Easy Keto Chicken Taco Soup – 30-Minute, One-Pot, Creamy Perfection

Craving something warm, cheesy, and totally comforting, but still keto-friendly? You’re in the right place.

This Easy Keto Chicken Taco Soup is everything you love about classic taco night, minus the carbs and guilt. It’s rich, creamy, packed with flavor, and comes together in just 30 minutes using one pot (yes, ONE!). Whether you’re deep into your keto journey or just looking for a low-carb dinner that satisfies like a hug in a bowl, this soup delivers.

What makes this recipe extra special? It’s not only quick and beginner-friendly, but it’s also loaded with protein, naturally low in carbs, and bursting with bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that tastes even better the next day, so go ahead and double the batch for lunch or meal prep.

In this post, I’ll show you step-by-step how to make the best keto chicken taco soup, share my favorite toppings, tips for creamy texture without added carbs, and even variations for dairy-free or Instant Pot lovers. Trust me, this is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to.

Let’s get into it.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Keto Chicken Taco Soup

There are a lot of keto soup recipes out there, but this one hits different. Here’s why it’s become a go-to for so many keto eaters (myself included):

One-Pot Wonder

No juggling pans or a sink full of dishes. This creamy keto taco soup comes together in a single pot, making cleanup an absolute breeze. Weeknight dinner? Handled.

⏱️ 30 Minutes or Less

We’re talking true comfort food, fast. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, this soup is ready in half an hour. No fuss, no weird ingredients.

🧀 Ultra Creamy (Without the Carbs)

We skip the flour and thicken things the keto way, using cream cheese and a little heavy cream for that rich, velvety texture. It’s indulgent without the carb crash.

🍗 Protein-Packed & Filling

Thanks to shredded chicken and full-fat ingredients, this soup keeps you full for hours, no snacking required. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even post-workout refueling.

🔁 Perfect for Meal Prep

Make a double batch and store the rest for easy lunches all week. It holds up well in the fridge and freezer, so you’re always just a reheat away from something delicious.

🌶️ Customizable Heat & Toppings

Spicy or mild, loaded with toppings or kept simple, this recipe is super flexible. Add avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or keep it dairy-free. You do you.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

This keto chicken taco soup is made with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Everything here is low in carbs, high in flavor, and totally keto-approved.

🐓 Shredded Chicken – 2 to 3 cups cooked

You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or quickly poach and shred some fresh chicken breasts. Thighs work great too for extra richness.

💡 Time-saver tip: Rotisserie chicken is a keto cook’s best friend.

🧅 Onion & Garlic – ½ cup diced onion + 3 cloves minced

Adds savory depth and builds flavor. You can reduce or skip the onion if you’re watching carbs extra closely.

🌶️ Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles – 1 can (10 oz)

Rotel is a go-to here. It adds just the right amount of tang and heat, plus it keeps things easy. Make sure there’s no added sugar in the brand you choose.

🧂 Taco Seasoning – 2 tablespoons

Use a sugar-free, keto-friendly version (or make your own, I’ll link to a recipe below). Store-bought versions often sneak in hidden carbs and starches.

🍗 Chicken Broth – 3 cups

Opt for low-sodium to control salt levels. Bone broth adds even more nutrients and makes it extra hearty.

🧀 Cream Cheese – 4 oz, softened

This is what gives the soup its signature creaminess. For a dairy-free version, swap with coconut cream or full-fat canned coconut milk.

🥛 Heavy Cream – ½ cup

Boosts fat content and smooths out the broth beautifully. Use unsweetened almond milk if you’re cutting back on dairy or calories.

🫒 Olive Oil or Butter – 1 tablespoon

Used to sauté the aromatics. Both are keto-friendly; go with what you prefer.

🧂 Salt & Pepper – to taste

Start light, you can always adjust at the end once the soup has simmered and flavors have developed.

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Chopped Bell Peppers – for extra color and nutrients (in moderation)
  • Cilantro, Lime Juice – for a fresh finish
  • Jalapeño – if you love heat!

👩‍🍳 How to Make Keto Chicken Taco Soup

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. With just one pot and about 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, hearty keto soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

💡 Pro Tip: Soften the cream cheese before adding it to the pot, this helps it melt faster and blend smoothly into the broth.

🥘 Stovetop Instructions (Main Method)

  1. Sauté the aromatics
    Warm the olive oil or butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it begins to shimmer. Add diced onion and garlic, and cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  2. Add seasoning and tomatoes
    Stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes to let the spices bloom.
  3. Pour in the broth & add chicken
    Add the chicken broth and shredded cooked chicken. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors combine.
  4. Make it creamy
    Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir slowly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Season to taste
    Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Add a splash of lime juice for a zesty finish, if you’d like.
  6. Serve hot
    Ladle into bowls, top with your favorite keto-friendly toppings, and enjoy!

