There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, creamy bowl of soup, especially when it’s both delicious and healthy! This Creamy Cauliflower Chicken Soup is packed with protein, loaded with veggies, and blended to creamy perfection—without needing heavy cream. It’s a light yet satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, or whenever you crave something cozy.
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Why You’ll Love This Cauliflower Chicken Soup
This soup is so much more than a simple chicken soup! Here’s why you’ll love it
- Rich and Creamy (Without Cream!): Pureed cauliflower gives the soup a luscious, creamy texture without adding dairy
- Packed with Protein and Veggies: A hearty mix of shredded chicken and nutrient-rich cauliflower makes this soup both satisfying and wholesome
- Naturally Low-Carb and Gluten-Free: Perfect for those following a healthy lifestyle, keto-friendly diet, or gluten-free eating plan
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes, maximum flavor—this soup is easy to make and even easier to clean up
- Great for Meal Prep: Stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days
What Does This Creamy Cauliflower Chicken Soup Taste Like?
Imagine the richness of a classic cream-based soup but with a light, velvety texture and a savory, well-seasoned broth. The cauliflower blends seamlessly into the broth, creating a creamy consistency without overpowering the dish. The shredded chicken adds heartiness, while garlic, onion, and herbs bring a warm, comforting depth of flavor
Ingredients for Creamy Cauliflower Chicken Soup
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head cauliflower, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk of choice)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great!)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a slight kick
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (if not dairy-free)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric for added anti-inflammatory benefits
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-Free? Use unsweetened coconut milk instead of almond milk for an ultra-creamy, dairy-free version
- Vegetarian? Swap the chicken for white beans or chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost
- More Protein? Stir in Greek yogurt at the end for added protein and creaminess
- Thicker Soup? Add one peeled, diced potato while cooking the cauliflower for an even richer texture
How to Make Creamy Cauliflower Chicken Soup
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant
2. Cook the Cauliflower
Add the chopped cauliflower, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until the cauliflower is fork-tender
3. Blend Until Creamy
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If using a regular blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches and blend until creamy, then return it to the pot
4. Add the Chicken and Milk
Stir in the shredded chicken and almond milk, and let simmer for another 5 minutes to warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy it warm
What to Serve with Cauliflower Chicken Soup
This soup is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping
- A Fresh Side Salad – A crisp arugula or mixed greens salad adds a refreshing contrast
- Roasted Vegetables – Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus for extra nutrients
- Grilled Cheese or Avocado Toast – For an extra comforting meal, pair with a warm, melty sandwich
Tips for the Best Creamy Cauliflower Chicken Soup
- Use Fresh Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower blends smoother than frozen, but frozen works in a pinch
- Don’t Overblend: Blend until creamy but keep some texture if you prefer a chunkier soup
- Season to Taste: Cauliflower absorbs flavor, so don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning as needed
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week
How to Store & Reheat This Creamy Cauliflower Chicken Soup
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Freeze: Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second increments until hot
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients (except the milk and chicken) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Blend, then stir in the shredded chicken and milk before serving
Is this soup keto-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making it a great keto meal. Just be sure to use unsweetened almond or coconut milk instead of regular milk
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes! Frozen cauliflower works well, though you may need to simmer it a few minutes longer to ensure it’s fully tender before blending
How can I make this Creamy Cauliflower Chicken Soup spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat
Final Thoughts: A Cozy, Nourishing Creamy Cauliflower Chicken Soup for Any Season
This Healthy Creamy Cauliflower Chicken Soup is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. It’s creamy without being heavy, packed with protein, and easy to customize to your tastes. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner, a meal prep option, or a cozy bowl of goodness, this soup is sure to become a favorite
If you loved this recipe, leave a review and share your creations on Pinterest!
Looking for more comforting, healthy soups? Try these next
- Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup
- White Bean Chicken Chili
- She Crab Soup – Creamy & Flavorful Classic
Happy cooking! 🍲✨
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Healthy Creamy Cauliflower Chicken Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Healthy Creamy Cauliflower Chicken Soup is the ultimate cozy meal—rich, creamy, and packed with protein, but without any heavy cream! Blended cauliflower creates a smooth, velvety texture, while shredded chicken makes it hearty and satisfying. This one-pot soup is low-carb, gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a light yet filling dinner or a nourishing lunch, this soup will warm you up in the best way.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head cauliflower, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk of choice)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great!)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor:
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a slight kick
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (if not dairy-free)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric for added anti-inflammatory benefits
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Cauliflower: Add the chopped cauliflower, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until the cauliflower is fork-tender.
- Blend Until Creamy: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If using a regular blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches and blend until creamy, then return it to the pot.
- Add the Chicken and Milk: Stir in the shredded chicken and almond milk, and let simmer for another 5 minutes to warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy! Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy it warm!
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk instead of almond milk.
- Want extra richness? Stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of heavy cream if dairy isn’t an issue.
- Make it vegetarian by swapping chicken for white beans or chickpeas.
- For added spice, mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers? Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cauliflower chicken soup, healthy creamy soup, keto chicken soup, dairy-free chicken soup, low-carb soup, high-protein soup, easy one-pot soup
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