Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight. I first made this creamy, dreamy soup during a particularly chaotic season when my slow cooker became my most trusted kitchen companion. It was one of those afternoons where I had approximately ten minutes to get dinner prepped before the school pickup and activity shuffle began. I tossed a few simple ingredients into the crock pot, crossed my fingers, and hours later was rewarded with the most comforting, rich, and satisfying low carb soup.
It’s since become a staple in our home, proving that you don’t need carbs or hours of active cooking to create something truly delicious and nourishing. This easy keto chicken soup is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort food.
Table of Contents
Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup Ingredients
Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients. Here is what you will need.
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth, preferably low-sodium
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh cauliflower florets, chopped small
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving, chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Smart Substitutions:
For a dairy-free version, use Kite Hill cream cheese style spread and full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream. You can swap the cauliflower for broccoli or even radishes for a different low-carb vegetable. If you love a different herb profile, try Italian seasoning in place of the thyme and rosemary.
Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Soup Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on Low or 2-3 hours on High
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
This recipe is about 70% hands-off time compared to stovetop methods, giving you back your afternoon.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Keto Crock Pot Chicken Soup
Making this healthy low carb chicken soup is a straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps.
- Prepare the Base: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the slow cooker. Scatter the diced onion, minced garlic, and cauliflower florets around the chicken.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour the chicken broth over everything. Add the dried thyme, rosemary, a good pinch of salt, and black pepper. Dot the top with the butter.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it completely.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir gently until the cream cheese begins to melt into the soup.
- Final Simmer: Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is hot and creamy. If using, stir in the fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking until it wilts.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Pro Tip: For an extra smooth and velvety soup, you can use an immersion blender to briefly pulse the soup a few times after adding the cream cheese. This helps thicken the broth and integrate the flavors even more, similar to the texture in our popular The Best Creamy Vegetable Soup.
Keto Chicken Soup Nutritional Information
This information is per serving (recipe makes approximately 6 servings).
- Calories: 415
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 32g
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbohydrates: 5g
This creamy keto soup is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which supports muscle maintenance, and healthy fats from the cream cheese and heavy cream, helping to keep you full and satisfied for hours.
Equipment Needed for This Easy Keto Chicken Soup
- 6-Quart or Larger Slow Cooker
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 2 Forks for Shredding Chicken
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Keto Soup Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: The slow cooker does almost all the work. It is perfect for busy days, new cooks, or anyone who wants a delicious meal without the fuss.
- Deep, Comforting Flavor: The long, slow cooking allows the chicken and vegetable flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and savory broth that is then made luxuriously creamy.
- Fits Your Keto Goals: With only 5 grams of net carbs per serving, this soup is a fantastic way to stay on track with your low-carb lifestyle without feeling deprived.
- Incredibly Versatile: This recipe serves as a wonderful base. You can easily add different low-carb vegetables, change up the herbs, or adjust the consistency to your liking.
Healthier Alternatives for Your Low Carb Cream Cheese Chicken Soup
This recipe is already quite healthy and aligned with a keto diet, but here are some tweaks for other dietary needs.
- Dairy-Free: As mentioned, use a high-quality dairy-free cream cheese and swap the heavy cream for canned, full-fat coconut milk. The result is still wonderfully creamy.
- Paleo/Whole30: Omit the dairy entirely. Use coconut cream and add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or tapioca flour at the end to help thicken the soup for a similar richness.
- Higher Protein: Increase the chicken to 2 pounds. You can also add a scoop of unflavored collagen peptides when you add the cream cheese for an extra protein and gut health boost.
Serving Suggestions for Your Keto Slow Cooker Recipes
A bowl of this soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides.
- For Dipping: Serve with a side of keto-friendly bread, cloud bread, or cheese crisps for dipping.
- Fresh Salad: A simple side salad with a sharp vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the soup.
