As the crisp air of autumn settles in, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a bowl of warm soup. This Keto Chicken Broccoli Soup has quickly become my go-to for chilly evenings, merging the heartiness of tender chicken with the nutritious crunch of fresh broccoli, all enveloped in a creamy, dreamy blend. The silky smoothness of cream cheese and a dash of flavorful spices come together to create a dish that’s not just satisfying but also low in carbs and gluten-free.
On those busy nights when I crave something wholesome yet easy, I love how this recipe offers two methods: a quick stovetop option that whips up in under 30 minutes, and a leisurely crockpot version that allows the flavors to meld beautifully while I tackle other tasks. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone just looking to break the fast-food cycle, this soup will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Grab your ingredients, and let’s warm up to a delightful dish that’s bound to please everyone at the table!
Why Will You Love Keto Chicken Broccoli Soup?
Rich, Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese and heavy cream creates a luxurious base that makes each spoonful blissful.
Quick Preparation: Whip it up in under 30 minutes on the stovetop or use your crockpot for ease.
Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Fresh broccoli provides essential vitamins while keeping the dish low-carb and gluten-free.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Whether for family dinners or gatherings, this hearty soup satisfies all ages.
Versatile Enjoyment: Pair it with keto “corn” bread for a complete meal or enjoy it alone as a filling dish.
Keto Chicken Broccoli Soup Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- Broccoli Florets – Provides essential vitamins and adds bulk; using fresh gives a slight crunch.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and enhances the creamy texture of the soup.
- Cream Cheese – Thickens the soup while imparting a velvety smoothness; ensure it’s softened for easier mixing.
- Heavy Cream – Contributes to a luxurious texture; replace with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Chicken Broth – Provides flavor depth and moisture; choose low-sodium for a healthier twist.
- Water – Balances thickness and adjusts consistency based on preference.
For the Flavor
- Parmesan Cheese – Boosts umami flavor and helps thicken the soup; fresh-grated is best for melting.
- Dried Thyme – Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Onion Powder & Garlic Powder – Offer a savory depth that elevates the overall taste.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance the soup’s flavor profile.
For the Protein
- Boneless Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Provides heartiness and protein; thighs can add more flavor richness.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Main source of cheesiness and thickness; increase amount for an even creamier soup.
With these ingredients ready, you’ll be just moments away from enjoying a heartwarming bowl of Keto Chicken Broccoli Soup that’s simply unforgettable!
How to Make Keto Chicken Broccoli Soup
- Chop Vegetables: Start by chopping the broccoli into small florets and dicing the chicken into 1-inch pieces. This helps them cook evenly and fit perfectly in every spoonful!
- Melt Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and combine it with the cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and water. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and creamy, taking about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Spices: Stir in the chicken pieces, parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken with that luscious creamy base.
- Incorporate Broccoli: Add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot, cover, and let it simmer on low. Stir occasionally for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and opaque.
- Melt Cheddar: Once the chicken is ready, add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and everything is nicely combined for that perfect creamy consistency.
- Season to Taste: Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thinner texture, feel free to add a little more chicken broth.
- Serve Hot: Dish out the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and extra cheddar cheese if you’d like. Enjoy it warm!
Optional: Serve with a side of keto “corn” bread for a delightful meal!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Keto Chicken Broccoli Soup
- Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the water by 1 cup or increase the cheddar to 3 cups for extra creaminess.
- Crockpot Convenience: Utilize a crockpot for a fuss-free option; cook on low for 3 hours or high for 80 minutes for tender ingredients.
- Frozen Broccoli Use: When using frozen broccoli, decrease stovetop cooking time by 5 minutes or by 10 minutes in the crockpot to avoid overcooking.
- Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days; avoid freezing as the soup may separate upon thawing.
- Seasoning to Taste: Always taste your Keto Chicken Broccoli Soup before serving and adjust seasoning as necessary for maximum flavor.
Variations & Substitutions for Keto Chicken Broccoli Soup
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize this delightful soup to suit your taste!
- Thigh Swap: Use boneless chicken thighs for a richer, juicier flavor that deepens the overall taste of the soup. Thighs have a natural tenderness that makes every spoonful even more satisfying.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Replace the cream cheese and shredded cheddar with dairy-free alternatives, such as cashew cream and nutritional yeast, for a vegan-friendly version. This switch maintains the creaminess without the dairy!
- Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrition factor by adding spinach or cauliflower to your soup. These additions not only enhance the dish but also add vibrant color and extra flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead of dried thyme to freshen up the flavor profile. Herbs can bring a whole new dimension to the comforting base of this soup.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a little heat. This subtle change will awaken your senses and elevate the enjoyment of each spoonful.
- Different Cheeses: Try swapping the cheddar cheese with Gouda or Gruyère for a delightful twist. These cheeses introduce extra depth and a hint of smokiness that perfectly complements the soup’s creaminess.
- Broth Variation: For a more robust taste, use homemade chicken broth or bone broth. The deeper flavor adds an extra layer of richness that store-bought varieties may lack.
- Texture Change: If you love a chunky texture in your soup, reserve some broccoli and chicken, blend the remainder, then stir it all back together. You’ll enjoy a lovely mix of creamy and hearty bites!
What to Serve with Keto Chicken Broccoli Soup?
When it comes to enhancing the flavors of this heartwarming soup, the right sides can elevate your meal experience even further.
- Keto “Corn” Bread: This deliciously moist bread mimics traditional cornbread while staying low-carb, perfect for dipping into your soup.
- Crispy Side Salad: A fresh medley of greens with a tangy dressing adds a crunch that balances the rich creaminess of the soup.
- Garlic Butter Green Beans: Tender, buttery green beans tossed with garlic offer a simple yet flavorful side that complements the soup beautifully.
- Zucchini Noodles: Light and refreshing, these noodles provide a lovely texture contrast, making your meal feel more substantial without the carbs.
- Herbed Cauliflower Rice: Fluffy cauliflower rice seasoned with fresh herbs brings a subtle flavor enhancement and rounds out your low-carb plate deliciously.
Enjoy the comforting embrace of your Keto Chicken Broccoli Soup alongside these delightful sides, making each bite a cherished moment at the dinner table!
How to Store and Freeze Keto Chicken Broccoli Soup
Fridge: Store the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: It’s best not to freeze this soup, as it may separate and lose texture upon thawing.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
Leftovers: Enjoy leftover Keto Chicken Broccoli Soup within three days for the best taste and texture!
Keto Chicken Broccoli Soup Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right broccoli for the soup?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, select bright green broccoli florets with firm stems and no dark spots or yellowing. If using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s high quality and avoid any that appear icy or have freezer burn.
What’s the best way to store leftover Keto Chicken Broccoli Soup?
Store the soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation. This helps maintain both flavor and texture!
Can I freeze Keto Chicken Broccoli Soup?
Unfortunately, it’s best not to freeze this soup, as the creaminess may separate when thawed, leading to an unappealing texture. Instead, savor your leftovers within three days for the best experience. If you must freeze it, consider blending it into a purée after thawing to restore some creaminess.
What if my soup comes out too thick?
No worries! If your Keto Chicken Broccoli Soup is thicker than desired, simply stir in a bit of chicken broth or water until you reach your preferred consistency. This can also help revive the creaminess if it seems a little dull after storing!
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, indeed! To make the soup dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Plus, choose dairy-free cheese alternatives for the cheddar and parmesan, and you’ll have a deliciously creamy variation everyone can enjoy!
Is this soup safe for my pets?
While the ingredients in Keto Chicken Broccoli Soup are safe for humans, it’s always best to avoid giving any mushroom soups to pets due to added seasonings like garlic and onion which can be harmful to them. If you want to share it with them, serve only plain chicken and broccoli without any seasonings.
Creamy Keto Chicken Broccoli Soup That's Simply Unforgettable
Equipment
- large pot
- Crockpot
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 4 cups Broccoli Florets Fresh for crunch
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Adds richness
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese Softened for mixing
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Or coconut cream for dairy-free
- 4 cups Chicken Broth Low-sodium recommended
- 2 cups Water To balance thickness
For the Flavor
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Fresh-grated recommended
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
For the Protein
- 1 pound Boneless Chicken Breasts or Thighs Thighs add more flavor
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Increase for creaminess
Instructions
How to Make Keto Chicken Broccoli Soup
- Chop the broccoli into small florets and dice the chicken into 1-inch pieces.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and combine it with the cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and water. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the chicken pieces, parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chopped broccoli florets, cover, and simmer on low for about 20 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add more chicken broth if a thinner texture is desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra cheddar cheese if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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