This bowl features tender shredded chicken and soft cauliflower florets simmered in a velvety, cream-based broth. The soup is enriched with butter and cream cheese, incorporating wilted spinach and diced celery for varied texture and color. With a fragrant aroma of dried thyme and garlic, the dish offers a smooth, comforting consistency and a pale, creamy appearance flecked with green herbs.

About This Recipe

The soup base is prepared by sautéing diced onion and celery in butter before simmering cauliflower florets in chicken broth until tender. Once the vegetables are softened, cooked shredded chicken is added along with heavy cream and cream cheese, which melt into the broth to create a thick, glossy texture without the use of flour or starches. The inclusion of fresh spinach at the final stage of cooking ensures the leaves wilt into the hot liquid while maintaining their vibrant color.

The flavor profile is defined by the savory depth of the chicken broth and the richness of the dairy, balanced by the earthy notes of dried thyme and garlic powder. The cauliflower provides a mild, nutty sweetness that complements the neutral flavor of the chicken, while the cream cheese adds a slight tang that cuts through the buttery base. Salt and black pepper are used to heighten these warm, winter-inspired flavors, resulting in a cohesive and savory broth.

Typically served hot in deep bowls, this soup is a practical choice for cold-weather meals or utilizing leftover poultry. The consistency can be adjusted by simmering the liquid longer to thicken it or by lightly mashing some of the cauliflower to release more body into the broth. The finished dish has a rustic, homemade look that is often enhanced with a garnish of shredded parmesan or fresh parsley for added visual appeal and saltiness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and creamy winter comfort food
Packed with tender chicken and low-carb veggies
Perfect for cold-weather meals
Naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly
Easy to customize and meal-prep
Cozy, satisfying flavor profile
Warms up beautifully the next day
Simple ingredients, fast cooking time

What You’ll Need for This Creamy Winter Vegetable Chicken Soup

Soup Base

2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced celery
2 cups cauliflower florets
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Finishing Ingredients

1 cup fresh spinach
2 tbsp cream cheese

Optional Toppings

Shredded parmesan
Fresh parsley
Cracked black pepper

Step-by-Step Preparation

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion and celery; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add cauliflower florets, chicken broth, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Simmer 12–15 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
Add shredded chicken, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
Add spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve warm with optional toppings

FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes—it’s perfect for this recipe.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but stir well after thawing due to dairy separation.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese.
Can I thicken it more?
Simmer longer or mash a few cauliflower pieces.
Can I add more vegetables?
Use only low-carb options like kale or mushrooms.

Variations & Substitutions

Add mushrooms for deeper flavor
Swap spinach for kale
Add a little parmesan to enrich the broth
Use turkey instead of chicken
Add smoked paprika for warmth

Serving Suggestions

Serve with keto garlic bread
Pair with a winter salad
Top with parmesan and fresh herbs

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