Sweet Potato Soup with Chicken
Highlighted under: Healthy Living Recipes
I absolutely love making Sweet Potato Soup with Chicken because it's the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. The creamy texture of the sweet potatoes combined with hearty chunks of chicken creates a delightful meal that's both satisfying and healthy. Whenever the weather turns chilly or I'm in need of some cozy food, I whip up this recipe. It’s quick to prepare and is always a hit with family and friends. Once you taste it, you'll understand why this dish is a staple in my kitchen.
When I first tried making Sweet Potato Soup with Chicken, I was amazed at how simple yet flavorful it turned out. I learned that roasting the sweet potatoes before incorporating them into the soup really enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor. Plus, it adds a wonderful caramelization that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
Another tip I picked up is to use homemade chicken stock for an additional layer of taste. The natural richness of the stock complements the creamy soup base perfectly. Every time I make it, the aroma fills my kitchen and draws my family in, ensuring there are no leftovers!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy texture that's soothing and satisfying
- Balance of sweet and savory flavors with tender chicken
- Ideal for meal prep and freezes beautifully
The Role of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are the star of this dish, providing both nutrition and a natural sweetness that balances the flavors. When choosing sweet potatoes, look for firm ones with smooth skin. The higher carbohydrate content compared to white potatoes not only adds creaminess but also gives sustained energy, making this soup a wonderful choice for a nourishing meal. For variation, you can also consider using butternut squash, which offers a similar sweetness and texture.
To enhance the creamy texture of the soup, ensure that the sweet potatoes are cooked until tender—this usually takes about 25 minutes when simmered in the broth. A good visual cue is when they can be easily pierced with a fork. This softening process allows them to blend smoothly, creating that comforting creaminess without needing heavy creams.
Perfecting Your Chicken
For this soup, using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures that the meat remains tender and easy to blend into the soup’s creamy consistency. Dicing the chicken into uniform pieces not only speeds up cooking but allows for even flavor absorption from the broth and spices. I recommend cutting the chicken into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch, to ensure they cook through in the recommended simmering time.
If you're looking for added depth of flavor, consider browning the chicken in the pot before adding other ingredients. Sautéing the chicken until golden brown for about 4-5 minutes can add a richer flavor to the final dish. Just be sure to scrape up any bits that stick to the pot; they add flavor to your soup!
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Soup with Chicken
Main Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring for another minute. Add the diced sweet potatoes and chicken to the pot.
Cook the Ingredients
Pour in the chicken stock, then add cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half and leave some pieces intact. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot. You can garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor!
Pro Tips
- For added richness, you can stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream at the end.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This soup is excellent for meal prep; it can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. For best results, reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If you find the soup has thickened, a splash of chicken stock or water can help restore its desired consistency as it warms.
If you're looking to store the soup for longer, it freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and label them with the date. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
Serving Sweet Potato Soup with Chicken can be a delightful experience. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit of good-quality olive oil on top just before serving to enhance the flavor profile. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can elevate the dish visually and contribute freshness to each spoonful.
Consider pairing the soup with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. The bread can be used to scoop up the soup, adding a fun and interactive element to your dining experience. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even serve it with a side of spicy roasted chickpeas for added texture and crunch.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors deepen with time.
→ Can I freeze Sweet Potato Soup?
Yes! Portion the soup into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
→ What can I use instead of chicken?
You can substitute chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian version. Just add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking to heat through.
→ How can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the soup for an extra kick!
Sweet Potato Soup with Chicken
I absolutely love making Sweet Potato Soup with Chicken because it's the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. The creamy texture of the sweet potatoes combined with hearty chunks of chicken creates a delightful meal that's both satisfying and healthy. Whenever the weather turns chilly or I'm in need of some cozy food, I whip up this recipe. It’s quick to prepare and is always a hit with family and friends. Once you taste it, you'll understand why this dish is a staple in my kitchen.
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring for another minute. Add the diced sweet potatoes and chicken to the pot.
Pour in the chicken stock, then add cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half and leave some pieces intact. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot. You can garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor!
Extra Tips
- For added richness, you can stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream at the end.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 20g