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Creamy Chicken and Cauliflower Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Creamy Chicken and Cauliflower Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe because it feels like a cozy, nourishing hug in a bowl. When I first tried this soup, I was amazed at how the creamy coconut milk added a gentle sweetness without overpowering the flavors. It’s such a comforting dish that works perfectly for cold evenings or whenever you need something light but satisfying.

You’ll also find that this soup is surprisingly easy to make and uses ingredients that you might already have tucked away in your kitchen. I appreciate how the coconut milk brings a velvety texture without dairy, making it a great option for those who prefer a dairy-free, gluten-free meal. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome veggies and chicken, so it’s a balanced and complete comfort food that won’t leave you feeling heavy.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Easy to find, everyday ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe.
  • Creamy and Comforting: The coconut milk gives the soup a smooth, luscious texture without dairy.
  • Healthy and Nourishing: Loaded with chicken and veggies, it’s a wholesome meal you can feel good about.
  • Versatile and Flavorful: Fresh herbs and lemon juice brighten up the soup for a vibrant finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Chicken and Cauliflower Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe lies in its balance: creamy, fresh, and flavorful without being heavy. Each ingredient plays its part perfectly, so let’s walk through them to ensure you get the best version of this comforting soup.

  • Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing to add a subtle richness.
  • Yellow onion: Diced finely to melt into the soup and provide a sweet undertone.
  • Carrots: Peeled and diced; they add just the right amount of natural sweetness and texture.
  • Cauliflower: Chopped into bite-sized florets, it’s the creamy vegetable star of the show.
  • Celery ribs: Thinly sliced for a hint of herbal crunch and depth.
  • Garlic: Minced fresh for aromatic flavor — don’t skip it!
  • Canned lite coconut milk: The secret to creaminess with a delicate coconut flavor without heaviness.
  • Chicken broth: Use a good quality broth or homemade for fuller flavor.
  • Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or diced, it adds protein and hearty texture. Leftovers work great here!
  • Salt and black pepper: Adjust to taste—seasoning brings everything together.
  • Lemon juice: Adds a bright pop that balances the richness of coconut milk.
  • Dried oregano: Use sparingly; it gives a subtle earthiness.
  • Fresh herbs: Parsley, tarragon, or oregano — fresh herbs lift the soup and make it vibrant.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Creamy Chicken and Cauliflower Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe depending on what’s in season or what my family prefers. Don’t be afraid to personalize it — that’s how you make a recipe truly yours.

  • Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty plant-based option I’ve tried with success.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to give it a little kick; it balances surprisingly well with the coconut milk.
  • Different Herbs: Using fresh basil or cilantro instead of parsley provides a fresh twist I sometimes use during summer.
  • Extra Veggies: Feel free to add zucchini or spinach late in the cooking — it adds color and nutrients without extra effort.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Cauliflower Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a 3-quart pot over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onions and carrots, and sauté them gently for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and the onions turn translucent. This slow cooking helps release their natural sweetness, an essential flavor base for your soup.

Step 2: Add Cauliflower, Celery, and Garlic

Next, toss in the cauliflower florets, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Give them a good stir, letting everything cook together for another 2 minutes. Be careful not to brown the garlic too much — just enough to bring out its fragrance.

Step 3: Pour in Coconut Milk and Broth, Add Chicken

Pour the lite coconut milk and chicken broth into the pot, then add shredded or diced cooked chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the carrots and cauliflower are tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking — you want the veggies to have a slight bite and the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Add Final Touches and Serve

Remove the soup from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, and fresh chopped herbs like parsley or tarragon. Taste and adjust salt if necessary. Serve the soup hot and enjoy every creamy, fragrant spoonful!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Cauliflower Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe

  • Use Leftover Chicken: I almost always use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time and add rich flavor.
  • Choose Lite Coconut Milk: This keeps the soup creamy without it becoming too heavy or overly coconutty.
  • Don’t Overcook Cauliflower: Cook just until tender to avoid a mushy texture and maintain a fresh flavor.
  • Add Lemon Juice Last: Adding lemon at the end keeps its bright flavor from cooking away.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Cauliflower Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe

