warm and comforting bowl of chicken soup is all you need, especially on cold days or when you're feeling under the weather. This keto chicken and noodles recipe offers a low-carb twist on the classic dish, providing the same comforting experience with added health benefits. This recipe is packed with protein, vegetables, and healthy chicken bone broth, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Why Keto Chicken Noodle Soup?
Traditional chicken noodle soup is often high in carbohydrates due to the noodles and certain vegetables. This keto-friendly version uses low-carb alternatives, making it suitable for those following a ketogenic diet. Chicken noodle soup is also used as a remedy for colds in many countries. This recipe retains all the essential components of the traditional soup while significantly reducing the carbohydrate content.
Ingredients and Substitutions
This keto chicken noodle soup recipe features several key ingredients that can be adjusted based on your preferences and dietary needs.
Noodles: Traditional recipes use wheat-based noodles, which are high in carbs. This recipe uses keto egg noodles made from almond flour and xanthan gum. Other low-carb noodle options include spaghetti squash, cabbage, zucchini noodles (zoodles), kelp noodles, hearts of palm noodles, and shirataki noodles. Palmini noodles are also a great option, as they resemble traditional noodles and hold up well to reheating.
Broth: Chicken bone broth is used to enhance both the taste and health benefits of the soup. Bone broth is rich in collagen and minerals, which are beneficial for bone health.
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Chicken: You can use either raw or cooked chicken for this recipe. If using raw chicken, it should be cooked in water until tender before being added to the soup. Pre-cooked shredded chicken can also be used as a shortcut.
Vegetables: The classic combination of celery, onion, and carrots forms the base of the soup. While carrots are not the lowest in carbs, they can be used in moderation for added flavor. Cauliflower rice can also be added for additional texture and flavor.
Making Keto Egg Noodles
The keto egg noodles are simple to make with just a few ingredients:
- Almond flour
- Xanthan gum
- Salt
- Onion powder
- Hot water
- Egg
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, mix to form a dough, and roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper. Cut the dough into strips and bake until firm.
Recipe: Keto Chicken and Noodles
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this comforting keto soup:
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Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- Salt to taste
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Cooked chicken, shredded
For the Keto Egg Noodles:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Prepare the Soup Base: Add butter to a large stockpot and melt over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrots, and salt. Cook until the vegetables are just tender.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Stir in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Add the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Make the Keto Egg Noodles: Combine almond flour, xanthan gum, salt, and onion powder in a small bowl. Whisk in hot water and egg. Mix to combine.
- Roll and Cut the Noodles: Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough until it is about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into thin or thick strips, as preferred.
- Bake the Noodles: Transfer the noodles to a parchment-lined baking tray and bake at 200 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Remove the soup from the stove top and add the noodles to the soup.
Variations and Tips
- Slow Cooker Option: For a slow cooker version, prepare the soup base and chicken in the slow cooker. Add the keto noodles at the end, just before serving.
- Noodle Alternatives: If you don't want to make keto egg noodles, you can use other options like Palmini noodles, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash.
- Adding Flavor: Enhance the flavor of the soup with herbs like thyme, parsley, and oregano. Lemon juice can also be added for a bright, fresh taste.
- Make Ahead: The soup can be made in advance up until you add the noodles. Add the noodles just before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Nutritional Information
This keto chicken soup has approximately 3.2g net carbs per serving, including the noodles. Removing the noodles will further reduce the carb count, with the remaining carbs coming from the vegetables.
Other Keto Chicken Recipes
If you enjoy this keto chicken and noodles recipe, here are some other low-carb chicken dishes to try:
- Keto Butter Chicken with Noodles: A flavorful and tender chicken dish served with Palmini noodles or zucchini noodles.
- Keto Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: A cheesy and comforting casserole made with shirataki noodles and a blend of cheeses.
- One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta: A creamy and flavorful dish packed with Italian flavors, made without the carbs.
- Low-Carb Breaded Chicken Cutlets: Juicy and tender chicken cutlets that are easy to make and require no pounding.
- Keto Meat Noodles: Noodles made from chicken breast, offering a protein-packed alternative to traditional pasta.
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