Chicken Florentine Soup is what I crave when I want something warm, creamy, and not fussy after a long day. Maybe you know the feeling. You want comfort food, but you also want it to feel good in your body. That is where my go-to Paleo Chicken Florentine Soup comes in. It is rich without any dairy, full of tender chicken and silky spinach, and it comes together with simple pantry ingredients. If you are tired, hungry, and need a cozy win tonight, this is your bowl.

Ingredients & Modifications

This Paleo Chicken Florentine Soup leans on wholesome ingredients you probably already have. The base is chicken, spinach, broth, and a splash of coconut milk to get that creamy vibe without dairy. Nothing complicated, just real, familiar flavors that taste like a hug.

What you need

2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth or bone broth
1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup full fat coconut milk from a can, well shaken
6 cups baby spinach, loosely packed
1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional thickeners: 1 to 2 teaspoons arrowroot starch whisked with a splash of broth
Optional extras: sliced mushrooms, chopped carrots, or cauliflower rice

Easy swaps and additions

If coconut milk is not your thing, try cashew cream or simply simmer the soup a bit longer to reduce. Need extra protein without changing the flavor much? Add cooked cauliflower rice or a handful of sliced mushrooms. If you do not have fresh spinach, frozen spinach works great. Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it in. To keep this soup paleo, skip dairy and use arrowroot instead of flour when you want it thicker.

For a lemony twist, add zest from half a lemon at the end. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is lovely with coconut milk. And if you prefer breast meat, go for it. Thighs are just naturally more juicy and forgiving.

Curious to try another cozy bowl after this? Check out this bright and tangy paleo Greek lemon chicken soup for a citrusy spin that still checks all the paleo boxes.

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How to Make Chicken Florentine Soup

Good news. This is a one pot situation and the steps are super simple. You will sauté, simmer, shred, and finish with greens and coconut milk. That is it. Homemade soup without a lot of dishes and without babysitting a pot for hours.

Step by step

Warm the oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion with a pinch of salt and cook until tender and lightly golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the broth, add Italian seasoning, pepper, and another pinch of salt. Nestle in the chicken. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and shreddable.
Lift out the chicken to a bowl and shred with two forks. If you want a thicker base, whisk arrowroot with a splash of hot broth in a small cup, then stir that slurry back into the pot. Simmer 2 minutes to lightly thicken.
Stir in the coconut milk and shredded chicken. Bring back to a gentle simmer, then fold in the spinach and lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon to your liking.
Serve hot with extra lemon on the side. The soup will gently thicken as it cools.

If you love a set-it-and-forget-it dinner, the method also works in a pressure cooker. Sauté the onion and garlic on Sauté mode, add broth and chicken, and cook 8 minutes at high pressure with quick release. Finish with coconut milk, spinach, and lemon as written. Or, if you prefer even simpler soups on busy nights, you might like this comforting Instant Pot chicken noodle for a classic twist.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Here is a quick estimate for one hearty serving of Paleo Chicken Florentine Soup, assuming six portions from the pot and using chicken thighs and full fat coconut milk. Your numbers may vary based on brands and ingredients.

Approximate per serving

Calories: 320 to 360
Protein: 28 to 32 grams
Fat: 18 to 22 grams
Carbohydrates: 7 to 10 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Sodium: varies by broth

Since ingredients vary a lot, use your favorite nutrition app if you need exact numbers. The big takeaway is that this soup is naturally gluten free, grain free, and dairy free, which keeps it feeling light yet still satisfying. That is the magic of Paleo Chicken Florentine Soup. It nails comfort without the heaviness.

What to Serve With Chicken Florentine Soup

When a bowl is this cozy, you do not need much on the side. Still, a little crunch or color makes dinner feel complete. Here are a few simple ideas.

Simple sides

Fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette. The brightness makes the creamy broth pop. Roasted asparagus or green beans with olive oil and sea salt. For a heartier meal, add a baked potato or mashed cauliflower. If you are feeding a crowd with mixed diets, warm crusty bread on the side for those who want it, and keep the soup paleo for everyone else.

Want to plan a week of soups for chilly nights? Pair this recipe with a dairy free green classic like this creamy broccoli soup, then switch things up with a little spice and grain-free goodness using this Southwest turkey quinoa soup for variety. I also love serving leftover Paleo Chicken Florentine Soup for lunch the next day. The flavors get even better.

Expert Tips

Make it easier and tastier

Use chicken thighs for the best texture. They stay tender even if you forget the pot for a minute. If you use chicken breasts, pull them as soon as they are done to keep them juicy.

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Do not boil the coconut milk. Add it near the end and keep the heat at a gentle simmer. This keeps the broth silky and prevents separation.

Season in layers. Salt the onions as they sauté, taste the broth before adding lemon, then finish with another small pinch of salt after the spinach wilts. Layered seasoning makes a big difference in a simple soup.

Finish with fresh lemon. A squeeze right before serving brightens the entire pot. Taste and add another splash if you want it zesty.

Freeze like a pro. If you plan to freeze, leave out the spinach and add it fresh when reheating. This keeps the greens vibrant and not mushy.

Shred smart. Toss the cooked chicken into a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix on low for 15 to 20 seconds. Fast shredded chicken with no burnt fingertips.

Paleo Chicken Florentine Soup loves veggies. Add a handful of thinly sliced mushrooms or a cup of cauliflower rice to bulk it up without changing the flavor. Both soak up the broth beautifully.

We made this on Sunday and it was the perfect meal prep. Reheated like a dream and tasted even better on day two. The lemon at the end is a must.

Common Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes. Shred about 4 cups of cooked chicken and add it after the onion and garlic have simmered in broth for 5 minutes. Warm through, then finish with coconut milk, spinach, and lemon. If quick dinners are your thing, you may also like this easy idea for making your own at home: crockpot rotisserie style chicken.

How do I make the soup thicker without dairy?

Whisk 1 teaspoon arrowroot with a splash of hot broth and stir it into the pot. Simmer a minute to thicken. Repeat if you want it creamier, but go slowly to avoid a gummy texture.

Can I use kale instead of spinach?

Absolutely. Strip the leaves and chop them small. Add them a few minutes earlier than spinach since kale needs longer to soften.

What is the best broth for this soup?

Homemade or low sodium chicken broth or bone broth works best. If the broth is bland, the soup will be bland, so taste and season. This is where Paleo Chicken Florentine Soup gets its deep flavor.

How long does it keep?

It keeps 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens up. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Ready to Simmer and Slurp

If you have been looking for a creamy, cozy bowl that fits a lighter way of eating, Paleo Chicken Florentine Soup is a winner. It is simple enough for a weeknight and special enough for a lazy weekend lunch. For more cozy soup inspiration and another take on leafy greens with chicken, check out this helpful guide from Kelly Neil here: Chicken Florentine Soup | Kelly Neil. And for a different kind of fast chicken dinner when you are not in a soup mood, this quick Instant Pot BBQ pulled chicken is a solid back pocket option. I hope this becomes a regular in your kitchen. Grab a spoon and enjoy every creamy lemony bite of Paleo Chicken Florentine Soup.