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By Katja Heino 4 Comments
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Instant Pot Chicken and Cabbage Soup (gluten free, keto, + Whole30)

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hands holding white bowl

A nutritious, low carb Chicken and Cabbage Soup loaded with flavor. So easy to make. Stove top option included.

Soup season continues. And I’m back with a super simple Instant Pot soup recipe to share with you.

Y’all know I’m always trying to get more vegetables into my diet, especially low carb cruciferous vegetables. Soup is my favorite kitchen hack for doing so.

This delicious, Asian-inspired soup is a kitchen staple around here. Cabbage, cauliflower, and juicy chicken in a salty broth seasoned with lime, onion, ginger, and garlic.

It’s hearty and filling. It’s easy to make. It’s one of those recipes that you’ll want to make again and again.

close up of soup in white bowl

Why cruciferous vegetables?

While I love almost all vegetables (except eggplant. sorry, eggplant), I have to say that cruciferous vegetables are by far my favorite. Cruciferous vegetables include things like cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, kale, Bok Choy, Brussels sprouts, arugula, and radishes. These type of veggies tend to be high in vitamins A, C, and K as well as minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, and selenium. Many are also high in folate (vitamin B-9), vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-2. They’re rich in fiber and antioxidants and have been shown to reduce inflammation. Need I say more?

How to Make Chicken and Cabbage Soup in the Instant Pot

chicken in instant pot

Sear seasoned chicken thighs on SAUTE mode for 3 minutes on each side. Remove from IP.

onions in instant pot

Saute onion until translucent. Then add garlic and ginger, and cook for one minute, until fragrant.

broth in instant pot

Add broth and scrape bottom of pot to loosen up all the yummy bits of flavor.

vegetables in instant pot

Add chicken back into Instant Pot along with cabbage and cauliflower. Lock lid and cook on HIGH for 8 minutes. Then quick release.

 instant pot full of soup

Add coconut aminos (or GF tamari), toasted sesame oil, and lime juice for flavor. And salt and pepper, to taste.

instant pot full of soup

Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

Can I make it on the stove top?

Yes. No problem. Instead of using an IP for the recipe, simply use a large soup pot. Instead of cooking the soup on HIGH for 8 minutes, cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until chicken is tender and veggies are soft. So easy.

white bowl full of soup
hands holding white bowl with soup

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Instant Pot Chicken and Cabbage Soup (gluten free, low carb, + Whole30)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Katja Heino
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes (plus time to for IP to come to pressure)
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
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Description

A nutritious, low carb soup loaded with flavor.  Cabbage, cauliflower, and juicy chicken in a salty broth seasoned with lime, onion, ginger, and garlic. So easy to make. Stove top option included.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/8 tsp paprika
  • 1 and 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp butter, ghee, or coconut oil – divided
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
  • 6 cups good quality broth  (vegetable, homemade bone broth or Kettle and Fire)
  • 1/2 large cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 3 cups cauliflower florets
  • 2 tbsp coconut aminos OR gluten free tamari (like THIS or THIS)
  • 1–2 tsp toasted sesame oil (like this)
  •  juice from one lime
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh herbs for garnish (I used cilantro and scallions)


Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix together salt, garlic powder, cumin, and paprika.  Sprinkle mixture on both sides of chicken thighs.
  2. Turn IP onto SAUTE and melt fat of choice.  Once insert is HOT, sear chicken thighs for 3 minutes on each side and then remove from pot. 
  3. Add in remaining tablespoon of fat and onions. Saute until translucent, about 4 minutes.  Add in garlic and ginger and saute another minute, until fragrant. 
  4. Pour in broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of pan with wooden spoon to loosen all the tasty bits.  Add in cabbage, cauliflower, and chicken thighs.  Lock lid on IP and turn the vent valve to “sealing.” Cook on HIGH pressure for 8 minutes then quick release the pressure. 
  5. Add coconut aminos/tamari, sesame oil, lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste.  Taste and adjust for flavors. At this point, you can remove chicken thighs and shred with 2 forks or leave in bigger pieces.  
  6. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving. 

