Keto Clam Chowder Recipe

This Keto Clam Chowder Recipe is a rich, creamy, and low-carb twist on the classic! Packed with clams, butter, and bacon, it’s the perfect cozy meal.

this Recipe

I’ll be honest—giving up clam chowder was not on my list when I started keto. I grew up with a deep love for that creamy, soul-warming bowl of comfort, especially on cold winter nights. There’s just something magical about dunking a hunk of bread into a hot bowl of chowder, letting the rich, buttery broth soak in. But the problem? Traditional clam chowder is loaded with carbs from potatoes and flour—a total keto nightmare.

So, I did what any soup-loving, carb-cutting foodie would do: I went on a mission to make a keto-friendly version that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The result? A thick, creamy, Keto Clam Chowder Recipe that tastes just as indulgent as the original, but without the carb crash. The secret? Daikon radish! It mimics the texture of potatoes so well that even my non-keto friends were fooled. Plus, there’s buttery clams, crispy bacon, and a hint of red bell pepper for an extra depth of flavor.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Keto Clam Chowder Recipe?

• No Potatoes, No Problem! Daikon radish steps in for that classic chowder texture without the carbs.
• Creamy & Indulgent: Thanks to heavy cream and butter, this chowder is velvety smooth with every bite.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Bacon Makes Everything Better: Crispy, smoky bacon adds that extra layer of deliciousness.
• Packed with Protein & Flavor: Clams, chicken broth, and a touch of garlic bring that umami richness to life.

Ingredient Notes:

Before we get into the full recipe, let’s talk about why each ingredient matters.

• Clams & Clam Juice: The star of the dish—canned clams are convenient and full of briny flavor.
• Daikon Radish: A low-carb alternative to potatoes that blends beautifully into the chowder.
• Arrowroot Powder: The perfect keto-friendly thickener to keep it creamy without flour.
• Heavy Cream & Butter: These create that rich, velvety texture that makes chowder so irresistible.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and color to balance the dish.
• Crispy Bacon: Because, really—does bacon ever make a dish worse?

How To Make Keto Clam Chowder?

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, and red bell pepper and sauté until softened. This step builds the first layer of flavor!

Step 2: Thicken the Base

Stir in arrowroot powder, making sure it coats the vegetables evenly. This helps create that thick chowder consistency without using flour.

Step 3: Add the Broth & Clams

Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then stir in the clams (with juice), heavy cream, daikon radish, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together into creamy, briny goodness.

Step 5: The Finishing Touch – Bacon!

Remove the bay leaf, ladle the chowder into bowls, and sprinkle crispy bacon on top. Serve hot and enjoy!

Storage Options:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Since it has heavy cream, freezing isn’t ideal—but if necessary, freeze without the cream and add it fresh when reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun ways to tweak this keto clam chowder!

• Make It Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk—it adds a slightly different flavor but still works beautifully.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Extra Veggies: Throw in some mushrooms or zucchini to make it even heartier.
• Seafood Lover’s Twist: Add shrimp or white fish for an even more luxurious chowder.

What to Serve with Keto Clam Chowder?

Even without bread, this chowder shines! Here’s what pairs well with it:

• Keto Bread or Biscuits: If you miss that classic pairing, a low-carb biscuit is the way to go.
• Cauliflower Rice: Adds bulk without the carbs.
• A Crisp Side Salad: The perfect light contrast to the rich chowder.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is clam chowder keto-friendly?

Traditional clam chowder is packed with flour and potatoes, making it high in carbs. This keto version removes those, using daikon radish and arrowroot powder instead.

What can I use instead of arrowroot powder?

Xanthan gum is a great alternative—just use ¼ teaspoon instead of 1 teaspoon of arrowroot.

Can I use fresh clams instead of canned?

Absolutely! Steam fresh clams, remove the meat, and use the cooking liquid in place of canned clam juice.

There’s something about a steamy, creamy bowl of chowder that just feels like home. And now, with this Keto Clam Chowder Recipe, you don’t have to miss out just because you’re cutting carbs. It’s rich, flavorful, and so satisfying, with all the comfort of the classic—without the guilt.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to whip up a batch? Let me know in the comments if you try it!

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Keto Clam Chowder Recipe

This Keto Clam Chowder Recipe offers a rich, creamy texture without the added carbs. Made with clams, heavy cream, crispy bacon, and a low-carb thickener, it is the perfect warm and hearty dish for a cozy meal while staying within keto-friendly guidelines.

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4 Servings

Ingredients

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• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 3 celery stalks sliced
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 6.5 ounces canned clams including clam juice
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup daikon radish diced (optional, as a potato substitute)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 slices cooked crispy bacon crumbled

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Instructions

 

Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, and red bell pepper, stirring occasionally. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Incorporate the Thickener

1. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of arrowroot powder over the sautéed vegetables, stirring continuously to coat evenly. This step helps thicken the chowder without using traditional flour.

Add Broth, Clams, and Seasonings

1. Slowly pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, stirring as you go. Add the canned clams (with their juice), heavy cream, diced daikon radish (if using), bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.

Simmer the Chowder

1. Increase the heat to bring the chowder to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken naturally.

Add the Finishing Touches

1. Once the chowder has reached the desired consistency, remove the bay leaf. Pour the soup into serving bowls and garnish each portion with crispy crumbled bacon for added flavor and texture.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Enjoy this low-carb clam chowder warm, ideally paired with a keto-friendly side such as almond flour biscuits or a simple green salad.

Notes

This Keto Clam Chowder Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses arrowroot powder as a thickening agent instead of flour. If substituting arrowroot, xanthan gum is a viable alternative—use only ¼ teaspoon, as it is a more potent thickener. Always check ingredient labels for potential gluten contamination in packaged products such as canned clams and chicken broth.

Bitty

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Let me know! Mention @nodashofgluten or tag #nodashofgluten

Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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