Chicken Noodle Soup: Keto-Friendly Comfort Food?

Chicken noodle soup is a popular comfort food, often used as a home remedy for colds. However, traditional recipes are usually packed with carbs, making them unsuitable for those on a keto diet. But fear not! There are plenty of keto-friendly alternatives that allow you to enjoy this classic dish without compromising your diet.

Keto-friendly noodle options

Chicken noodle soup is a popular comfort food, especially during cold weather or when feeling unwell. However, traditional recipes often use egg noodles, which are high in carbohydrates and not suitable for a keto diet. Luckily, there are several keto-friendly noodle options that can be used to make a delicious and satisfying low-carb chicken noodle soup. Here are some alternatives to consider:

Shirataki Noodles

Shirataki noodles, also known as "miracle noodles," are a popular choice for keto dieters. They are made from konjac yam fiber and water, resulting in a low-carb and low-calorie noodle option. Shirataki noodles have a texture similar to tofu and are smooth and slightly gelatinous. They can be used in various dishes, including soup, ramen, and carbonara. Before using, it is recommended to rinse them thoroughly and neutralise their odour by adding a bit of salt while straining and washing them.

Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is a natural, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Its stringy flesh resembles spaghetti and can be used in a variety of dishes. Spaghetti squash is versatile and takes on flavours effortlessly. It can be roasted, used in carbonara, pad Thai, or even chicken noodle soup.

Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles, also known as "zoodles," are a popular choice for creating low-carb pasta dishes. They can be made by spiralizing zucchini, which results in thin, noodle-like strands. Zucchini noodles are versatile and can be used in dishes such as alfredo, Cajun shrimp pasta, or even chicken noodle soup. They can be pan-fried or baked, depending on your preference.

Kelp Noodles

Kelp noodles are another type of packaged low-carb noodles made from brown kelp, a type of brown seaweed. Like shirataki noodles, they are almost calorie and carb-free. Kelp noodles can be rinsed and cut with kitchen shears before being added to stir-fries or your favourite sauce. They can also be eaten raw and are a great addition to salads or Asian-style dishes.

Egg Noodles

For those who want a more traditional noodle option, keto egg noodles can be made with almond flour or a combination of eggs, cream cheese, and almond flour. These noodles are gluten-free, low-carb, and can be used in soups, casseroles, or lasagna. They have a similar texture to regular egg noodles and can be cut into various shapes, such as spaghetti or fettuccine.

Other Options

In addition to the options mentioned above, there are a few other low-carb noodle alternatives worth considering:

Hearts of palm noodles: These noodles are made from the hearts of palm trees and are a good source of fibre. They have a similar texture to regular pasta and are a great option for those following a keto diet.
Cabbage: While not exactly noodles, cabbage can be cut into long strips and used as a noodle alternative in dishes like stir-fries or lasagna. Caramelising the cabbage before using it can add a unique flavour to your dish.
Cauliflower: Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be used as a low-carb pasta substitute. It has a neutral flavour and pairs well with various sauces, making it a great option for casseroles or dishes where pasta is usually used.

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Chicken soup spices

Chicken noodle soup is a popular dish in many countries, and for good reason. It's a hearty, comforting meal that's perfect for chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather. While the classic recipe typically uses egg noodles, which are carb-heavy and not keto-friendly, it's easy to make a few simple substitutions to create a delicious keto-approved version.

When it comes to spices, chicken noodle soup is incredibly versatile. You can go the traditional route and stick to herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley. Or, you can get creative and experiment with spices like rosemary, sage, marjoram, and even a bit of citrus like lemon or lime juice. Here are some specific combinations of spices and herbs that you can use to elevate your chicken noodle soup:

Thyme, oregano, parsley, garlic, onion powder, rosemary, and sage.
Thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Poultry seasoning (a blend of sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, nutmeg, and onion powder), bay leaf, dill, parsley, lemon juice, and black pepper.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Thyme, lemon, and artichoke hearts.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, and paprika.
Ginger, a dried chilli or two, and lots of black pepper.
Thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Tarragon.
Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, lemon, and artichoke hearts.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery salt and seed, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sage.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Tarragon.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery salt and seed (not a fan of "real" celery), parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, oregano, mar.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay leaves.
Thyme, garlic, onion, celery, salt, parsley, sage, and bay leaves.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Salt, pepper, onion, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and sage.
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, paprika, and bay