Notes

FOR STOVE TOP METHOD:  Follow the exact steps above except use a heavy bottom large soup pot and simmer, covered on low-medium for about 20-25 minutes. 

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

 soup in white bowl

Love soup?

Check out these easy soup recipes.

Instant Pot Turmeric Ginger Chicken Soup

30 Minute Creamy Lemon Chicken Soup

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Lentil Soup

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Filed Under: Soups, Whole30 Recipes Tagged With: chicken and cabbage soup. keto, chicken soup, instant pot, instant pot recipes, low carb, Paleo, soup

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Susan-lee Mckenzie says

    November 1, 2021 at 3:58 am

    OMG yum,yum,yum,all the way,???

    Reply
  2. Kelly says

    November 6, 2021 at 5:22 pm

    Just made this for the first time tonight, exactly as the recipe states. So good!! The flavors in the broth are unique. This will be on my regular rotation for winter meals. Thank you Katja – your soup recipes are amazing!

    Reply
    • Katja Heino says

      November 9, 2021 at 7:07 am

      So happy you enjoyed it! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Mandy says

    November 3, 2022 at 11:45 am

    This turned out so delicious! I didn’t have fresh garlic or ginger on hand so I subbed powdered. I also added a bit of fish sauce. The whole family loved it.

    I also cooked up some egg noodles to pour the soup over for the people who wanted some more carbs in their meal,

    Reply

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  • 💪 training for life • in a world full of distractions and drama, i’m focusing on what’s important to me • i want to be strong, to feel alive, and to be capable • so i can show up for myself, my family, and my community • when you turn inward and take charge of your own life and your own health, you realize that freedom, real health, and longevity are possible 💗• hope you have an amazing big day
  • ✨🌟 going into 2026 staying consistent • 
you will NEVER regret getting strong• you will never regret maintaining your health and ability to move, lift, and participate in life • muscle loss and metabolic issues will age you faster • it’s never too late • start today • move your body every day • it’s a straight up LIE that we slow down and fade after 50 • i’m fitter and stronger than ever at 52 (in the midst of perimenopause)💗💪
  • from the homeland 🇫🇮 FINNISH CABBAGE CASSEROLE

🥬 a healthy, filling, and delicious casserole the whole family will love • it’s simple • it’s hardy • and makes a great weeknight meal

🥬 basically just cabbage, beef, onions, and rice • all baked together in a good quality broth until crispy and golden on top • YUM 

🥬 cabbage casserole is to Finns 🇫🇮 like spaghetti is to Italians, tamales to Mexicans, and curry is to Eastern Indians • it is almost as old as Finland itself and is an essential part of the Finnish culinary tradition 

https://savorylotus.com/finnish-cabbage-casserole/

or search “savory lotus Finnish cabbage casserole ” in your fav search engine
  • FRUIT TART WITH VANILLA CREAM (GLUTEN FREE AND DAIRY FREE)

🫐🍓 my favorite summer treat • a lovely fruit tart with an easy to make gluten free crust, a perfect dairy free vanilla pastry cream, and topped with your favorite fruit or berries 

🫐🍓 the real star is the vanilla pastry cream • smooth, velvety, and heavenly • this dessert is easier than it looks to throw together 

