Keto Protein Soup for Meal Prep & Comfort (Print Version)
Fuel your week with this hearty keto protein soup. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it's the ideal comfort meal prep for a low-carb lifestyle.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Diabetic-Friendly
# Ingredients:
→ The Protein Powerhouse
01 -
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 -
6 slices thick-cut bacon
→ Aromatic Foundation
03 -
2 tbsp olive oil
04 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 -
2 celery stalks, diced
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Creamy Keto Comfort
07 -
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 -
1 cup heavy cream
09 -
4 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
→ Garden Goodness & Flavor Boosters
10 -
5 oz fresh spinach
11 -
1 tsp dried thyme
12 -
1 large bay leaf
13 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
14 -
1 tsp salt, or to taste
15 -
1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook 6 slices thick-cut bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon, reserving 1 tbsp drippings. Season 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then sear in the pot for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove chicken.
02 -
Add 2 tbsp olive oil to the pot if needed. Sauté 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and 2 celery stalks, diced, for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in 4 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
03 -
Pour in 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Whisk in 4 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened, until smooth. Add 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 large bay leaf, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
04 -
Return the seared 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the pot. Bring the Hearty Keto Soup: Protein-Loaded Comfort Meal Prep to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
05 -
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard the bay leaf. Stir 1 cup heavy cream into the soup base. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, ensuring it's well combined for your Hearty Keto Soup.
06 -
Stir in 5 oz fresh spinach until wilted. Crumble the cooked 6 slices thick-cut bacon and add to the soup. Season the Hearty Keto Soup: Protein-Loaded Comfort Meal Prep with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste.
07 -
Ladle the Hearty Keto Soup: Protein-Loaded Comfort Meal Prep into bowls. Garnish with extra crumbled bacon or fresh herbs if desired. This protein-loaded comfort meal prep is ready to be enjoyed immediately or stored for later.
# Notes:
01 -
This soup makes excellent meal prep! Store individual portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
02 -
For a different protein, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breast, but adjust cooking time as needed. Cauliflower florets can be added with the broth for extra veggies.
03 -
Ensure your 4 oz full-fat cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it to the broth to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
04 -
Serve this hearty soup with a side of keto-friendly bread or crackers, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot or Dutch oven
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Measuring cups
05 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 615 kcal
Total Fat: 48 g
Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
Protein: 37 g