Name: Keto Chicken Noodle Soup (No Noodles) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 2 medium carrots, sliced thin (optional, small amount for keto); 6 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp dried parsley; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or dill for garnish; 1-2 tbsp heavy cream (for extra richness)

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If you have been craving a warm, soothing bowl of classic comfort without breaking your keto goals, then this Keto Chicken Noodle Soup (No Noodles) Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. This flavorful spin on traditional chicken noodle soup replaces the carb-heavy noodles with tender, low-carb veggies like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. The result is a soul-warming, hearty soup that feels indulgent but keeps things light, nourishing, and keto-friendly. Every spoonful will remind you that comfort food can be both satisfying and smart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three clear glass bowls on a white marbled surface, each filled with different chopped vegetables: one bowl with white onion pieces, one with light green celery chunks, and one with bright orange carrot slices. Next to them are two blue and green packages of Pasta Zero spaghetti, slightly overlapping. To the right of the pasta is a small white bowl containing a creamy mixture topped with minced garlic. The scene captures a neat, colorful arrangement of fresh ingredients ready for cooking, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this soup a delicious reality, the ingredients are wonderfully simple yet carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each one plays its part in bringing out the perfect balance of warmth and richness that this soup delivers.

Olive oil or butter: Adds healthy fat and a luscious base for sautéing your veggies.
Small onion, diced: Brings a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth to the broth.
Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the soup with a fragrant punch to awaken the flavors.
Celery stalks, sliced: Provides crunch and fresh herbal notes that complement the chicken.
Medium carrots, thinly sliced (optional): Adds a subtle natural sweetness without compromising keto principles.
Chicken broth: Forms the hearty, savory foundation essential to a comforting soup.
Cooked chicken, shredded: The star protein, tender and ready to soak up all those cozy flavors.
Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice: The clever low-carb “noodles” that bring texture and bulk.
Dried thyme: Adds a woodsy, herbal warmth that makes this soup memorable.
Dried parsley: Lends a mild, fresh component to balance flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every element.
Optional fresh parsley or dill for garnish: Brightens the final presentation and adds a pop of color.

How to Make Keto Chicken Noodle Soup (No Noodles) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and cook it gently for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to soften and become translucent without browning too much. This step builds the savory base that carries through the entire soup. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! This quick sauté unlocks those wonderful aromatic oils that will deepen your broth’s flavor.

Step 2: Add Celery and Carrots

Now add the sliced celery and thinly sliced carrots if using. These veggies add essential texture and a hint of natural sweetness which complements the chicken beautifully. Cook them with the onions and garlic for another 3 to 4 minutes to soften slightly but still keep some bite. This gentle cooking at the start ensures your soup gets a pleasing variety of textures.

Step 3: Pour in the Chicken Broth

Pour 6 cups of flavorful chicken broth into your pot. Bringing it to a gentle boil releases the aroma of the chicken base and begins the marrying of all that wonderful flavor you’ve been building. The broth envelops everything, coaxing the ingredients to blend into a comforting, savory soup experience.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir in your shredded cooked chicken along with dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. This is where the real magic happens as the herbs and chicken meld, infusing the broth with warm, inviting notes. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors deepen and develop fully.

Step 5: Incorporate the Low-Carb ‘Noodles’

To keep this a true Keto Chicken Noodle Soup (No Noodles) Recipe, add your zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice at the end. Simmer for just 3 to 5 minutes until they are tender but still have a slight bite—overcooking can make them mushy. This clever swap gives you the noodle texture you crave without the carbs, keeping the soup light and fresh-tasting.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Give the soup a taste test and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Once perfectly seasoned, your comforting bowl of Keto Chicken Noodle Soup (No Noodles) Recipe is ready to be ladled out and enjoyed warm.

How to Serve Keto Chicken Noodle Soup (No Noodles) Recipe

The image shows two white bowls filled with a clear soup that has layers of shredded light beige chicken, bright orange carrot slices, and translucent diced onions. The soup is topped with small pieces of chopped green herbs and sprinkled with ground black pepper. The broth appears light yellow and slightly oily, surrounding the ingredients. The bowls have a subtle embossed pattern, sitting on a natural braided mat with small wooden bowls of salt and pepper in the background, all placed on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh parsley or dill over the top just before serving to add a pop of vibrant color and a hint of earthiness. These garnishes elevate the soup’s look and provide a fresh contrast to the warm broth, making every spoonful taste even more delightful.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a simple keto-friendly side like a crisp green salad tossed with olive oil and lemon or a plate of roasted, garlicky asparagus. These sides offer varied textures, adding freshness or crunch without overpowering the cozy soup experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini cocotte bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers for an eye-catching presentation. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese to add richness and a new flavor layer that blends perfectly with the herbaceous broth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Keto Chicken Noodle Soup (No Noodles) Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to lock in freshness and flavors. When ready to eat, it reheats beautifully on the stove or microwave without losing its comforting texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup if you want to prep in advance. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will keep well for up to three months. Just be aware that zucchini noodles may soften after freezing, so consider using cauliflower rice if freezing, as it holds up better.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to your preferred consistency. This step ensures that every bowl tastes freshly made and comforting.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini or cauliflower?

Absolutely! You can experiment with shredded cabbage or spiralized radishes as low-carb alternatives, though their textures and flavors will slightly vary from traditional noodles.

Is it necessary to use dried herbs, or can I use fresh?

Both work well, but dried herbs infuse their flavor gradually during cooking, which is perfect for soups. Fresh herbs are best added at the end or as a garnish to maintain their bright flavors.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Start by sautéing your aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice in the last 30 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Is it okay to omit carrots to keep it stricter keto?

Definitely. The carrots are optional and used sparingly to keep carbs low. You can leave them out entirely if you want an even lower carb count without sacrificing too much flavor.

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Cooked chicken breast or thigh meat works well. Thighs have a richer flavor and stay moist, while breast meat is leaner and milder. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Keto Chicken Noodle Soup (No Noodles) Recipe is a game changer for anyone who loves classic chicken noodle soup but craves something low-carb and nourishing without losing that warm, cozy feeling. With its simple, wholesome ingredients and foolproof method, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal any day. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try—once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed soup any other way!