🐢 Slow Cooker Version

Great for hands-off cooking or batch prep.

  1. Add all ingredients except cream cheese and heavy cream to the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
  3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cream cheese and heavy cream. Cover and let melt completely. Stir to combine.

Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker Version

Perfect for when you need dinner now.

  1. Use the Sauté setting to cook onion and garlic in oil.
  2. Stir in tomatoes, taco seasoning, chicken, and broth.
  3. Seal and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
  4. Quick release, then stir in cream cheese and heavy cream. Switch to Sauté and stir until fully combined.

🧮 Net Carbs + Nutritional Info

When you’re living the low-carb life, knowing the macros of your meals is non-negotiable. Good news, this soup is as keto-friendly as it gets.

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings total):

CaloriesFatProteinTotal CarbsFiberNet Carbs
360 kcal26g25g7g2g5g

✅ What Makes This Soup So Keto-Friendly?

  • Cream cheese and heavy cream add healthy fats and satiety without added carbs.
  • Chicken keeps the protein high while remaining lean and low in sugar.
  • No beans, corn, or flour, common taco soup ingredients that are high in carbs, were used here.
  • We use low-carb taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with no added sugar.

🥑 Keto-Friendly Topping Ideas

One of the best parts of any taco-style dish? The toppings. And yes, you can absolutely load up your keto taco soup without sabotaging your macros.

Here are some low-carb, high-flavor options to level up your bowl:

🧀 Shredded Cheese

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend, melted right on top. Adds richness and a satisfying cheesy finish.

🥑 Avocado or Guacamole

Full of healthy fats and fiber, avocado gives your soup a creamy, buttery boost. Dice it, fan it, or mash it, however you like.

🍶 Sour Cream

Adds a cool, tangy contrast to the spices. Choose full-fat sour cream to keep it keto.

🌿 Fresh Cilantro

Brightens everything up and adds a fresh finish. If you’re not a fan, skip it, but if you are, pile it on.

🌶️ Sliced Jalapeños or Hot Sauce

For the heat lovers! Add thinly sliced fresh jalapeños or a few dashes of keto-friendly hot sauce for extra kick.

🧅 Diced Red Onion

Use sparingly to keep carbs low, but a small sprinkle can add crunch and sharpness.

🥬 Shredded Lettuce or Cabbage

Gives a taco salad vibe and adds some extra texture.

🍋 Lime Wedges (optional)

While lime juice has a tiny bit of carbs, a quick squeeze can brighten the whole bowl without throwing off your count.

🧊 How to Store, Freeze & Reheat Keto Chicken Taco Soup

One of the best things about this recipe, besides the creamy, spicy goodness, is how well it stores. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or freezing leftovers for later, this soup has your back.

🧼 Refrigerator Storage

  • Storage time: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days when sealed in an airtight container.
  • Best container: Use glass meal prep containers or a sealed soup jar to preserve freshness and flavor.
  • Pro tip: The flavors deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day.

❄️ Freezer-Friendly Instructions

  • Yes, you can freeze it! This soup freezes beautifully, even with the dairy.
  • How to freeze: Let it cool completely first. Portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (flattened for space-saving).
  • How long it lasts: Up to 2–3 months.
  • Reheating from frozen: Let thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

💡 Avoid freezing with toppings, add those fresh when serving.

🔥 Reheating Tips

  • Microwave: Reheat in 30–60 second bursts, stirring in between.
  • Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium-low, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to thin it out.
  • Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from separating.

🔄 Variations + Substitutions

One of the best things about this keto chicken taco soup is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re dairy-free, out of chicken, or just want to spice things up (literally), here are some delicious ways to switch things up without breaking your carb count.

🥥 Dairy-Free Option

Replace the cream cheese and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream. It keeps the soup rich and satisfying, with a slight tropical twist that actually pairs well with the taco spices.

🥩 Swap Chicken for Ground Beef or Turkey

Not feeling chicken? Try browned ground beef or ground turkey instead. You’ll get that taco feel with a different protein twist.

  • Brown it first before adding broth and seasonings.
  • Adds a slightly heartier, chili-like vibe.

🍅 No Tomatoes? No Problem

If you’re avoiding tomatoes (due to inflammation or strict keto limits), substitute with:

  • Diced bell peppers for texture and sweetness
  • A dash of paprika or smoked paprika to keep the flavor deep

🔥 Make It Spicy

Crank up the heat by adding:

  • Extra diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
  • Chipotle powder or cayenne pepper
  • A splash of hot sauce or sriracha (sugar-free)

🌱 Vegetarian Version

Yes, you can do a vegetarian keto taco soup:

  • Replace chicken with extra firm tofu, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles
  • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth

It won’t be as protein-packed, but still totally keto-friendly.