🫐🍓 click link in bio for recipe :

https://savorylotus.com/mini-pumpkin-muffins-gluten-free-and-paleo/

or search “savory lotus fruit tart ” in your fav search engine
  • CRUSTLESS CARAMELIZED ONION AND ASPARAGUS QUICHE

this quiche takes asparagus to the next level, combining it with sweet caramelized onions and bit of shredded zucchini to make a super hearty (10 eggs!!) dish that is great for feeding a crowd

link in bio for savory lotus recipes 

https://savorylotus.com/crustless-caramelized-onion-and-asparagus-quiche/

or search “savory lotus crustless asparagus quiche ” in your fav search engine
  • 💗 resilience is the ability to cope with and adapt to challenges and change • doing hard things every day helps grow your resilience muscle • the magic happens in the consistent daily habits • life doesn’t get easier• you have to get more steadfast and strong 💪💗
  • 🏋🏼 1 in 2 people in the US will develop cancer • what the actual heck? • while there are many factors that affect this, genetics is only about 5% 

🏋🏼 what can you do? • build a lifestyle  that decreases your risk daily 

🏋🏼 there are many things that are out of your control • here are the things you CAN control: 

• your diet 
• your sleep 
• the amount of exercise you do 
• the amount of drainage/detox support you do 
• the amount of daily toxins you come in contact with in your home environment (food, air, water, personal care/cleaning products) 

🏋🏼 be proactive • your future health depends on it • you got this 💗
  • 💪💗 take radical ownership of your own life and health • don’t wait for other people to dictate what’s good for you or your family • especially if they have a financial interest in the things they are advocating or mandating • you know what’s best for you 💗
  • ☕️🏋️‍♂️ we all have our vices • i feel better, have more energy, and am a MUCH nicer human when i do these things regularly 

☕️ a coffee enema involves introducing organic, mold free coffee into the colon • the caffeine stimulates the liver and gall bladder to push out bile which carries toxins from your liver into your colon • it also helps the liver produce more glutathione, which is your master antioxidant • besides increased liver detoxification and glutathione production, coffee enemas also can :

- cleanse the bowels 
- improve digestion
- increase bile flow/gall bladder function 
- flush out parasites 
- help with clearer skin 

