Creamy Keto Chicken Soup – Rich, Velvety & Only 5g Net Carbs.

Creamy Keto Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle. Rich, velvety, and packed with flavor, this hearty soup delivers restaurant-quality creaminess without flour, potatoes, or other carb-heavy ingredients. With only 5g net carbs and 35g of protein per serving, it is a satisfying meal that helps keep you full while supporting your keto goals.

Unlike traditional Soup that rely on roux or starch for thickness, this Creamy Keto Chicken Soup recipe uses cream cheese and nutrient-rich bone broth to create a silky texture. Tender shredded chicken, celery, garlic, and aromatic herbs come together in every spoonful, creating a warm and nourishing bowl that tastes far more indulgent than it actually is.
Whether you are meal prepping for the week, looking for a cozy winter dinner, or simply craving something filling and low-carb, this soup checks every box. It comes together in just 30 minutes, freezes well, and can easily be adapted into a dairy-free version. Once you try it, it is likely to earn a permanent place in your Creamy Keto Chicken Soup recipe collection.
Ingredients
For the soup base:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter or ghee (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken bone broth (low-sodium)
- 4 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp xanthan gum (optional, for extra thickness)
- Carrot ( optional) .
Optional garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crispy bacon bits
- Shredded parmesan
Time Chart
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Net Carbs (per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 min | 20 min | 30 min | 5g |
Step-by-Step Instructions (6 Steps)
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add butter. Once melted, add diced onion and chopped celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until onions turn translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the broth and cream cheese
Pour in chicken bone broth. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cut cream cheese into small cubes and whisk continuously until fully melted and incorporated. No lumps allowed — whisk vigorously.

Step 3: Season the base
Stir in salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Let the soup simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend. If using xanthan gum, sprinkle it now while whisking constantly to prevent clumps.

Step 4: Add the cream and chicken
Reduce heat to low. Pour in heavy cream (or coconut milk) and carrot. Stir until smooth. Add shredded cooked chicken. Simmer for another 5–7 minutes until chicken is heated through. Do not boil after adding cream, or it may separate.

Step 5: Adjust consistency
If the soup is too thick, add ¼ cup more broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered for 3–5 minutes longer. The soup will naturally thicken as it cools slightly.

