How Many Carbs Are In Creamy Chicken Soup? A Complete Nutritional Breakdown

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

The total carbohydrate content in creamy chicken soup can vary drastically, ranging from as low as 4 grams per serving for a low-carb recipe to over 20 grams for versions with added starches like noodles or rice. Understanding how many carbs are in creamy chicken soup requires examining the specific ingredients and preparation methods used.

Quick Summary

The carb content of creamy chicken soup is highly dependent on the recipe and ingredients, particularly the thickener used and any added fillers like noodles. The nutritional profile differs significantly between commercially prepared canned soups and various homemade versions.

Key Points

Carb Count Variability: The carb count in creamy chicken soup differs significantly based on ingredients, ranging from under 10g for low-carb versions to over 20g for those with starchy additions.
Key Carb Sources: The main contributors to higher carbs are thickening agents like flour and starchy add-ins like noodles, rice, or potatoes.
Canned vs. Homemade: Canned soups often use thickeners and processed starches, leading to higher carbs and sodium, while homemade allows for precise control over ingredients.
Keto-Friendly Alternatives: For a low-carb soup, use heavy cream and xanthan gum instead of flour, and swap starchy vegetables for low-carb options like cauliflower or mushrooms.
Healthy Vegetable Swaps: Opt for non-starchy vegetables such as celery, onion, spinach, and mushrooms to add flavor and nutrients without raising the carb content.
Label Checking is Crucial: Always check the nutritional information on store-bought soups, as carb counts can vary widely between brands and preparations.

Factors That Influence the Carb Count

The number of carbohydrates in a bowl of creamy chicken soup is not fixed; it is a direct result of the ingredients chosen. While chicken and broth are naturally low in carbs, the soup's creaminess and bulk come from other additions that can drive up the total carbohydrate count. Here are the key factors that determine the final carb count:

Thickeners

Traditionally, a creamy soup's base is thickened using a roux made from all-purpose flour and butter. Flour is a significant source of carbohydrates. For those on a low-carb diet, this traditional method is a major source of concern. Low-carb recipes, on the other hand, often use alternatives like xanthan gum or rely on the natural thickening properties of heavy cream to achieve the desired consistency without the added carbs.

Starchy Add-ins

Many popular creamy chicken soup variations include starchy ingredients that substantially increase the carb load. These include:

Noodles (common in classic creamy chicken noodle soup).
Rice (found in creamy chicken and wild rice soups).
Potatoes (used to add a hearty, filling quality).

These ingredients provide bulk and satisfaction but make the soup unsuitable for a ketogenic or very low-carb diet. For low-carb alternatives, ingredients like cauliflower rice or turnips can be used.

Canned vs. Homemade Soup

There is a notable difference in carb content between canned and homemade creamy chicken soup. Canned condensed soups from major brands often contain thickeners and fillers that contribute to a higher carbohydrate count. A single serving (1/2 cup) of condensed soup may contain around 9 grams of carbs, which increases when prepared with milk. Homemade soup offers more control, allowing you to select low-carb ingredients and avoid hidden sugars or starches.

How to Create a Low-Carb Creamy Chicken Soup

For those watching their carb intake, making a creamy chicken soup at home is the best way to ensure a low-carb meal. Here is a list of strategic substitutions:

Thickeners: Use heavy cream and/or cream cheese for a rich, low-carb base. A small amount of xanthan gum can be added to thicken without adding significant carbs.
Vegetables: Opt for low-carb vegetables that are rich in nutrients and fiber. Recommended options include:
- Mushrooms
- Celery
- Onion
- Spinach
- Cauliflower (can be riced or blended into the base for thickness)
Liquid: Start with a high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth. Adding heavy cream will boost the fat content and creaminess while keeping carbs low.
Protein: Use skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs for a lean protein source. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and naturally low in carbs.

Comparison Table: Canned vs. Homemade Creamy Chicken Soup


Feature	Typical Canned Condensed Soup (1/2 cup)	Typical Homemade Soup (High-Carb)	Typical Homemade Soup (Low-Carb)
Carbohydrates	9-15g (higher with milk)	20g+ (with flour, noodles)	4-10g (with low-carb thickeners)
Thickener	Wheat flour, modified starches	All-purpose flour roux	Heavy cream, cream cheese, xanthan gum
Common Additions	Water, milk	Carrots, celery, onion, rice, noodles	Celery, onion, mushrooms, cauliflower rice
Level of Control	Low, pre-set ingredients	High, full control over ingredients	High, tailored to dietary needs
Sodium	Often high	Varies based on broth and seasoning	Varies based on broth and seasoning

Nutritional Breakdown of a Homemade Low-Carb Recipe

To illustrate the difference, here is a breakdown based on a typical keto-friendly creamy chicken soup recipe:

Ingredients: Chicken breast, chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, butter, cream cheese, herbs, low-carb vegetables (cauliflower, spinach, celery).
Preparation: The creaminess comes from a blend of cream cheese and heavy cream. Spices and fresh chicken provide the flavor, while the broth forms the liquid base. Vegetables are cooked until tender.
Carb Count: With these ingredients, a single serving can be as low as 4 grams of total carbs, making it an excellent option for ketogenic diets.

The Impact of Ingredients on the Final Carb Count

Understanding individual ingredients is key to managing carbohydrate intake. For example, a recipe that calls for one cup of noodles adds approximately 40-50 grams of carbs to the entire batch, which is then distributed among servings. The same is true for rice and potatoes. Conversely, a soup base made with heavy cream and cream cheese instead of a flour roux adds minimal carbs, focusing the nutrient profile on fats and protein.

For those seeking reliable nutritional data, resources like Carb Manager provide detailed breakdowns of different foods. Carb Manager

Conclusion

In summary, the number of carbs in creamy chicken soup is not uniform and depends heavily on its origin and specific ingredients. Canned versions tend to be higher in carbs and sodium due to added thickeners and fillers, while homemade recipes offer the greatest flexibility and control. By consciously choosing low-carb thickeners like heavy cream or xanthan gum and opting for non-starchy vegetables, it's possible to create a delicious, hearty, and low-carb creamy chicken soup suitable for various dietary needs, including keto diets. Reading labels for canned versions and being mindful of ingredient choices for homemade soup are the most effective strategies for managing carbohydrate intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many canned cream of chicken soups are moderately high in carbs, particularly when prepared with milk as directed. Canned condensed versions often contain added starches for thickening, contributing significantly to the total carbohydrate count.

A great low-carb thickener is xanthan gum, which is highly effective even in small amounts. You can also use heavy cream or cream cheese to add richness and body to the soup without using flour.

Yes, restaurant creamy chicken soups are often higher in carbohydrates. They typically use traditional flour-based thickeners and may include starchy ingredients like potatoes or rice for a heartier texture.

Yes, but you will likely need to make it yourself. Most store-bought and restaurant versions contain too many carbs for a ketogenic diet. A homemade recipe using heavy cream, cream cheese, and low-carb vegetables is the best option.

To lower carbs, replace flour with xanthan gum, increase the use of heavy cream, and substitute starchy vegetables like potatoes and carrots with low-carb alternatives such as cauliflower, mushrooms, or celery.

Homemade soups offer more control over carb content. You can choose ingredients like heavy cream and xanthan gum to minimize carbs. Canned soups, conversely, rely on starches and fillers for thickening, resulting in a higher carb count.

Yes, adding traditional noodles or rice to a creamy chicken soup will substantially increase its carbohydrate content, making it less suitable for low-carb diets.