There’s something magical about a bowl of creamy chicken soup that doesn’t rely on cream at all. This recipe was born out of my determination to create a comforting, velvety soup that my dairy-sensitive family could enjoy without compromise.
The secret? Full-fat coconut milk for body, and a clever blend of vegetables and cooking techniques to achieve richness without heaviness. The result is a bowlful of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a luxuriously smooth broth — perfect for cozy nights, meal prep, or when you need a nourishing pick-me-up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 100% Dairy-Free yet irresistibly creamy
- Family-Friendly — gentle flavors kids love
- Meal-Prep Friendly — reheats beautifully
- Customizable for different diets
- Balanced Nutrition — healthy fats, lean protein, and fiber
Ingredients (Serves 6 Generously)
| Category | Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Fat | Olive oil or avocado oil | 2 Tbsp |
| Aromatics | Yellow onion, finely chopped | 1 large (1.5 cups) |
| Carrots, diced | 2 large (1 cup) | |
| Celery, diced | 2 large stalks (1 cup) | |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves | |
| Vegetables | Russet potato, peeled & diced (optional for thickness) | 1 large |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup | |
| Frozen corn kernels | 1 cup | |
| Protein | Cooked chicken, shredded or cubed | 3 cups |
| Liquid | Low-sodium chicken broth | 8 cups |
| Creaminess | Full-fat coconut milk (13.5 fl oz) | 1 can |
| Herbs & Seasoning | Dried thyme | 1 tsp |
| Dried rosemary, crushed | ½ tsp | |
| Bay leaf | 1 | |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | |
| Smoked paprika (optional) | ¼ tsp | |
| Finishing Touches | Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 Tbsp |
| Fresh lemon juice (optional) | 1 Tbsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Build the Flavor Base
In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté 7–10 minutes until softened and fragrant. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt to help draw out sweetness.
2. Add Aromatics
Stir in garlic, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Cook 1 minute until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic.
3. Simmer the Vegetables
Pour in broth, add potatoes and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Optional Creamy Boost
For extra thickness, blend 1–2 cups of the soup (with some potatoes) until smooth, then stir back in.
5. Add Chicken & Quick-Cook Veggies
Stir in chicken, peas, and corn. Simmer 5–7 minutes until heated through.
6. Stir in Coconut Milk
Lower heat to the minimum. Add coconut cream first, then remaining liquid from the can. Stir gently and heat without boiling.
7. Final Touch
Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and finish with parsley and optional lemon juice.
Dietary Variations
- Vegan – Replace chicken with chickpeas or cubed tofu; use vegetable broth.
- Low-Carb/Keto – Skip potatoes and corn; add zucchini and spinach.
- Whole30/Paleo – Ensure broth and coconut milk have no additives; omit corn.
- Low-FODMAP – Use only green tops of scallions instead of onion; skip garlic or use garlic-infused oil.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Do not boil after adding coconut milk — it can split.
- Roast chicken before adding for deeper flavor.
- Layer herbs — woody herbs early, delicate herbs at the end.
- Balance coconut sweetness with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
Serving Ideas
- With crusty gluten-free bread or dairy-free garlic bread
- Topped with toasted pumpkin seeds or dairy-free croutons
- With a side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Up to 4 days in airtight containers
- Freezer: Up to 3 months; thaw before reheating
- Reheat: Low heat on stovetop; add broth if too thick
Nutrition (Per Serving – Estimate)
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 390 | 28g | 18g | 32g | 5g | 610mg |
FAQs
Can I use light coconut milk?
Not recommended — it will be less creamy.
How can I make this thicker without potatoes?
Use blended white beans or cashew cream for dairy-free thickness.
Does it freeze well?
Yes, but stir well after thawing to restore creaminess.
Final Thoughts
I’ve tested dozens of dairy-free soups over the years, and this one always gets requests for seconds. Whether you’re avoiding dairy for health, allergies, or just want a lighter take on a classic, this recipe will win hearts and warm bellies.