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Chicken soup toppings

Chicken noodle soup is a great comfort food, especially during cold weather or when you're feeling under the weather. While the classic recipe is usually packed with carbs, there are plenty of keto-friendly substitutions and toppings that can be used to make this dish low-carb. Here are some ideas for chicken soup toppings to keep your meal keto-friendly:

Veggies: While some vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions contain carbs, they can still be enjoyed in moderation. Other low-carb veggies that can be added include zucchini, butternut squash, kale, broccoli, cabbage, and spinach.
Noodles: Instead of regular egg noodles, opt for low-carb alternatives such as shirataki noodles (also known as miracle noodles), spaghetti squash, zucchini noodles, kelp noodles, hearts of palm noodles, or palmini noodles.
Cheese: Add some shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese on top for an extra boost of flavour.
Meat: If you want to increase the protein content, add some cooked and shredded chicken, or use store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Spices and Seasonings: Experiment with different spices and seasonings like chilli flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, or fresh herbs like parsley to enhance the flavour of your soup.
Cauliflower Rice: Cauliflower rice is a great keto-friendly substitute for regular rice. It adds bulk and nutrients to your soup without the extra carbs. You can also try zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb chicken noodle soup.
Cream Cheese: For a richer and creamier soup, stir in some softened cream cheese before serving.
Avocado: Try adding some sliced avocado on top of your soup for a healthy source of fat.
Healthy Fats: Don't be afraid to add some healthy fats to your soup, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or bone broth, as they can help you feel more satisfied and satiated.

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Chicken soup health benefits

Chicken soup is a popular dish in many countries, and for good reason. It is a healthy, hearty meal that can be made low-carb and keto-friendly, and it has numerous health benefits, especially for those feeling under the weather.

Chicken soup is an excellent source of hydration, which is essential when treating a cold or flu. The broth, whether vegetable or chicken-based, provides similar benefits. It is rich in essential fatty acids and protein, which help repair tissues and fight infection. Chicken broth is also a good source of minerals, including iron, which is used to make hemoglobin and myoglobin, and selenium, which helps make DNA and protect against cell damage and infections.

Chicken is a great source of lean, low-fat protein, which supports muscle growth and development and bone health. It is also high in vitamin B-3, which helps keep the nervous system, digestive system, and skin healthy, and vitamin B-6, which is important for normal brain development and a healthy nervous and immune system. Chicken also contains vitamin B-12, which helps with red blood cell formation and neurological function, and tryptophan, an amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin, enhancing your mood and aiding sleep.

The vegetables commonly found in chicken soup, such as carrots, celery, and onions, are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants and minerals. Vitamin C helps with infection control and wound healing, while vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting and building bones. Carrots are also high in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, benefiting skin and eye health.

The noodles in chicken soup provide carbohydrates, which give you energy and help you feel full and satisfied. They fuel your brain, kidneys, heart muscles, and central nervous system.

Finally, the steam from a hot bowl of chicken soup can help open up airways, reduce nasal congestion, and soothe the discomforts of cold symptoms.

So, the next time you're feeling unwell, remember that chicken soup is not just a tasty treat but also a nutritious meal with healing properties.

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Chicken soup reheating instructions

Chicken soup is a great meal to make in large batches and freeze for later. When it comes to reheating your soup, there are a few ways to do so, depending on whether you're starting from frozen or not.

Reheating from Frozen

If you're reheating your soup from frozen, you can thaw it in the fridge for a day or two. To speed up the process, place the container in a bowl of warm water until the soup partially defrosts.

Reheating on the Stove

Use a pot large enough to prevent the soup from boiling over the sides. If your soup contains pasta or rice, you'll need to add extra water as these ingredients will have soaked up a lot of liquid during storage. A good rule of thumb is to add 1.5 cups of water for every 1 quart of soup.

Turn the heat to medium and wait for the soup to boil. Stir the soup regularly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once it's boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let the soup simmer for a few minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and burner, and insert a food thermometer into the soup. The temperature should read at least 165°F. If it doesn't, continue heating until it reaches this temperature.

Reheating in the Microwave

Place your soup in a microwave-safe container with a lot of room at the top, as soup can boil over even in a microwave. Cover the container loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small opening for ventilation. Heat the soup on high for 20-30 seconds, then open the microwave door and give the soup a stir. Repeat this process until the soup is heated to your liking.

Tips for Maintaining Texture

To avoid soggy vegetables and noodles, try separating the liquid from the rest of the ingredients when storing your soup. You can also make your noodles separately and add them to each serving as needed.