A close-up view of a dark pot filled with creamy chicken and vegetable soup. The soup has a thick, pale yellow broth with visible pieces of shredded light brown chicken scattered throughout. There are several chunks of bright orange carrots and white cauliflower florets floating in the soup. Green herb sprigs are mixed in, adding small pops of color. A large silver spoon rests inside the pot, partially submerged in the soup. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few torn tarragon leaves — it adds a fresh burst of herbal aroma that complements the creamy soup. Sometimes, a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes works nicely too for a little texture.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some crunchy crusty bread for dipping. On busy nights, I’ll throw together a simple avocado toast or warm naan bread, and it makes the meal feel complete and more special.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I love serving this soup in small cups or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a stunning presentation that gets guests talking. You can also top each bowl with a swirl of coconut milk or a few edible flowers for a pop of color that feels festive and homey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating because ingredients may settle. I usually reheat on the stove over medium heat to avoid separating the coconut milk.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Creamy Chicken and Cauliflower Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe several times, and it thaws well without losing flavor. Freeze portions in freezer-friendly containers or bags for up to 3 months. Just remember to cool it completely before freezing and leave some room for expansion.

Reheating

When reheating, do it slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave at medium power. Stir occasionally to keep the texture smooth and prevent curdling. If the soup looks too thick, add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to your preferred consistency.

FAQs

  1. Can I use full-fat coconut milk instead of lite?

    Absolutely! Using full-fat coconut milk makes the soup richer and creamier, but it also adds more calories and stronger coconut flavor. If you love rich soups, go for full-fat, but for a lighter version, lite coconut milk works great.

  2. Is this recipe suitable for low-carb or keto diets?

    Yes, this soup fits well into a low-carb lifestyle since cauliflower is low in carbs and chicken provides protein. Just ensure your chicken broth doesn’t have added sugars and use full-fat coconut milk for keto compliance.

  3. What can I substitute for chicken broth if I’m vegetarian?

    You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Also, skip the chicken or replace it with your favorite plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu to keep it hearty and delicious.

  4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

    Definitely! Sauté the veggies first, then add everything to the slow cooker except the lemon juice and fresh herbs. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and add the lemon juice and herbs right before serving for the brightest flavor.

  5. How do I prevent the soup from separating when reheating?

    Reheat gently over low to medium heat and stir frequently. Avoid boiling the soup after adding coconut milk, as high heat can cause separation. Adding a splash of broth or water can help restore smoothness.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Cauliflower Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe has become one of those dishes that I turn to whenever I want something warm, comforting, and simple. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do — it really feels like a special homemade meal without any fuss. Give it a try and watch how it soon turns into a family favorite that you’ll reach for again and again.

Print
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Creamy Chicken and Cauliflower Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 97 reviews
  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A comforting and nutritious Chicken and Cauliflower Soup that combines tender chicken breast, creamy coconut milk, and fresh vegetables for a perfect light meal. This soup is easy to prepare, packed with flavor from herbs and spices, and ideal for a wholesome lunch or dinner.


Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • ½ head cauliflower, chopped into florets or bite-size pieces
  • 3 celery ribs, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Broth

  • 14 oz canned lite coconut milk (reduced fat coconut milk)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or 14-oz can broth)

Protein

  • 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

Seasonings & Herbs

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt, or to taste
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (from ½ small lemon)
  • ¼ tsp dried oregano, or more to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh herbs chopped, such as parsley, tarragon, and/or oregano (or use 1-2 tsp dried herbs)


Instructions

  1. Heat oil and sauté aromatics: In a ~3 quart pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrots and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add cauliflower, celery, and garlic: Stir in the cauliflower florets, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Continue to sauté for 2 more minutes to develop flavors.
  3. Add liquids and chicken: Pour in 14 oz lite coconut milk and 2 cups chicken broth. Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken breast, then season with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Bring to boil and simmer: Increase heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes or until the carrots and cauliflower reach your preferred tenderness.
  5. Finish with lemon and herbs: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, and ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, tarragon, and/or oregano. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use cooked chicken breast to save time; rotisserie chicken works well.
  • For a creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup before adding the chicken.
  • Adjust herbs to your taste – fresh herbs add brightness while dried herbs offer deeper flavor.
  • This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 430mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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