When the weather cools down and you find yourself craving something warm and nourishing, few things hit the spot like a bowl of hearty soup. Today, I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite recipes that checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal: Sweet Potato Chicken Soup. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a wholesome lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Chicken Soup
This soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The combination of tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a soup that is both filling and light. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:
- Nutrient-Packed: Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, while chicken provides lean protein. This makes the soup both hearty and healthy.
- Simple and Quick: With just a handful of ingredients, this soup comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Swap out the chicken for a vegetarian option, or add extra vegetables for a more substantial meal.
- Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping.
Now, let’s dive into the details of how to make this nourishing Sweet Potato Chicken Soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before we start cooking, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by prepping all your ingredients. Dice the sweet potatoes, chop the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrots and celery, and dice the bell pepper. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set everything aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the Chicken
Push the sautéed vegetables to the side of the pot and add the chicken pieces. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned on all sides. It’s okay if it’s not fully cooked at this point; it will finish cooking in the broth.
4. Season and Add Vegetables
Once the chicken is browned, stir in the diced sweet potatoes and bell pepper. Season with cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to coat the vegetables and chicken with the spices.
5. Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Once the soup has simmered and all the flavors have melded together, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of additional herbs or spices depending on your preference.
7. Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad on the side.
Tips and Variations
This Sweet Potato Chicken Soup is quite adaptable. Here are some tips and variations to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini for added nutrients and texture.
- Creamy Version: For a creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the chicken. This will give the soup a thicker, creamier texture.
- Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
One of the great things about this soup is how well it stores. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative to breasts in this recipe. They are slightly fattier and provide a richer flavor. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless for easier preparation.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! In fact, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. It’s a perfect dish to make ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this Sweet Potato Chicken Soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
While sweet potatoes add a unique flavor and a boost of nutrients, you can certainly use regular potatoes or even a mix of both. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well in this recipe.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup is quite versatile and can be paired with various side dishes. A fresh green salad, a slice of crusty bread, or even a grilled cheese sandwich are excellent choices to round out the meal.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Chicken Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a bowl of comfort that brings warmth to any day. Whether you’re looking for something to soothe a cold, fill you up on a chilly evening, or just provide a nutritious and satisfying meal, this soup has got you covered.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Please leave a comment below, share your creations on social media, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more delicious recipes straight to your inbox. Happy cooking!