Go Back
–+ servings
Close-up top-view of low-carb keto clam chowder soup with bacon.

Low-carb clam chowder

Tami DeGeeter, CPT, CNC
This low-carb clam chowder delivers all the rich, creamy flavors of the classic dish without the extra carbs. By swapping out traditional potatoes for turnips and using simple ingredients like bacon, clams, and heavy cream, this recipe offers a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any time of year. Easy to make and packed with savory goodness, it’s a great option for anyone looking to enjoy comfort food that fits within a low-carb lifestyle. Garnish with crispy bacon and fresh parsley for a bowl that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
This recipe may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Soup
Makes 4 servings
Serving Size 1½ cups
Net Carbs 10 g
*Net carbs are per serving

Ingredients
 

  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • ¼ cup yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium turnips, peeled and cut into ½” cubes
  • 2½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 6-ounce cans clams, drained - or any seafood of choice
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Garnish: finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat, fry the chopped bacon. Once cooked, remove the bacon to a paper towel lined plate. Don’t drain the bacon grease.
    Top-view of cooking chopped bacon in a Dutch oven pot.
  • Add the onion and turnips and sauté for about 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer for 10-15 minutes. Season with thyme.
    Close-up side-view of a Dutch oven pot cooking low-carb clam chowder soup.
  • Add the clams and the heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes.
    Top-view of low-carb clam chowder soup cooking in a Dutch oven, being stirred with a wooden spoon.
  • Remove a small amount of the hot broth to a small bowl and add the xanthan gum. Whisk until the xanthan gum is fully dissolved. Add the broth back to the pot and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    Close-up view of adding xanthan gum to low-carb clam chowder to thicken the soup.
  • Serve and garnish with bacon, finely chopped fresh parsley, and cracked black pepper. Enjoy!
    Close-up top-view of keto low-carb clam chowder creamy and garnished with bacon.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Low-carb clam chowder
Serving Size
 
1.5 cups
Amount per Serving
Calories
422
% Daily Value*
Net Carbohydrates
 
10
g
Carbohydrates
 
11
g
Fiber
 
1
g
Sugar
 
5
g
Protein
 
16
g
Fat
 
35
g
Saturated Fat
 
19
g
Trans Fat
 
0
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
8
g
Cholesterol
 
121
mg
Sodium
 
917
mg
Potassium
 
521
mg
15
%
Vitamin C
 
14
mg
17
%
Vitamin A
 
360
µg
51
%
Calcium
 
106
mg
11
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are provided as a courtesy. Nutrition facts are sourced from the USDA Food Database. Values may vary depending on brand of ingredients used.

Equipment

Large red enameled cast iron dutch oven pot.
Dutch Oven
Metal whisk
Whisk
Keywords creamy clam chowder, hearty keto chowder, keto clam chowder, keto fish chowder, low-carb clam chowder soup, low-carb fish chowder
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
©Total Diabetes Wellness. Photographs, videos, and content are copyrighted. Sharing our recipes with a link and photo is encouraged and appreciated. Do not screenshot or copy/paste full recipes to any website or social media.
 

Save your private notes - member-exclusive feature!

 

Members login to access this feature.

 

Not a member? Learn more about our membership options and all our membership features.