Creamy Chicken and Carrot Soup with Garlic and Thyme

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting chicken soup enriched with tender carrots, garlic, and a splash of cream for a cozy, low-carb meal. This american-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 45 minutes pairs unsalted butter, olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 5, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 5 American cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large stockpot over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter with 1 tbsp olive oil. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 2 diced medium carrots, and 3 minced garlic cloves; cook for 6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until the chicken begins to brown.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 5 cups chicken broth and add 3 fresh thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes until carrots are tender and chicken is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove thyme sprigs and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Chicken and Carrot Soup with Garlic and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Chicken and Carrot Soup with Garlic and Thyme?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Chicken and Carrot Soup with Garlic and Thyme?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Chicken and Carrot Soup with Garlic and Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Creamy Chicken and Carrot Soup with Garlic and Thyme keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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