Sweet Potato Soup with Chicken

Name: Sweet Potato Soup with Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Easy Home Recipes

I absolutely love making Sweet Potato Soup with Chicken, especially during the cooler months. The creamy texture combined with the warmth of spices creates a comforting dish that fills the soul. Each time I prepare it, I'm reminded of cozy nights spent huddled by the fire, savoring this delicious soup. It’s a wonderful way to highlight the natural sweetness of the potatoes and the savory goodness of chicken, plus it’s an easy recipe to whip up on a busy weeknight.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-20T14:14:28.397Z

Cooking Sweet Potato Soup with Chicken has become a cherished tradition in my home. I remember the first time I made it, experimenting with flavors was thrilling. I used a blend of spices that elevated the sweetness of the potatoes, and the result was beyond what I anticipated. Each time I tweak it, I discover something new; sometimes adding a hint of ginger or a splash of coconut milk makes it even more delightful.

One tip I learned is not to rush the cooking process. Allow the sweet potatoes to simmer until they are tender. This enhances the flavors and makes blending them into a creamy soup easier. I love garnishing with fresh herbs or a dollop of yogurt for an extra layer of flavor and texture!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy and comforting, perfect for chilly days
Nutritious blend of sweet potatoes and chicken
Easy to customize with your favorite spices

      

Ingredient Insights

Sweet potatoes serve as the heart of this soup, bringing a natural sweetness that balances the savory chicken. Their creamy texture, once cooked and pureed, integrates beautifully into the broth, thickening the soup while adding essential vitamins A and C. When selecting sweet potatoes, look for firm, smooth ones without blemishes, as they make for the most flavorful base.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the ideal choice for this recipe because they cook quickly and can be shredded easily after simmering. For a deeper flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead, which will add richness. Just be sure to remove the skin to keep the soup light and healthy. If you're in a hurry, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can also be used; simply add it after pureeing the soup.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onion and garlic before adding other ingredients is crucial for flavor development. Cook them until the onion is translucent and fragrant, usually about 3-5 minutes. This process enhances the overall taste of the soup, releasing the natural sweetness of the onion and the pungency of the garlic, which will give your soup a solid flavor foundation.

When blending the soup, an immersion blender is a convenient choice as it minimizes mess and allows you to blend directly in the pot. Blend until the soup is silky smooth and no lumps remain. If you prefer a chunkier texture, reserve some sweet potato pieces before blending and reintroduce them afterward. This adds dimension to the soup while still maintaining a creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This Sweet Potato Soup with Chicken can be a meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete dinner. For added richness, consider a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top just before serving. A squeeze of lime or lemon just prior to digging in can brighten the flavors appreciably.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors of the soup may deepen, making it even more delicious upon reheating. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious Sweet Potato Soup with Chicken:

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground ginger
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Ensure everything is ready and measured out before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the soup:

Cook the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent. Then, add the chicken breasts and cook until lightly browned on both sides.

Add the Sweet Potatoes

Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, broth, cumin, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Blend the Soup

Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Add the shredded chicken back into the soup and stir well.

Season and Serve

Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Enjoy this lovely soup with a side of crusty bread if you'd like!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider incorporating coconut milk or a splash of lime juice before serving for a delightful twist.

Common Troubleshooting

If your soup turns out too thick, simply stir in additional chicken broth or water a little at a time until reaching your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, return the pot to medium heat and simmer uncovered for a few minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken naturally.

Occasionally, the soup might have an overly sweet taste after blending. If this happens, adding a teaspoon of acid, like vinegar or lemon juice, can help balance the sweetness without overpowering the dish. Always taste and adjust the seasoning towards the end of cooking for the best results.

Variations to Try

For a spicier version of this soup, consider adding a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the onion and garlic as they sauté. This will infuse the base with heat and depth, complementing the sweetness of the potatoes beautifully.

If you want to incorporate more greens, add a couple of cups of fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking, just until wilted. This not only boosts the nutritional profile but also makes for a more vibrant presentation, adding beautiful colors to the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

Yes, frozen sweet potatoes can be used. Just add them directly to the pot without thawing.

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat ingredients.

→ How can I make this soup vegan?

You can substitute chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

→ Can this soup be frozen?

Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.