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.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.