Chicken and sweet potato soup is everything you crave in one bowl comforting, hearty, and nourishing. In this article, we’re diving into a flavorful autumn staple that warms you from the inside out. You’ll learn the story behind the dish, how to make it effortlessly, delicious variations, and expert tips to keep it healthy without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re batch-cooking or whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, this guide covers it all. Ready for a seasonal favorite that brings your kitchen to life? Let’s start with the story behind this soulful recipe.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A Taste of Home in Every Spoonful
Why This Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup Means So Much
Hi, I’m Emily. Ever since I was little, the kitchen felt like a warm hug after a long day. Some kids ran through fields I ran to the smell of garlic in butter. My grandmother didn’t measure, didn’t rush. I learned that food was about heart, not rules.
Chicken and sweet potato soup takes me back to those fall evenings when we’d stir big pots together while the wind rattled the windows. Sweet potatoes would bubble softly, their earthiness melting into tender chicken. The broth? Magic. It smelled like the season turning.
As I got older, cooking became my compass. I’ve burnt more soups than I care to admit, but each time, I returned to the basics fresh ingredients, slow stirring, and love.
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Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup A Cozy Autumn Classic
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This cozy chicken and sweet potato soup is hearty, healthy, and simple to prepare. A perfect fall dinner that stores well and warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried
1 bay leaf
Optional: kale or spinach, coconut milk
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot. Add onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté until softened.
2. Add sweet potatoes, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth and add whole chicken thighs. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes.
5. Remove chicken, shred with forks, then return to pot.
6. Add kale or spinach if using. Simmer for another 3–4 minutes.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm.
Notes
For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of coconut milk.
Use pre-cooked or leftover chicken to cut down cooking time.
Soup freezes well up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat with added broth.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
This particular soup started as a twist on a classic chicken and potato version, like the one I saw in this chicken and potato soup recipe. One day, I swapped in sweet potatoes, tossed in a handful of herbs, and never looked back.
Since then, it’s become a go-to in my kitchen, especially during crisp evenings when leaves fall and you want something wholesome yet simple. It’s quick enough for busy weekdays, yet cozy enough for Sunday suppers.
If you’ve tried fall favorites like pumpkin chicken soup with herbs, you’ll love this one it’s a hug in a bowl. And whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family, this recipe brings comfort with every bite.
Stay with me, because next we’ll walk through the key ingredients that make this soup a seasonal star.
Building the Perfect Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup
What You Need to Make It Shine
The beauty of this soup is how nourishing and simple it is. It’s made with everyday ingredients that, when combined, create something truly comforting. This recipe for chicken and sweet potato soup uses whole foods and pantry staples no fancy tools or hard-to-find items required.
Chicken: Boneless chicken thighs are best for flavor and texture. They hold up well to simmering and shred easily. Chicken breasts work too, just be sure not to overcook them.
Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, orange-flesh sweet potatoes. They lend a naturally creamy, slightly sweet flavor that balances the savory broth perfectly.
Aromatics: Onions, garlic, and celery form the backbone of the soup’s flavor. Sautéing them first unlocks their depth and makes the broth richer.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is ideal, allowing the rest of the ingredients to shine. If you have homemade stock, even better.
Seasonings: Keep it simple with fresh thyme, a bay leaf, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the ingredients do most of the work.
Optional additions: A handful of chopped kale or spinach stirred in at the end adds nutrients and color. For a creamy twist, a splash of coconut milk works beautifully.
Some nights, I’ll go bold like this cajun creamy vegetable soup, and other times I keep it classic like this slow cooker creamy chicken soup. That’s the beauty of a great base you can take it anywhere.
Simple Prep Tips for Busy Days
- Chop ahead: Dice onions and sweet potatoes the night before.
- Batch-friendly: Double the recipe and freeze for cozy future meals.
- Shred with ease: Poach the chicken separately and add it at the end.
- One-pot meal: Everything cooks in a single Dutch oven or large soup pot.
This chicken and sweet potato soup is both nourishing and convenient a dish that fits your schedule without skimping on flavor.
How to Make Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup + Easy Variations
Step-by-Step Directions for a Bowl of Comfort
Making chicken and sweet potato soup is just as relaxing as enjoying it. It’s simple, wholesome, and uses one pot, which means easy cleanup and faster prep.
1. Sauté your base:
Start with a large soup pot. Heat olive oil, then add diced onions, garlic, and celery. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until the veggies soften and fill your kitchen with cozy aromas.
