There’s something wonderfully soothing about a warm bowl of soup that not only tastes amazing but also nourishes your body deeply. This Creamy Paleo Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe is just that—rich with mushrooms, tender chicken, and a silky texture that’s both comforting and satisfying without any heavy dairy. I promise, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a favorite in my kitchen!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Paleo Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Creamy Paleo Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Creamy Paleo Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t tell you how many times this Creamy Paleo Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe has come to my rescue on chilly evenings or when I needed a healthy, fuss-free meal. The balance between creamy textures and savory flavors, without any grains or dairy, makes it a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to keep in your rotation.
- Comforting Creaminess: Thanks to coconut milk and arrowroot starch, this soup achieves a velvety texture that feels indulgent but stays paleo-friendly.
- Loaded with Vegetables: The combination of mushrooms, kale, and leeks adds layers of flavor and nutrition, making it much more than just chicken soup.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With thoughtful herbs like sage and rosemary, and a touch of nutritional yeast, you get a savory depth that feels gourmet but isn’t complicated.
- Easy Weeknight Meal: It comes together quickly and reheats beautifully, perfect for busy days when you still want something wholesome and tasty.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Choosing the right ingredients really makes this soup shine. Each part contributes something special: the chicken adds protein and richness, while the mushrooms and greens bring earthiness and freshness. I always recommend fresh herbs and full-fat coconut milk for the best flavor and texture.
- Chicken Thighs: They’re juicier and more flavorful than breast meat, which keeps the soup tender and rich.
- Ghee: This adds a buttery richness and cooks the veggies beautifully without dairy concerns.
- Leeks: They offer a mild onion flavor that’s sweeter and less sharp than regular onions.
- Garlic: Essential for that warming depth of flavor; don’t skip it!
- White Button Mushrooms: These soak up the broth’s flavors and give the soup a meaty texture.
- Kale: Adds vibrant color and boosts nutrition, plus it cooks way down so you get lots without the soup feeling heavy.
- Arrowroot Starch: A paleo-friendly thickener that delivers creaminess without clouding flavors.
- Chicken Bone Broth: Use a good quality broth to deepen the soup’s flavor and add natural collagen.
- Coconut Milk (Full Fat): Gives that silky creaminess and subtle sweetness that balances the earthiness.
- Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy, umami punch that’s Whole30 compliant and delicious.
- Brown Mustard: A little tang that wakes up the flavors and builds complexity.
- Fresh Herbs (Sage & Rosemary): They infuse the soup with a fragrant, cozy aroma and taste—don’t skip fresh!
- Sea Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning, but go light at first since the chicken may already be salted.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Creamy Paleo Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you love or have on hand. I’ve played with adding other greens, extra spices, and different thickeners, so feel totally comfortable making it your own.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap kale for spinach or Swiss chard when I want a milder leafy green; it softens the texture and adds a different flavor profile.
- Dietary Tweaks: If you’re not strictly paleo, adding a splash of cream or a handful of shredded cheese can turn this into a more indulgent bowl—but trust me, the coconut milk does the job beautifully if you’re sticking to the diet.
- Boost the Protein: Adding shredded leftover rotisserie chicken makes prep even faster, perfect for those busy nights.
- Seasonal Add-ins: Feel free to toss in diced carrots or celery for extra crunch and sweetness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Paleo Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms Just Right
Start by melting the ghee over medium heat—that buttery smell instantly perks you up, right? Toss in your chopped leeks and cook until they’re tender and sweet, about 4–5 minutes. Then add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, stirring to coat everything in that lovely fat. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the mushrooms soften but don’t brown too much, giving it a nice mellow flavor that’s the base of your soup.
Step 2: Thicken and Build the Broth
While the veggies cook, whisk the arrowroot starch into your chicken bone broth until completely smooth—no lumps allowed! This little trick is key for that creamy finish. Add the kale generously to your pan, then pour in the broth mixture and coconut milk. Stir in the nutritional yeast and mustard for that comforting, umami kick. Turn up the heat, bring it to a gentle boil, and keep stirring so it thickens evenly. Once it starts to coat the back of your spoon nicely, dial down the heat to low.
Step 3: Add Chicken, Herbs, and Season
Now comes the cozy part—toss the chicken thighs into the pot along with fresh minced sage and rosemary. Season lightly with sea salt and pepper, remembering the chicken might already have some seasoning. Let everything simmer gently for a few minutes so the flavors meld beautifully and the chicken finishes cooking through. By now, your kitchen will smell like someone just handed you a warm hug in a bowl.
Top Tip
After making this soup countless times, I learned a few tricks that really make it shine and keep it easy to put together.
- Perfect Thickness: Whisk the arrowroot starch into cold broth before adding it to the pot to avoid clumps and get a smooth, creamy soup.
