Embrace the vibrant tastes of autumn with this incredibly satisfying and healthy low-carb chicken and vegetable soup. Overflowing with seasonal ingredients and tender chicken, all nestled in a rich, comforting broth, this recipe is designed to nourish your body and soothe your soul as the days grow shorter and cooler. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the harvest season while adhering to a low-carb lifestyle, offering a delicious blend of flavors that will quickly become a household favorite.
Embrace the Flavors of Fall with Our Ultimate Autumn Soup
Is fall your absolute favorite season? For many, the crisp air, vibrant foliage, and cozy atmosphere signal a time for warmth, comfort, and, of course, delicious food. I eagerly anticipate it every year! As soon as the weather begins its gentle cool-down and the first golden leaves flutter to the ground, my thoughts turn to the culinary delights of autumn. A trip to the grocery store or local farmer’s market becomes an exciting hunt for nature’s seasonal bounty, inspiring countless comforting meals.
Soup consistently ranks high on my list of autumn cravings. It’s a culinary marvel – wonderfully simple to prepare, yet incredibly comforting and deeply satisfying. There’s something inherently therapeutic about a steaming bowl of homemade soup on a chilly evening. This particular autumn soup recipe is truly the epitome of fall comfort. We’ve carefully selected a medley of our favorite low-carb fall vegetables to create a symphony of flavors and textures.
Starring in this hearty concoction are naturally sweet butternut squash, vibrant carrots, and nutrient-rich spinach. While butternut squash provides a subtly sweet earthiness and contributes to the soup’s creamy texture, carrots add a touch of color and a mild sweetness that complements the savory notes. Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the broth, adding a boost of vitamins and a lovely green hue. To round out the vegetable profile, we’ve also included crisp celery and savory mushrooms, which, though not exclusively “fall” vegetables, add depth and essential nutrients to the blend. This immune-boosting soup is packed with so many vitamins and minerals that it will help keep you feeling your best when you need it most, making it a perfect choice for cold and flu season.
Experience the Richness of Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup (Low-Carb Style)
My culinary journey with low-carb soups has been an exciting one. The first time I crafted a low-carb chicken cauliflower rice soup, it was designed with a lighter chicken broth base, resulting in a wonderfully refreshing and gentle dish. That initial recipe was perfect for those days when you desire something easy on the stomach, a comforting meal without being too heavy.
However, for this specific autumn rendition, I envisioned something far more luxurious and substantial. I knew I wanted a broth that was not only incredibly flavorful but also lusciously creamy and deeply filling, capable of standing as a complete meal. The secret to achieving this without adding unnecessary carbohydrates lies in a brilliant combination of liquids.
To keep this chicken and rice soup firmly in the low-carb category, cauliflower rice remains our go-to substitute for traditional grains. Its mild flavor and tender texture absorb the rich broth beautifully, mimicking the mouthfeel of regular rice without the carb count. If cauliflower rice isn’t to your taste, don’t fret! You have excellent alternatives such as finely chopped broccoli rice, which offers a slightly different texture and additional nutrients, or even shirataki “Miracle Rice” for an ultra-low-carb option. While these alternatives are fantastic, the true magic of this recipe, its signature “goodness,” truly shines in the thick, velvety, and irresistibly creamy broth.
We achieve this decadent texture by thoughtfully combining robust chicken broth with full-fat canned coconut milk. The chicken broth lays a savory foundation, rich with umami notes. The coconut milk, on the other hand, introduces a beautiful creaminess and a subtle hint of exotic sweetness that perfectly complements the autumnal vegetables and chicken. Together, they create a harmonious, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying base that elevates this low-carb chicken and rice soup to a gourmet experience, mingling exquisitely with every other ingredient.
Simplified Prep for Your Low-Carb Autumn Chicken and Rice Soup
One of the most appealing aspects of this low-carb autumn chicken and rice soup is its reliance on fresh, wholesome ingredients. This commitment to fresh produce ensures maximum flavor and nutritional value in every spoonful. However, we understand that “fresh” can sometimes translate to significant food preparation time, especially when you’re looking for a quick and comforting meal.
Fortunately, there are several smart strategies you can employ to drastically reduce the time spent on chopping and dicing, allowing you to enjoy this delicious soup even on your busiest days. Many grocery stores now offer a fantastic selection of pre-prepped and pre-chopped vegetables. You can easily find containers of pre-chopped celery and perfectly sliced mushrooms, saving you precious minutes. For onions, consider opting for frozen diced onions – they’re just as flavorful and convenient, eliminating tears and sticky chopping boards.