- Extra Veggies: Roasted asparagus or a medley of sautéed zucchini and mushrooms would be a perfect low-carb companion.
- Garnish Bar: Set out bowls of crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, and sour cream so everyone can customize their bowl.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup
- Using Cold Cream Cheese: Adding brick-cold cream cheese straight from the fridge will result in little lumps throughout your soup. Always let it soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before cubing and adding it.
- Overcooking the Chicken: While slow cookers are forgiving, cooking chicken breasts for too long can make them dry and stringy. Stick to the recommended times and always check for doneness. If you prefer a more hands-off approach, our Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is another fantastic option.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Slow cookers can sometimes mute flavors. Do not be shy with the salt and pepper, and always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end, right before serving.
Storing Tips for This Healthy Low Carb Chicken Soup
This soup stores and reheats beautifully, making it a meal prep superstar.
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze this soup, but be aware that the texture of the dairy may change slightly upon thawing, potentially making it a bit grainy. It will still taste great. Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the soup to separate. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it out.
Conclusion for Your Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup
This Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup truly is the easiest path to creamy comfort. It is a reliable, flavorful, and deeply satisfying recipe that fits a healthy lifestyle without demanding much time or effort from you. Whether you are new to keto cooking or a seasoned pro looking for a new staple, this soup is sure to become a regular in your rotation. It proves that comfort food can be both indulgent and good for you. I hope it brings as much warmth and ease to your table as it has to mine.
If you are looking for another delicious way to use cream cheese in a keto-friendly dessert, you must try our decadent Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake. And for more simple, wholesome soup inspiration, our Hearty Bokchoy Chicken Soup is another reader favorite.
I would love to hear how your soup turns out. Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your creations by tagging @Harmonymeal on Pinterest. Happy cooking.
FAQs about Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup
Is cream cheese keto friendly?
Yes, full-fat cream cheese is generally keto-friendly. It’s low in net carbs and high in fat, making it suitable for a ketogenic diet. Always check the nutrition label for specific brands, as carb counts can vary slightly, but plain, full-fat versions are usually a safe bet.
Can you put raw chicken in a slow cooker with cream cheese?
Absolutely. It’s common practice to add raw chicken breasts or thighs directly to a slow cooker. The low and slow cooking process will fully cook the chicken, making it tender and easy to shred, while the cream cheese and other ingredients melt and meld into a creamy sauce.
How do you thicken keto cream cheese soup?
To thicken keto cream cheese soup without adding carbs, you can reduce the liquid content by simmering uncovered for a bit at the end. Alternatively, add a small amount of xanthan gum or glucomannan powder (start with 1/4 teaspoon) dissolved in a little cold water to avoid clumps, then stir into the hot soup until thickened.
How long can you keep slow cooker cream cheese chicken?
Slow cooker cream cheese chicken soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure it cools completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness and safety.
What can you serve with slow cooker keto cream cheese soup?
This rich soup pairs well with low-carb sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad with a keto dressing, steamed non-starchy vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or keto “biscuits” or fathead rolls for dipping.
Can I freeze slow cooker keto chicken cream cheese soup?
Yes, this soup freezes quite well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup
This creamy slow cooker keto chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, cauliflower, and rich cream cheese, it is a satisfying low carb meal that cooks itself while you go about your day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth, preferably low-sodium
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh cauliflower florets, chopped small
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving, chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the slow cooker. Scatter the diced onion, minced garlic, and cauliflower florets around the chicken.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour the chicken broth over everything. Add the dried thyme, rosemary, a good pinch of salt, and black pepper. Dot the top with the butter.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it completely.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir gently until the cream cheese begins to melt into the soup.
- Final Simmer: Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is hot and creamy. If using, stir in the fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking until it wilts.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use Kite Hill cream cheese style spread and full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream. You can swap the cauliflower for broccoli or radishes. For an extra smooth texture, use an immersion blender to briefly pulse the soup after adding the cream cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 415
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
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