💡 Other Add-In Ideas

  • Cauliflower rice for a “grainy” texture
  • Zucchini chunks for bulk
  • Spinach stirred in at the end for bonus nutrients

FAQs About Keto Chicken Taco Soup

Can I make this soup spicier or milder?

Totally! Control the heat by adjusting:
Mild: Skip jalapeños and use mild green chiles.
Spicy: Add chipotle powder, extra taco seasoning, or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Make it your own!

Is this keto chicken taco soup really low-carb?

Yes, it’s truly keto! This recipe is carefully crafted to be low in net carbs (around 5g per serving) by avoiding high-carb ingredients like beans, corn, flour, or sugar-laden seasonings. All ingredients are keto-approved, and fat-to-carb ratios are spot-on for a standard ketogenic lifestyle.

Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot or slow cooker?

Yes! This soup is incredibly versatile:
Slow Cooker: Toss in all ingredients (except dairy), cook low for 6–7 hours, and stir in cream cheese + heavy cream at the end.
Instant Pot: Use sauté mode for aromatics, pressure cook for 10 minutes, then stir in the dairy afterward.
Great for hands-free weeknight cooking or meal prepping.

How do I store leftovers, and how long do they last?

Fridge Storage: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.
Freezing: Divide into individual portions and store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Pro Tip: It tastes even better the next day, perfect for keto meal prep.

How do I thicken keto soup without using flour or cornstarch?

This soup is naturally thickened using:
Cream cheese – adds body and richness
Heavy cream – smooths out the broth
Shredded cheese (optional) – melted right in for thickness
No starches needed! For an even thicker consistency, you can blend a small portion of the soup and stir it back in.

Can I make this keto taco soup vegetarian or vegan?

You can! To make it vegetarian:
Replace the chicken with cauliflower rice, tofu, or chopped mushrooms
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
Skip the dairy or use vegan alternatives like cashew cream or plant-based cheese
For a vegan version, ensure all substitutes are plant-based and check your taco seasoning for hidden dairy.

A bowl of creamy keto chicken taco soup with avocado, cheese, sour cream, and cilantro served on a wooden table.

Easy Keto Chicken Taco Soup

This creamy keto chicken taco soup is the ultimate low-carb comfort food, rich, spicy, and ready in just 30 minutes. Made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and taco-seasoned broth, it’s a one-pot weeknight dinner you'll keep on repeat. Perfect for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 0 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course, Meal Prep
Cuisine American, Keto-Friendly, Tex-Mex
Servings 6 people
Calories 360 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Soup Pot Or Dutch oven
  • 1 Knife For dicing onions, garlic
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Measuring Cups

Ingredients
  

  • 2 –3 cups Cooked shredded chicken Rotisserie chicken works great
  • ½ cup Onion Diced; optional for stricter keto
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 can Diced tomatoes with green chiles Rotel preferred no sugar added
  • 2 tbsp Taco seasoning Sugar-free; or homemade
  • 3 cups Chicken broth Low-sodium preferred
  • 4 oz Cream cheese Softened
  • ½ cup Heavy cream Or coconut milk for dairy-free version
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil Or butter
  • to taste Salt & black pepper Adjust at end

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and soft.
  • Stir in taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  • Add chicken broth and shredded chicken. Bring to a low boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Stir in softened cream cheese and heavy cream until fully melted and combined. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite keto toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, or sour cream.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream for both cream cheese and heavy cream.
  • Make it spicy by adding jalapeños, chipotle powder, or your favorite hot sauce.
  • This soup freezes well, store in portions for easy keto lunches.
Keyword creamy low-carb soup, easy keto dinner, keto chicken taco soup, meal prep keto soup, one-pot keto meals

🥄 Final Thoughts: A Bowl of Keto Comfort You’ll Keep Coming Back To

Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned low-carb pro, this Easy Keto Chicken Taco Soup is the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes: creamy, flavorful, satisfying, and fast. It’s the perfect way to enjoy bold taco flavor without the carbs, and without spending hours in the kitchen.

From weeknight dinners to make-ahead meal prep, this soup fits into your routine and your macros. Plus, with all the variations and toppings, it never gets boring. One recipe, endless possibilities!

🔗 Craving More Cozy, Low-Carb Comfort Food?

If you loved this keto chicken taco soup, you’ll definitely want to try a few more hearty, flavor-packed recipes from the blog! These dishes are slow-cooker friendly, family-approved, and perfect for keeping things low-carb without sacrificing comfort:

👉 Looking for more slow-cooker recipes? Check out our full collection:
🔗 Ground Beef Crock Pot Recipes

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