- Don’t Overcook the Kale: Add it at the right moment so it retains a bit of texture and vibrant color rather than turning mushy.
- Use Bone Broth: It’s not just flavor; the nutrients and natural gelatin help with that silky mouthfeel you want in a creamy soup.
- Season Gently: Because bone broth and chicken thighs bring some salt, start with less and adjust at the end—you can always add more but can’t take it out!
How to Serve Creamy Paleo Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or more minced rosemary to brighten up every spoonful. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few toasted pumpkin seeds adds a pleasant richness and texture contrast that makes each bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with paleo-friendly dinner rolls or a simple side salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil. On days I’m feeling extra cozy, I serve it alongside roasted root vegetables for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving this soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or rustic bread bowls (for non-paleo guests). It instantly turns a humble soup into something festive and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating gently on the stovetop keeps the texture creamy and prevents the coconut milk from breaking up.
Freezing
This soup freezes surprisingly well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and leave a bit of space at the top for expansion. When thawed, I whisk it again before reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is low and slow on the stove, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, adding a splash of extra broth or water helps loosen it up without diluting the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! This recipe is fully Whole30 compliant because it uses paleo-approved ingredients like ghee, coconut milk, and arrowroot starch, and avoids all grains, dairy, and added sugars.
Absolutely, you can swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer. However, thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender, which complements the creamy texture of this soup well. If using breast, watch the cooking time carefully to avoid drying out the chicken.
If you don't have arrowroot starch, tapioca starch is a great paleo-friendly substitute. Both thicken the soup nicely without affecting flavor. Avoid regular cornstarch if you want to keep the recipe paleo.
Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and refrigerate. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving. It also freezes well for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Creamy Paleo Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe means comfort and health in a single bowl for me. It’s one of those meals I make when I want something that warms me up, fills me with good nutrients, and tastes like I spent hours slaving away — but really, it’s all about smart ingredients and simple techniques. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself reaching for this friendly, satisfying soup again and again.
Print
Creamy Paleo Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Paleo American
- Diet: Whole30
Description
A cozy, comforting Creamy Paleo Chicken Soup with Mushrooms and Kale that is dairy-free, Whole30 and paleo-compliant. Loaded with tender chicken thighs, sautéed leeks, garlic, mushrooms, and nutrient-rich kale in a creamy coconut milk base thickened with arrowroot starch. Perfect for a healthy, satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Veggies
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoon ghee (grass-fed butter, or refined coconut oil)
- 2 leeks (white and light green parts only, chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups white button mushrooms (sliced)
- 2-3 large handfuls kale (roughly chopped)
Liquids and Thickeners
- 2 ⅔ cups chicken bone broth
- ⅔ cup organic coconut milk (full fat)
- 2 tablespoon + 2 teaspoon arrowroot starch (or tapioca)
Seasoning and Flavor
- 2 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- ½ tablespoon brown mustard (check label for Whole30 compliance)
- 2 sage leaves (minced)
- 2 teaspoon fresh minced rosemary
- Sea salt and pepper to taste (about ¼ teaspoon sea salt and ⅛ teaspoon pepper)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt the ghee in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped leeks and cook until softened. Then add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, stirring to coat. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the mushrooms are soft.
- Prepare Broth Mixture: While the vegetables cook, whisk the arrowroot starch into the chicken bone broth until fully dissolved to prevent lumps.
- Add Kale and Liquids: Add the roughly chopped kale to the saucepan with the sautéed vegetables and gently stir. Pour in the broth mixture and the full-fat coconut milk. Whisk in the nutritional yeast and brown mustard until well combined.
- Boil and Thicken: Raise the heat and bring the soup to a boil, stirring frequently. Lower the heat slightly to avoid overflowing and continue boiling and stirring until the soup thickens.
- Simmer with Chicken and Herbs: Turn the heat to low and add the boneless skinless chicken thighs along with the minced sage leaves and fresh rosemary. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes until the chicken is heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Optional accompaniment includes paleo dinner rolls (note: not Whole30 compliant). Enjoy your creamy, nourishing paleo chicken soup!
Notes
- This soup is perfect as a warm, filling meal loaded with vegetables and protein, great for cozy nights and quick weeknight dinners.
- Arrowroot starch acts as a gluten-free thickener; tapioca starch can be substituted if needed.
- Choosing boneless, skinless chicken thighs keeps the meat tender and juicy.
- Full-fat coconut milk provides creaminess while keeping the recipe dairy-free and paleo-friendly.
- Check mustard labels carefully for Whole30 compliance to avoid added sugars or non-compliant ingredients.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to personal taste, especially if your chicken is pre-seasoned.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 343 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 109 mg
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