This article explores the delightful world of keto cream of chicken soup, offering a comprehensive guide to creating this comforting dish at home. Forget the processed, canned versions - homemade keto cream of chicken soup is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfectly suited for a low-carb lifestyle. This soup can be enjoyed as a warm and satisfying meal on its own or used as a base for various low-carb casseroles.
Why Choose Keto Cream of Chicken Soup?
Traditional cream of chicken soup often contains unwanted ingredients like vegetable oil, modified food starch, and cane sugar. By making your own, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthy and delicious meal. The keto version is low in net carbs, often around 5.7 to 6.2 grams per serving, making it ideal for those following a ketogenic diet. The richness of cream and cheese provides comfort and satiety.
Core Ingredients for Keto Cream of Chicken Soup
Here's a breakdown of the essential ingredients you'll need:
- Fat: Butter and olive oil (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option) form the base for softening vegetables and adding richness. Ghee can also be used.
- Aromatics: Onion and garlic provide depth of flavor.
- Vegetables: Carrots add a touch of sweetness and texture. Celery and bell peppers can also be added for extra flavor and nutrients. Cauliflower can be used to thicken the soup or to replace cream altogether for a dairy-free version.
- Broth: Chicken broth or bone broth forms the liquid base of the soup, adding flavor and nutrients. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
- Creaminess: Cream cheese and half-and-half (or heavy cream) create the signature creamy texture. Coconut milk or coconut cream can be substituted for a dairy-free alternative.
- Protein: Shredded chicken, cooked chicken thighs, or leftover rotisserie chicken provide the protein component.
- Thickener (Optional): Xanthan gum can be used to thicken the soup, especially as it cools. Collagen Protein Beef Gelatin can also be added for thickness and added health benefits.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, celery seed, and dried thyme enhance the flavor profile. Poultry seasoning can also be used.
Step-by-Step Instructions
While specific steps may vary slightly depending on the recipe, here's a general guide to making keto cream of chicken soup:
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Melt butter and olive oil (or ghee) in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth or bone broth and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Incorporate Creaminess: Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and half-and-half (or heavy cream/coconut milk). Puree the mixture with a stick blender until smooth and creamy.
- Add Chicken and Thicken (If Using): Add shredded chicken. If desired, sprinkle xanthan gum on top and stir until dissolved.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and other desired spices to taste. Simmer until heated through.
Variations and Additions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize your keto cream of chicken soup:
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- Add Vegetables: Diced bell peppers, celery, mushrooms, or broccoli can be added for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk or coconut cream for heavy cream and coconut oil or vegan butter for butter.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Add Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, or other keto-friendly cheeses can be added for extra flavor and richness.
- Use Different Proteins: Swap chicken for mushrooms (for a vegetarian option), bacon, or ham.
- Thicken with Cauliflower: For a dairy-free and extra-creamy option, add cooked cauliflower florets and blend until smooth.
- Add Wine: Add white cooking wine to deglaze the pan after cooking the bacon and mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
Keto cream of chicken soup can be enjoyed on its own or with various toppings and side dishes. Consider these options:
- Toppings: Shredded cheese, bacon bits, green onions, crispy bacon or prosciutto.
- Side Dishes: Steamed green vegetables (broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts), cauliflower rice.
- As a Base: Use it as a creamy sauce for baked chicken, casseroles, or other keto-friendly dishes.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. If frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Dairy-Free Keto Cream of Chicken Soup
For those avoiding dairy, a delicious dairy-free keto cream of chicken soup is easily achievable. Here's how:
- Replace Dairy: Substitute coconut milk or coconut cream for heavy cream and coconut oil or vegan butter for butter.
- Consider Cauliflower: Use cauliflower as a base for the soup to create a creamy texture without dairy. Cook cauliflower florets until soft, then blend until smooth and add to the soup.
Making Condensed Keto Cream of Chicken Soup
This recipe can also be adapted to create a condensed version, perfect for use in casseroles or as a sauce. To make condensed soup:
- Reduce Liquid: Reduce the amount of chicken broth to 1/3 cup.
- Omit Chicken: Omit the chicken thighs for a more concentrated flavor.
Slow Cooker Instructions
For a hands-off approach, you can make keto cream of chicken soup in a slow cooker:
- Skip Sautéing: Skip the initial step of sautéing the aromatics and vegetables.
- Combine Ingredients: Combine all ingredients (except the xanthan gum, if using) in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cook on low for 3 hours.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts and shred them. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Thicken (If Using): If desired, stir in xanthan gum until dissolved.
Important Considerations
- Nutritional Information: Remember that the exact macros will depend on the specific brands of ingredients you use.
- Erythritol Carbs: Erythritol carbs are often not included in carb counts as they have been shown not to impact blood sugar.
- Net Carbs: Net carbs are calculated by subtracting fiber from total carbs.
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