Keto Chicken and Spinach Soup Recipe: A Delicious Low-Carb Comfort Meal

If you're looking for a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle, this Keto Chicken and Spinach Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with lean chicken, vibrant spinach, and a rich, creamy broth, this soup is not only incredibly flavorful but also a perfect way to stick to your low-carb goals. Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this keto-friendly soup will quickly become a favorite.

This recipe combines the deliciousness of chicken and spinach with a creamy base, all while being low in carbs, high in protein, and full of healthy fats. It's an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting bowl of soup without the guilt of traditional high-carb options.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Chicken and Spinach Soup

This Keto Chicken and Spinach Soup is perfect for anyone on a ketogenic diet. It’s a low-carb, high-fat soup that checks all the boxes for being satisfying, nutritious, and delicious. The best part? It’s super simple to make, making it ideal for meal prep, busy weeknights, or when you're craving a hearty, comfort-filled meal.

Key Benefits of This Recipe:

Low-Carb: Perfect for those following a keto diet.
High in Protein: With chicken as the main ingredient, this soup helps keep you full for longer.
Packed with Vegetables: Spinach adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making the soup both nutritious and hearty.
Rich and Creamy: A velvety, comforting texture that feels indulgent without the carbs.

Keto Chicken and Spinach Soup Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking instructions, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious low-carb soup.

2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs if you prefer darker meat)
1 medium onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
4 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
1 ½ cups heavy cream (for a rich, creamy base)
4 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, but adds flavor and thickness)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 tsp dried thyme (optional, adds a savory note)
1 tsp dried oregano (optional, for extra herbal flavor)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make the best Keto Chicken and Spinach Soup that will have everyone asking for seconds:

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using).
Add the chicken to the pot and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until it is fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
After taking the chicken out of the saucepan, let it cool a little.
Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the same pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Make the Soup Base

While the onions and garlic are cooking, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Add the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the chicken broth and oregano (if using). Stir to combine.
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Add the Cream and Spinach

Add the heavy cream and stir just enough to mix. The soup will start to thicken up and develop a creamy texture.
Add the chopped spinach to the pot. Stir occasionally until the spinach wilts and softens, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese (if using) to further thicken the soup and give it a rich, cheesy flavor.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Once the soup is thick, creamy, and flavorful, remove it from the heat.
To add a pop of colour, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve hot and enjoy your bowl of keto-friendly comfort.

Nutritional Information

This Keto Chicken and Spinach Soup is not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch. Here's the breakdown per serving:

Calories: 350 kcal
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Net Carbs: 4g
Protein: 26g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 800mg

This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without going over their carb limit for the day.

Tips for Making the Best Keto Chicken and Spinach Soup

Use Bone-in Chicken for More Flavor: If you have the time, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts. The bones release collagen into the broth, giving it a richer, more flavorful base.
Add More Veggies: If you want to boost the nutritional content even further, feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or celery. Just be mindful of the carb count.
Use Full-Fat Ingredients: To make the soup extra creamy, always opt for full-fat heavy cream and full-fat cheese. This will give the soup a rich and indulgent texture.
Make It Dairy-Free: If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese as a substitute for parmesan.
Meal Prep-Friendly: This soup stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prepping. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, but make sure to leave out the spinach when freezing, as it may get mushy after reheating.

Common FAQs About Keto Chicken and Spinach Soup

1. Can I use frozen spinach in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess water before adding it to the soup.

2. Is it possible to substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more flavor and fat, making the soup even richer. Just cook them the same way and shred or chop them as needed.

3. Is it possible to prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, you may keep this soup in the refrigerator for up to four days. It’s perfect for meal prep or making in advance.

4. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.

5. How can I make this soup spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a chopped jalapeño to the soup for a spicy kick.

6. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you may freeze this soup for up to two months. However, I recommend freezing it without the spinach, as it may get mushy when reheated. You can always add fresh spinach after thawing and reheating.

More Keto Soup Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this Keto Chicken and Spinach Soup, here are some other keto-friendly soups to add to your collection:

Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup – A rich, cheesy soup that’s perfect for a low-carb lunch or dinner.
Keto Mushroom Soup – A creamy, earthy soup made with mushrooms and a velvety broth.
Keto Taco Soup – A zesty, flavorful soup with all the flavors of a taco, minus the carbs.
Keto Cauliflower Soup – A low-carb alternative to traditional potato soup, creamy and comforting.
Keto Beef Stew – A hearty, warming stew with tender beef, vegetables, and a rich broth.

Final Thoughts

This Keto Chicken and Spinach Soup is an easy, comforting, and nutritious meal that's perfect for anyone following a ketogenic lifestyle. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and veggies, it’s the ultimate low-carb comfort food. Whether you're cooking for the family or preparing meals for the week, this soup will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Enjoy this creamy, savory soup, and don't be afraid to experiment with the ingredients to make it your own!