🏋️‍♂️ lifting heavy weights fires up the metabolism and helps increase lean muscle • muscle is the economy of aging • having a strong metabolism reduces risk for insulin resistance, diabetes, cancer, cardiac issues, dementia, and other chronic conditions • it also gives you more energy, a better mood, and a stronger, more resilient body as you age
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💪 training for life • in a world full of distractions and drama, i’m focusing on what’s important to me • i want to be strong, to feel alive, and to be capable • so i can show up for myself, my family, and my community • when you turn inward and take charge of your own life and your own health, you realize that freedom, real health, and longevity are possible 💗• hope you have an amazing big day
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@savorylotus
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✨🌟 going into 2026 staying consistent • you will NEVER regret getting strong• you will never regret maintaining your health and ability to move, lift, and participate in life • muscle loss and metabolic issues will age you faster • it’s never too late • start today • move your body every day • it’s a straight up LIE that we slow down and fade after 50 • i’m fitter and stronger than ever at 52 (in the midst of perimenopause)💗💪
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
@savorylotus
@savorylotus
•
Follow
from the homeland 🇫🇮 FINNISH CABBAGE CASSEROLE 🥬 a healthy, filling, and delicious casserole the whole family will love • it’s simple • it’s hardy • and makes a great weeknight meal 🥬 basically just cabbage, beef, onions, and rice • all baked together in a good quality broth until crispy and golden on top • YUM 🥬 cabbage casserole is to Finns 🇫🇮 like spaghetti is to Italians, tamales to Mexicans, and curry is to Eastern Indians • it is almost as old as Finland itself and is an essential part of the Finnish culinary tradition https://savorylotus.com/finnish-cabbage-casserole/ or search “savory lotus Finnish cabbage casserole ” in your fav search engine
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
@savorylotus
@savorylotus
•
Follow
FRUIT TART WITH VANILLA CREAM (GLUTEN FREE AND DAIRY FREE) 🫐🍓 my favorite summer treat • a lovely fruit tart with an easy to make gluten free crust, a perfect dairy free vanilla pastry cream, and topped with your favorite fruit or berries 🫐🍓 the real star is the vanilla pastry cream • smooth, velvety, and heavenly • this dessert is easier than it looks to throw together 🫐🍓 click link in bio for recipe : https://savorylotus.com/mini-pumpkin-muffins-gluten-free-and-paleo/ or search “savory lotus fruit tart ” in your fav search engine
8 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
@savorylotus
@savorylotus
•
Follow
CRUSTLESS CARAMELIZED ONION AND ASPARAGUS QUICHE this quiche takes asparagus to the next level, combining it with sweet caramelized onions and bit of shredded zucchini to make a super hearty (10 eggs!!) dish that is great for feeding a crowd link in bio for savory lotus recipes https://savorylotus.com/crustless-caramelized-onion-and-asparagus-quiche/ or search “savory lotus crustless asparagus quiche ” in your fav search engine
11 months ago
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@savorylotus
@savorylotus
•
Follow
💗 resilience is the ability to cope with and adapt to challenges and change • doing hard things every day helps grow your resilience muscle • the magic happens in the consistent daily habits • life doesn’t get easier• you have to get more steadfast and strong 💪💗
11 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
@savorylotus
@savorylotus
•
Follow
🏋🏼 1 in 2 people in the US will develop cancer • what the actual heck? • while there are many factors that affect this, genetics is only about 5% 🏋🏼 what can you do? • build a lifestyle that decreases your risk daily 🏋🏼 there are many things that are out of your control • here are the things you CAN control: • your diet • your sleep • the amount of exercise you do • the amount of drainage/detox support you do • the amount of daily toxins you come in contact with in your home environment (food, air, water, personal care/cleaning products) 🏋🏼 be proactive • your future health depends on it • you got this 💗
1 year ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
💪💗 take radical ownership of your own life and health • don’t wait for other people to dictate what’s good for you or your family • especially if they have a financial interest in the things they are advocating or mandating • you know what’s best for you 💗
@savorylotus
@savorylotus
•
Follow
💪💗 take radical ownership of your own life and health • don’t wait for other people to dictate what’s good for you or your family • especially if they have a financial interest in the things they are advocating or mandating • you know what’s best for you 💗
1 year ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
☕️🏋️‍♂️ we all have our vices • i feel better, have more energy, and am a MUCH nicer human when i do these things regularly 

☕️ a coffee enema involves introducing organic, mold free coffee into the colon • the caffeine stimulates the liver and gall bladder to push out bile which carries toxins from your liver into your colon • it also helps the liver produce more glutathione, which is your master antioxidant • besides increased liver detoxification and glutathione production, coffee enemas also can :

- cleanse the bowels 
- improve digestion
- increase bile flow/gall bladder function 
- flush out parasites 
- help with clearer skin 

🏋️‍♂️ lifting heavy weights fires up the metabolism and helps increase lean muscle • muscle is the economy of aging • having a strong metabolism reduces risk for insulin resistance, diabetes, cancer, cardiac issues, dementia, and other chronic conditions • it also gives you more energy, a better mood, and a stronger, more resilient body as you age
@savorylotus
@savorylotus
•
Follow
☕️🏋️‍♂️ we all have our vices • i feel better, have more energy, and am a MUCH nicer human when i do these things regularly ☕️ a coffee enema involves introducing organic, mold free coffee into the colon • the caffeine stimulates the liver and gall bladder to push out bile which carries toxins from your liver into your colon • it also helps the liver produce more glutathione, which is your master antioxidant • besides increased liver detoxification and glutathione production, coffee enemas also can : - cleanse the bowels - improve digestion - increase bile flow/gall bladder function - flush out parasites - help with clearer skin 🏋️‍♂️ lifting heavy weights fires up the metabolism and helps increase lean muscle • muscle is the economy of aging • having a strong metabolism reduces risk for insulin resistance, diabetes, cancer, cardiac issues, dementia, and other chronic conditions • it also gives you more energy, a better mood, and a stronger, more resilient body as you age
1 year ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

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