Hearty Keto Soup

I discovered this hearty keto soup recipe during my first month of following a ketogenic diet, when I was desperately missing my grandmother’s chicken and potato soup. This rich, creamy bowl delivers all the comfort without derailing your low-carb goals.

There’s something magical about a soup that can warm you from the inside out while keeping you in ketosis. This hearty keto soup became my go-to recipe when the weather turned cold and I needed something more substantial than a simple broth. The secret lies in using cauliflower instead of potatoes and chicken thighs for that deep, satisfying flavor that makes you forget you’re eating keto-friendly food. Every spoonful delivers 28 grams of protein and only 7 total carbs, proving that comfort food and healthy eating can absolutely coexist.

Everything You Need for This Nourishing Bowl

I always recommend using chicken thighs over breasts for this keto soup recipe because they stay tender and add so much more flavor to the broth. For the richest taste, buy bone-in thighs and remove the bones yourself.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped (yellow onions work best)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced fresh
• 2 cups cauliflower florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup chopped celery, including some leaves for extra flavor
• 4 cups chicken broth, low sodium preferred
• 1 cup heavy cream (don’t use half-and-half as it may curdle)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Simple Steps to Soup Perfection

I recommend using a heavy-bottomed pot of at least 4-quart capacity and heating over medium heat rather than high to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken thighs and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-7 minutes total. The chicken should have a golden color but doesn’t need to be fully cooked through.

Step 2: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the chicken. Saute for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and you can smell the garlic becoming fragrant. This builds the flavor base for your hearty keto soup.

Step 3: Stir in cauliflower florets and chopped celery. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The vegetables should start to soften slightly around the edges.

Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and add dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are fork-tender and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. The cauliflower should pierce easily with a knife.

Step 5: Remove pot from heat temporarily. Stir in heavy cream gradually to prevent curdling, then return to low heat. Season with salt and pepper, and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This keto-friendly soup should be rich, creamy, and well-seasoned.

Perfect Partners for Your Comfort Bowl

This creamy soup pairs beautifully with several keto-approved sides that complement its rich, savory profile.

Keto Cloud Bread: The airy texture is perfect for dipping into this hearty keto soup without adding carbs.

Simple Green Salad: Fresh greens with olive oil dressing balance the richness and add valuable fiber to your meal.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness contrasts nicely with the creamy, mild flavors in the soup.

Avocado Slices: Healthy fats that make the meal even more satisfying and boost the nutrition profile.

More Low-Carb Soup Options for Your Keto Journey

This hearty keto soup fits perfectly into a collection of low-carb, high-fat soups that support your ketogenic lifestyle without sacrificing satisfaction. For creamy comfort that stays keto-friendly, the rich Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower Soup delivers indulgent cheese flavors while keeping carbs minimal and healthy fats high.

Build your keto soup rotation with protein-forward options like the satisfying Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup for extra protein power, the Mediterranean-inspired Mediterranean Cauliflower Soup for veggie-packed nutrition, or the warming Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup when you want healing spices alongside your low-carb goals.

Keep Your Soup Fresh and Delicious

Store your leftover hearty keto soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, where the flavors actually improve overnight.

For reheating, I recommend using the stovetop over low heat rather than the microwave to prevent the cream from separating. Stir gently and add a splash of broth if needed to thin the consistency.

This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, though you may need to whisk it well after thawing since the cream will separate during the freezing process. The texture returns to normal once stirred.

Your Most Common Questions Answered

Print