Keto Chicken Taco Soup

Picture yourself ladling a steaming bowl of Keto Chicken Taco Soup, where the rich aroma of cumin and chili powder fills your kitchen.

This dish is as comforting and easy to make as it’s flavorful, making it a go-to for cozy nights.

As the chicken simmers with tomatoes and spices, magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal.

Let’s bring this delicious soup to life and savor every bite together.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 measuring cups set
• 1 measuring spoons set

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breasts, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (4 ounces) green chilies
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Keto Chicken Taco Soup, follow this timeline:

Preparation Timeline:

0-5 minutes:

• Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
• Gather all equipment and ingredients.

5-10 minutes:

• Dice the chicken breasts, chop the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño, and mince the garlic.
• Measure out the spices, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, green chilies, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Cooking Timeline:

10-15 minutes:

• Heat olive oil in the large pot over medium heat.
• Add diced chicken to the pot and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
• Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

15-20 minutes:

– In the same pot, add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño, sautéing until soft.

20-30 minutes:

• Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Return the chicken to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.

30-50 minutes:

– Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes.

50-55 minutes:

– Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, cooking until the cheese is melted.

55-60 minutes:

– Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes.

Serving Timeline:

60 minutes:

– Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

Remove chicken from pot and set aside.

In the same pot, add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño, sautéing until soft.

Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Return the chicken to the pot and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.

Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, cooking until cheese is melted.

Remove from heat and let soup rest for 5 minutes.

Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.

Serving Tips

• Avocado Slices: Add creamy texture and healthy fats to complement the soup.
• Dollop of Sour Cream: Enhances the creaminess and adds a tangy flavor.
• Lime Wedges: Squeeze over the soup for a fresh, zesty kick.
• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle for added crunch and a mild onion flavor.
• Crumbled Bacon: Adds a savory, crispy topping for extra flavor.

Storage

To store Keto Chicken Taco Soup, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently before serving.

Freezing

To freeze Keto Chicken Taco Soup, cool it completely.

Then, transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.

Label with the date and freeze for up to three months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Keto Chicken Taco Soup, gently warm it on the stove over low heat.

Stir occasionally. Avoid microwaving as it may curdle the cream.

Add fresh cilantro before serving.

Final Thoughts

Keto Chicken Taco Soup is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s both low in carbs and full of flavor.

With its rich and creamy texture, it’s perfect for those following a keto diet. Feel free to adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Serve it with a side of avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Enjoy this wholesome and comforting soup any day of the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?

You can absolutely use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs provide higher fat content, aligning well with keto’s fat emphasis. They also offer a richer flavor and remain moist after cooking, enhancing the soup’s overall texture and taste.

How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?

To make the soup spicier, increase capsaicin concentration by adding more jalapeños or chili powder. Capsaicin activates TRPV1 receptors, heightening spice perception. Experiment with cayenne pepper or hot sauce for additional Scoville heat units.

Is There a Dairy-Free Substitute for Heavy Cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. It’s rich in medium-chain triglycerides, providing a creamy texture. Confirm it’s unsweetened to maintain flavor balance, aligning with keto dietary guidelines effectively.

Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Soup?

You can enhance nutrient density by adding vegetables like zucchini or spinach. These low-carb options align with keto principles, ensuring metabolic ketosis. Fiber content increases, promoting gut health. Adjust cooking times to maintain vegetable texture.

What Can I Use Instead of Cilantro for Garnish?

You can replace cilantro with parsley for a similar fresh flavor. Parsley’s high chlorophyll content provides a comparable vibrant taste, while its antioxidant properties contribute to overall health. Alternatively, green onions offer a milder, yet aromatic, garnish.