Step 6: Serve and garnish
Ladle the Creamy Keto Chicken Soup into bowls. Top with fresh parsley, crispy bacon bits, or parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Why This Works (5 points with outbound links)
- High fat, moderate protein – This macro balance is ideal for ketosis. Learn more about keto macros from Diet Doctor’s keto guide.
- No thickeners needed – Cream cheese naturally emulsifies the soup. Research on emulsification from ScienceDirect explains why.
- Bone broth adds collagen – Supports joint health and gut healing. Read benefits on Healthline.
- Celery instead of potatoes – Provides crunch and fiber with minimal carbs. See low-carb vegetable guide from Verywell Health.
- Quick cook time – Prevents nutrient loss from overcooking. The Harvard Nutrition Source discusses optimal cooking methods.
Nutrition Facts Table (per serving — serves 4)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Total Fat | 38g |
| Saturated Fat | 20g |
| Cholesterol | 145mg |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Net Carbs | 5g |
| Protein | 35g |
| Vitamin A | 25% DV |
| Vitamin C | 8% DV |
| Calcium | 15% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
Caution Section (5-6 warnings)
- Do not boil after adding cream – High heat causes dairy to curdle. Keep soup at a gentle simmer only.
- Watch your portion size – This soup is calorie-dense. Stick to one bowl if weight loss is your goal.
- Check bone broth labels – Many store-bought broths contain added sugar or maltodextrin. Read ingredients carefully.
- Cream cheese must be softened – Cold cream cheese will clump and not dissolve. Leave it on the counter for 30 minutes first.
- Allergy alert: dairy – This Creamy Keto Chicken Soup recipe contains multiple dairy products. Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast for dairy-free version.
- Xanthan gum sensitivity – Some people experience bloating from xanthan gum. Omit it if you have a sensitive digestive system.
Variations (4-5)
- Dairy-free version – Replace butter with coconut oil, cream cheese with ¼ cup cashew paste, and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
- Spicy keto soup – Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper and 2 chopped jalapeños with the onions.
- Mushroom & chicken – Sauté 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms after the celery for earthy depth.
- Instant Pot method – Sauté using IP sauté function, then pressure cook on High for 5 minutes. Quick release, then add cream and chicken.
- Vegetarian adaption – Swap chicken for 2 cups chopped cauliflower and use vegetable broth. Add 1 tbsp coconut aminos for umami.
Common Mistakes Table
| Mistake | Why It Happens | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Curdled soup | Boiling after adding cream | Keep heat low; never boil after dairy |
| Lumpy texture | Cold cream cheese added directly | Soften cream cheese fully before whisking |
| Watery consistency | Not enough cream cheese or overcooking | Add ½ tsp xanthan gum or simmer longer |
| Bland flavor | Not seasoning in layers | Add salt at every stage: sauté, broth, and end |
| Chicken is dry | Overcooked or reheated too long | Add chicken only in last 5 minutes |
| Too thin after refrigeration | Fats solidify, not a mistake | Reheat gently and add 2 tbsp cream to restore |
FAQ (5-6)
1. Can I freeze this Creamy Keto Chicken Soup?
Yes, but freeze without the cream. Add fresh cream after thawing and reheating. Cream-based soups can separate in the freezer.
2. How long does this Creamy Keto Chicken Soup last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat on stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
3. Is this soup good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Make the base without chicken and cream. Store separately. Add both when reheating for best texture.
4. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes. Dice 2 raw chicken breasts and sauté them before adding broth. Cook for 8–10 minutes until done, then proceed.
5. What if I don’t have bone broth?
Regular chicken broth works, but you will lose some collagen and protein. Add 1 tbsp gelatin powder if desired.
6. Why are my net carbs 5g but label shows more?
Fiber and some sugar alcohols are subtracted. This Creamy Keto Chicken Soup recipe uses no sugar alcohols — the 5g net carbs come from onions, celery, and cream cheese.
What to Serve With This Creamy Keto Chicken Soup
Steamed asparagus – Tossed in melted ghee and sea salt.
Keto garlic bread – Made with almond flour, mozzarella, and butter to make this Creamy Keto Chicken Soup more delicious.
Side salad – Arugula, cucumber, olive oil, and lemon vinaigrette.
Parmesan crisps – Baked shredded parmesan for dipping.
Cauliflower crackers – Store-bought or homemade for crunch.
Storage, Meal Prep & Reheating Tips for this Creamy Keto Chicken Soup.
One of the best things about this Creamy Keto Chicken Soup is how well it fits into a busy lifestyle. Because it is high in protein and healthy fats, it makes an excellent meal-prep option for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. Preparing a large batch at the beginning of the week can save time while ensuring you always have a satisfying meal ready to enjoy.
For refrigerator storage, allow the Creamy Keto Chicken Soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors often become even richer after a day or two as the herbs and broth continue to blend together.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider freezing it before adding the heavy cream. Dairy-based soups can sometimes separate during freezing and thawing. Simply prepare the soup base, cool it completely, and freeze it in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat gently on the stovetop, and stir in fresh cream before serving.
When reheating, avoid high heat. Warm the soup slowly over low to medium-low heat while stirring occasionally. This helps maintain the smooth, creamy texture and prevents the dairy from curdling. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its original consistency.
For meal prep, divide the soup into individual containers and pair it with keto-friendly sides such as a simple green salad, parmesan crisps, or low-carb garlic bread. Having ready-to-go portions makes it much easier to stay on track with your nutrition goals while enjoying a comforting homemade meal.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Keto Chicken Soup proves that comfort food and healthy eating can go hand in hand. Every bowl is rich, creamy, and packed with protein, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep sessions, or those days when you simply need something warm and satisfying. Best of all, it uses simple ingredients that are easy to find and budget-friendly.
If you enjoy versatile Creamy Keto Chicken Soup recipes, this one is worth keeping in regular rotation. Add mushrooms, bacon, extra herbs, or even leftover turkey to create new variations each time you make it. Serve it with keto garlic bread or a fresh side salad, and enjoy a comforting low-carb meal that tastes just as good as it looks.
If you enjoyed this low carb avocado tuna salad, you might also like these healthy Creamy Keto Chicken Soup recipes:
- Keto Cucumber Avocado Salad (4g Net Carbs).
- Keto Egg Roll Bowl with Ground Beef.
- Keto Zucchini Lasagna | 6g Net Carbs.
- Best Keto Almond Flour Cake.
- Grilled Zucchini Turkey Boats | 20-Min High-Protein Low-Carb Dinner.






