Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Introduction

Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sweet potatoes, and a variety of savory ingredients into one perfect bowl. This soul-warming soup is ideal for cooler weather or any time you’re craving something nourishing and satisfying. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and a medley of aromatic herbs and spices, creating a delicious balance of flavors.

This soup is incredibly versatile, allowing for adjustments based on dietary preferences or available ingredients. It can easily be made ahead, frozen, and reheated, making it a convenient option for busy weeks. Whether served as a main course for a family dinner or enjoyed as a light lunch, Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup

• Nutrient-Rich: The combination of chicken and sweet potatoes provides a balance of lean protein and nutrient-dense vegetables, making this soup not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants, while chicken is a great source of protein.
• Comforting and Hearty: The creamy texture of the sweet potatoes combined with the tender chicken creates a satisfying, filling dish that warms you up from the inside out. It’s the perfect meal for chilly evenings or when you need something comforting.
• Simple and Wholesome Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients such as chicken, sweet potatoes, onions, and garlic, this soup is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. The recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, making it accessible and easy to recreate.
• Flavorful and Versatile: With a blend of savory, spicy, and sweet notes, this soup can be customized with a variety of seasonings to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a little heat from cayenne pepper, a touch of sweetness from carrots, or added texture with leafy greens, you can adjust the recipe to your liking.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. It can be made in large batches and enjoyed throughout the week or saved for later.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 6-8g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 7-10g

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream for a richer soup)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Optional: 1 cup spinach or kale (for added greens)
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for added spice)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. This process brings out the sweetness of the onion and forms the flavorful base for the soup.

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

2. Add the Spices

To the onion and garlic mixture, add the ground cumin, ground turmeric, ground paprika, and cinnamon (if using). Stir well to combine the spices with the aromatics. The spices should release their flavors within 1-2 minutes, making the kitchen smell incredible.

This spice mixture will give the soup a warm, earthy flavor profile, enhanced by the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the savory chicken.

3. Cook the Sweet Potatoes and Chicken

Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the spices. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to slightly soften and absorb some of the flavors.

Next, add the chicken pieces to the pot. Stir to mix the chicken with the sweet potatoes and spices. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and starts to brown slightly.

4. Add the Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

During this simmering process, the flavors meld together, and the sweet potatoes will begin to break down, thickening the soup naturally.

5. Stir in the Coconut Milk

Once the sweet potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through, stir in the coconut milk (or heavy cream, if preferred). The coconut milk will add a rich, creamy texture to the soup, balancing out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the savory elements.

Stir the soup well, and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to fully combine and the soup to thicken.

6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper (for extra heat) according to your preferences. If you like a little acidity to balance the flavors, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.

Optional: If you want to add greens like spinach or kale, stir them in at this stage and let them wilt into the soup.

7. Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired. The fresh herbs will add a burst of color and freshness, elevating the overall flavor of the dish.

Enjoy your hearty, comforting Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup!

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup

• Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this soup, as they cook quickly and can be easily cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs will provide a slightly richer flavor, while breasts are leaner.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper, paprika, or cinnamon based on your personal spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder soup, omit the cayenne and reduce the paprika.
• Blend for a Creamier Texture: If you prefer a smoother, creamier texture, you can blend part or all of the soup using an immersion blender. This will make the soup velvety without needing to add too much cream.
• Feel Free to Add Extra Vegetables: This soup is versatile, so feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or even cauliflower to increase its nutritional value and flavor complexity.
• Don’t Overcook the Sweet Potatoes: Make sure the sweet potatoes are tender but not mushy. Overcooking them will cause them to break down too much, altering the soup’s texture.

Variations of Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup

• Spicy Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup: For a spicier version, add 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle powder or increase the cayenne pepper to give the soup a smoky, spicy kick.
• Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup with Lime and Avocado: Add a burst of citrus by squeezing fresh lime juice into the soup before serving. Garnish with slices of creamy avocado to complement the rich, savory flavors.
• Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup: For a hands-off version, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients (except the coconut milk) to the slow cooker, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the coconut milk at the end of cooking, and serve.
• Paleo or Whole30-Friendly Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup: To make this soup Whole30 or paleo-friendly, omit the coconut milk and substitute with full-fat coconut cream or use a more minimal liquid base like chicken broth and water.
• Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup with Coconut Curry: Add a tablespoon of curry powder and some fish sauce to give the soup a Thai-inspired coconut curry twist. This variation pairs wonderfully with fresh cilantro and lime.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup is perfect for leftovers and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Make sure the soup cools completely before storing it to maintain the best texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen soup can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop over low heat. If the soup thickens too much, you can add a little more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup

While Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup is delicious on its own, you can serve it with complementary side dishes to enhance the meal:

• Crusty Bread or Rolls: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread or rolls for dipping. The bread soaks up the creamy soup, making each bite even more satisfying.
• Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with fresh greens, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs nicely with the rich, hearty soup, adding a refreshing contrast.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic grilled cheese sandwich is always a winning pairing with soup. The melted cheese and crispy bread complement the smooth texture of the soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or cauliflower make an excellent side dish to add more texture and flavor to the meal.

Print

Conclusion

Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, creamy sweet potatoes, and fragrant spices, this soup offers a balance of flavors and textures that will leave you satisfied and warm. The recipe is easy to prepare, and with its make-ahead and freezer-friendly properties, it’s a great option for busy days.

Whether you enjoy it with crusty bread, a light salad, or on its own, Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup is sure to become a staple in your meal planning. With its customizable ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again. Enjoy the hearty goodness and warmth of this soul-soothing soup!