Chicken Soup for Diabetics (Chicken Pesto Soup)

This Chicken Soup for Diabetics recipe has been thoughtfully created for those seeking a straightforward, diabetes-friendly meal. With a focus on simplicity, it offers a wholesome and satisfying option that's both easy to prepare and enjoy.

If you are in the mood for more soups you might also enjoy this Mexican Meatball Soup recipe, Easy Tomato Soup Recipe (Low Carb) or this Low Carb Turkey Soup. How about more pesto recipes like this Easy Pesto Burrata Caprese Salad don't forget to take a peek at my Basil Pesto recipe.

Why you'll love this chicken soup for diabetic recipe

• Diabetes-Friendly and Nutrient-Rich: This soup is a diabetes-friendly option that uses low-sodium chicken broth, and it's loaded with nutritious ingredients like chicken and kale. These components work together to help manage blood sugar and support a healthy eating plan while offering essential nutrients. Plus, if you're in the mood for another low carb option, my French Onion Soup recipe provides a delicious alternative.
• Versatile for Meal Plans: Whether you're following a diabetes meal plan, a chicken soup diet, or simply aiming for a balanced diet, this recipe is adaptable to various meal plans, including those that focus on low carb, low sodium, and healthy eating.
• Effortless Cooking: Using an instant pot or slow cooker is an option, you can whip up a hearty soup in a matter of minutes. This not only saves you time in the kitchen but also aligns with meal plans that prioritize simplicity.
• Customizable and Mediterranean Diet-Inspired: Drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean diet, this soup lets you customize it to your liking while adhering to your diabetes-friendly meal plans. With simple ingredients and an array of flavors, it's a delightful addition to your menu.
• Quick and Convenient: Whether you're preparing it in an instant pot, slow cooker, or on the stovetop, this soup recipe is remarkably easy and quick to make. It's a time-saving option that fits seamlessly into busy schedules, aligning perfectly with diabetes-friendly dietary goals.

Ingredients Used

The ingredients in this soup are designed to provide a flavorful and health-conscious option, ideal for those seeking a diabetic-friendly, low-carb meal that meets their dietary needs without compromising taste.

• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is the base of the soup, providing a flavorful foundation while keeping sodium levels in check.
• Shredded Chicken (Rotisserie Chicken): Shredded chicken adds a protein-rich element to the soup, contributing to its heartiness and nutrition. Just be sure to use skinless chicken breast and thighs.
• Kale (Frozen): Kale is included for its nutrient content, introducing vitamins and a satisfying leafy green texture to the soup.
• Pesto Sauce: Pesto sauce infuses the soup with a burst of flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile and providing a Mediterranean-inspired twist. See my homemade Basil Pesto recipe or use store-bought pesto.
• Salt to taste if needed.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Recipe variations

Here are some variations of healthy soup recipes for the Chicken Soup for Diabetics:

• Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup: Enhance the original recipe by adding a medley of colorful vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and red bell peppers, to the mix. This addition not only introduces a variety of flavors and nutrients but also aligns with healthy meal plans.
• Creamy Pesto Chicken Soup: Elevate the soup's creaminess by incorporating a touch of cream or a non-dairy alternative. This creates a velvety texture that complements the Mediterranean-inspired flavors, making it an ideal choice for those following a creamy Mediterranean diet.

• Low-Carb Chicken Zoodle Soup: Swap out traditional noodles for zucchini noodles (zoodles) to create a low-carb alternative. This modification caters to those seeking low-carb and healthy eating options while retaining the heartiness of the soup.
• Quick and Easy Chicken Pesto Soup: For those with busy schedules, consider using an instant pot or a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time. This adaptation maintains the flavorful elements of the original recipe while providing a quick and convenient solution for meal plans that prioritize efficiency.
• Protein-Packed Chicken and Quinoa Soup: Replace the noodles with quinoa to increase the protein content and create a nutritious, well-rounded meal. This variation aligns with nutrition-focused meal plans and offers a satisfying and health-conscious option.
• Low-Carb Chicken Noodle Soup: Transform the original recipe into a low-carb delight by swapping traditional noodles for low-carb alternatives, such as spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles. This modification caters to those looking to minimize their carbohydrate intake while still enjoying the comforting and timeless flavors of chicken noodle soup. It's a wholesome choice for those following low-carb meal plans while relishing a classic favorite.