This recipe also presents a brilliant opportunity to utilize leftover cooked chicken you might have in your refrigerator. Whether it’s rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breasts, or chicken thighs from a previous meal, shredding or dicing it to add to the soup instantly cuts down on cooking time and prevents food waste. But don’t limit yourself to chicken alone! Imagine the wonderful flavors of fall intensified by using leftover Thanksgiving turkey instead. Yes, you absolutely can! Shredded or chopped turkey will integrate beautifully into the soup, imparting its unique savory depth and making this an ideal dish for post-holiday enjoyment. It’s a versatile recipe that adapts to what you have on hand, always delivering a warm and satisfying experience.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Fall Chicken Soup
Once your aromatic low-carb autumn chicken soup is simmering to perfection, the next delightful consideration is what to serve alongside it to create a truly memorable meal. The beauty of this versatile soup is that it pairs wonderfully with an array of side dishes, enhancing the dining experience without compromising your low-carb goals.
For those who appreciate a little kick and an extra boost of healthy fats and protein, serving your soup with some keto jalapeño deviled eggs is an excellent choice. The creamy, zesty eggs provide a delightful contrast to the warm soup and add a playful touch of spice. Alternatively, a crisp, fresh salad is always a welcome accompaniment, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the rich broth.
My personal favorite salad pairing is the Low Carb Copycat Outback Pecan Blue Cheese Salad. This salad isn’t just a side; it’s an event! It’s brimming with an exciting combination of crunchy pecans, sharp blue cheese, and vibrant greens, all tied together with a flavorful dressing. The diverse textures and bold flavors of this salad complement the soup beautifully, creating a balanced and utterly satisfying meal.
And let’s not forget about dessert! A comforting autumn meal often calls for a sweet, low-carb finish. Some of my top recommendations include a decadent slice of low-carb plain cheesecake with crumb topping, offering a creamy, indulgent treat, or the festive flavors of a low-carb cranberry apple dump cake, which perfectly captures the essence of holiday warmth. These dessert options ensure your low-carb autumn feast ends on a high and delicious note.
Keeping Your Comfort Handy: How to Store Autumn Soup
One of the many benefits of making a generous batch of this low-carb autumn soup is its fantastic shelf life, ensuring you can enjoy its comforting flavors throughout the week. Properly stored in the refrigerator, this delightful soup will taste just as delicious on day five as it did on day one. For optimal freshness and safety, plan to consume it within 3-5 days.
To preserve its quality and prevent any spills, always store your soup in an airtight and spill-proof container. My personal preference for soup storage is using mason jars with secure lids. They are not only excellent for portion control but also look lovely in the fridge and are easy to grab for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner. When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. While the microwave offers speed and convenience, I find that reheating the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a uniformly warm bowl, without the risk of hot spots. If you plan to freeze portions for longer storage, make sure the soup is completely cooled before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Low-Carb Autumn Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
Ready to create this heartwarming dish? Below you’ll find a detailed list of ingredients, along with step-by-step instructions (and helpful pictures!) to guide you through making this incredible low-carb autumn chicken and rice soup. The precise measurements and full instructions are also available in the printable recipe card below for your convenience. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aromas of fall!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Net Carbs: 8 net carbs per serving
Low Carb Autumn Chicken and Rice Soup
Celebrate the flavors of fall! This low-carb autumn soup is filled with seasonal vegetables and chicken in a comforting broth.
Course: Soup | Keyword: autumn soup
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings | Calories: 560 kcal
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 Onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup Celery, chopped
- 2 medium Carrots, peeled and sliced
- 6 ounces Mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup Butternut Squash, chopped
- 2 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 3 cups Shredded Chicken (cooked)
- 3 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Light Canned Coconut Milk
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 2 cups Cooked Cauliflower Rice
- 3 cups Fresh Spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the carrots and onions to the pot, stirring frequently, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Incorporate the butternut squash, celery, and mushrooms into the pot. Continue to sauté for another 4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to begin softening.
Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Sauté for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
Add the shredded chicken to the vegetable mixture, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become more tender.
Remove the lid, then stir in the light canned coconut milk, cooked cauliflower rice, and fresh spinach. Continue to simmer gently until the spinach has fully wilted into the soup, which should take just a few minutes.
Taste the soup and season with additional salt and pepper as needed before serving hot.
Recipe Notes
Calories: 560 | Net Carbs: 7 Net Carbs Per Serving
The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximate only. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site.
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More Comforting Keto Soup Recipes You’ll Love
Sometimes, only a hot bowl of soup can truly hit all the right spots, providing warmth, nourishment, and ultimate comfort. If you fell in love with this low-carb autumn chicken and rice soup, then you’re in for a treat! We’ve curated a selection of equally delicious keto soup recipes that are perfect for your next cozy meal. Dive into these flavorful options and discover your new favorite low-carb comfort food!
- Keto Cowboy Soup: A hearty, robust soup packed with savory meats and low-carb veggies.
- Low-Carb Chick-Fil-A Tortilla Soup: Enjoy a guilt-free version of a beloved classic.
- Low Carb Creamy Leftover Turkey Soup: The perfect way to transform holiday leftovers into a delightful new meal.
- Keto Sausage and Veggie Soup: A simple yet flavorful soup featuring savory sausage and garden-fresh vegetables.
- Keto Creamy Kielbasa and Cauliflower Soup: A rich and creamy soup with smoky kielbasa and tender cauliflower.