2. Add the core ingredients:
Stir in your sweet potatoes and season with salt, black pepper, thyme, paprika, and a bay leaf. Let them cook for a minute or two to coat the potatoes with flavor.
3. Add broth and chicken:
Pour in your chicken broth and nestle in the raw chicken thighs. Bring to a low boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover. Let the chicken and sweet potato soup simmer gently for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are soft.
4. Shred and return:
Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the pot. Stir and watch the soup come together.
5. Optional greens:
For added nutrients, stir in a handful of kale or spinach just before serving. It’ll wilt in a few minutes and add vibrant color.
Just like this creamy chicken tortellini soup with spinach, this dish delivers hearty satisfaction. But this version keeps things lighter and more rustic perfect for busy nights or weekend wind-downs.
Delicious Variations to Keep Things Fresh
Make it creamy: Add coconut milk or a splash of cream for a silky twist on the classic chicken and sweet potato soup.
Go spicy: Craving heat? Add red pepper flakes or even a bit of cayenne with your aromatics.
Short on time? Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Just add it in after the potatoes have simmered.
Need a meatless option? Swap the chicken for canned chickpeas and use vegetable broth. You’ll still get a rich, satisfying soup.
No matter how you customize it, chicken and sweet potato soup is a crowd-pleaser. It’s become one of my favorite flexible recipes. When I want something slightly sweet and comforting, I also turn to these maple glazed sweet potatoes with pecans. They pair beautifully with the soup on chilly nights.
Next, let’s talk about how to store, reheat, and meal prep this dish like a pro.
Smart Storage, Healthy Benefits & Easy Meal Prep
How to Store Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup the Right Way
One of the best things about chicken and sweet potato soup is how well it stores. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a full house, it’s a meal that keeps on giving.
Refrigerator:
Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making the leftovers even better.
Freezer:
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over medium heat.
Reheating tip:
Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring back the original texture, especially if the sweet potatoes have thickened the soup in storage.
Planning ahead? This soup is ideal for batch-cooking on Sundays. I often pair it with simple mains like healthy baked chicken tenderloins for an easy protein-packed weeknight meal.
Why It’s a Healthy Comfort Food Staple
Besides being cozy and satisfying, chicken and sweet potato soup is also a smart, wholesome option especially in cooler seasons when your body craves warmth without heaviness.
Here’s why:
- Protein-packed: Thanks to the chicken, you’re getting a steady source of lean protein to fuel your day.
- Rich in fiber: Sweet potatoes are not only flavorful but full of fiber and complex carbs for sustained energy.
- Low-fat, high-satiety: With broth as the base, this soup is filling without being overly rich unless you choose to add cream, of course!
- Anti-inflammatory ingredients: Garlic, thyme, and sweet potatoes are all known for their wellness-boosting properties.
It’s a far cry from heavy casseroles or fried comfort food. In fact, it’s just as nourishing as this loaded baked potato soup crockpot version, but lighter and easier on your digestion.
Whether you’re meal prepping, recovering from a cold, or just looking for something warm and reliable, chicken and sweet potato soup is a seasonal staple that supports both body and soul.
Next, we’ll answer some of the most common questions people have about this recipe before wrapping up with the final thoughts.
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FAQs About Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup
What spices go well with chicken and sweet potato soup?
Warm spices like paprika, thyme, bay leaf, garlic powder, and black pepper complement the sweet and savory flavors beautifully. For extra depth, consider a pinch of smoked paprika or ground cumin.
Can I make chicken and sweet potato soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. This soup gets even better after a day in the fridge. Make it a day or two ahead, store in airtight containers, and simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.
Is chicken and sweet potato soup healthy?
Yes, it’s packed with lean protein, complex carbs, fiber, and anti-inflammatory ingredients. With a broth base and fresh vegetables, this chicken and sweet potato soup is a well-balanced, low-fat comfort food option.
Can I use leftover chicken in sweet potato soup?
Definitely. Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving tip. Just add it in after the sweet potatoes have softened to avoid overcooking the meat.
Conclusion
There’s a reason chicken and sweet potato soup has become a fall favorite in kitchens like mine. It’s easy to make, nourishing, and packed with cozy flavor that never goes out of style. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or planning your Sunday meal prep, this soup fits right in.
I hope this guide inspires you to try it your way maybe with kale, a splash of cream, or even a bit of heat. However you enjoy it, you’re bringing warmth, nutrition, and a little homemade magic to the table. From my kitchen to yours enjoy every spoonful.