These variations offer a range of choices to suit different tastes and dietary preferences while incorporating a blend of flavors and ingredients that contribute to a wholesome meal.

Steps by step instructions

How to make Chicken Soup for Diabetics?

STEP 1: Place a large pot on the stove over medium heat.

Pour the chicken broth into the pot, using low-sodium broth if preferred.

Add the shredded chicken to the broth, allowing it to simmer and infuse the soup with its savory flavor.

STEP 2: Once the chicken is integrated, introduce the frozen kale, adding a vibrant and nutrient-rich element to the soup.

Stir in the basil pesto, whether homemade or store-bought, to enhance the soup's flavor with its Mediterranean-inspired taste.

STEP 3: Stir everything together until well combined. Let the mixture simmer gently for approximately 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and satisfying soup.

Instant pot and slow cooker

To make this soup in an Instant Pot or slow cooker, follow the same ingredient combination as mentioned above.

In the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to briefly cook the chicken and combine the ingredients, then switch to pressure cooking mode and cook for about 10-15 minutes.

In the slow cooker, simply place all the ingredients in the pot, and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Both methods offer convenience and flexibility, ensuring the slow cooker chicken soup turns out just as delicious with minimal effort.

Recipe tips

Here are some tips on making the best low carb chicken pesto soup ever:

• Texture and Flavor Variety: To add extra texture and flavor to the soup, consider topping it with crumbled feta cheese or chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving. These toppings provide a delightful contrast to the soup's rich and savory base.
• Adjusting Pesto Intensity: If you're a fan of bold basil pesto flavor, you can enhance it by increasing the amount of pesto sauce in the soup. This allows you to fine-tune the pesto presence to your liking, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to the meal.

Storage

Storing and reheating this soup is a straightforward process to ensure its freshness and maintain its flavors.

Storing Chicken Soup for Diabetics:

1. Cool It Down: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature after cooking. Placing hot soup directly in the fridge can lead to temperature fluctuations that affect food safety.
2. Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers or resealable bags. Make sure they're designed for food storage to prevent leakage and maintain freshness.
3. Label and Date: Consider labeling the containers with the soup name and the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of freshness.
4. Refrigerate or Freeze: Place the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. For freezing, leave some space at the top of the container to allow for soup expansion.

Reheating Chicken Soup for Diabetics:

1. Thaw (If Frozen): If your soup was frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
2. Stovetop Reheating: For the best results, reheat the soup on the stovetop. Place it in a saucepan and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. This method preserves the soup's flavor and texture.
3. Microwave Reheating: If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Use a microwave-safe container and reheat the soup in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring after each interval. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause hot spots.
4. Check Temperature: Always ensure the soup is heated to a safe temperature, at least 165°F (73.9°C), to kill any bacteria or pathogens. Use a food thermometer to confirm the temperature.

By following these steps, you can safely store and reheat your Chicken Soup for Diabetics, ensuring it remains both delicious and safe to consume.

What to serve with this soup?

Here are some low-carb serving suggestions:

1. Avocado Salad: A simple avocado salad with fresh avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice provides healthy fats and refreshing flavors.
2. Cauliflower Rice: A side of cauliflower rice, seasoned with herbs and a touch of garlic, makes for a low-carb alternative to traditional rice that pairs wonderfully with the soup.
3. Zucchini Noodles: Serve the soup with zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb twist on the classic chicken noodle soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted low-carb vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts complements the soup and adds a satisfying crunch.
5. Kale Chips: Crispy kale chips can be a delightful low-carb snack to accompany your soup. They offer a satisfying crunch and added nutrients.
6. Spinach Salad: A spinach salad with fresh baby spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, and a light vinaigrette dressing keeps your meal low carb and rich in vitamins.

These low-carb serving suggestions offer a variety of flavors and textures to enhance your Chicken Soup for Diabetics while adhering to your dietary preferences.