This cozy soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and fresh kale, it’s packed with flavor and good-for-you ingredients.
Every spoonful feels like comfort on a chilly day. I love how the sweet potatoes give it a nice creamy touch—perfect for cozy nights in! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great choice for sautéing. If you’re looking for a different flavor, you could use avocado oil or butter instead. Both can add a nice twist!
Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth. Yellow onions are perfect here, but white or red onions can also work if you have them on hand.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a wonderful aroma. For convenience, you can use garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon per clove) if you’re out of fresh garlic.
Chicken: I prefer skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work too. If you’re vegetarian, chickpeas or lentils could be great substitutes!
Sweet Potatoes: These add creaminess and sweetness. If you can’t find them, regular potatoes or butternut squash can be used instead!
Kale: A super nutritious ingredient. Spinach or Swiss chard can be swapped in if kale isn’t available. Both wilt nicely into the soup!
Spices: Dried thyme and smoked paprika enhance the flavor. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like oregano or rosemary based on your taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Is Tender and Juicy?
The key to tender chicken is not to overcook it. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use a meat thermometer! Cook chicken until it hits 165°F (74°C) before removing it.
- Shred the chicken as soon as you take it out of the pot. This keeps it moist and lets it absorb flavor when added back to the soup.
- Simmer the soup gently after adding the chicken back in. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully!
Taking these steps will ensure your chicken comes out perfectly every time!
Chicken Sweet Potato Kale Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to cook, giving you a total of approximately 50 minutes before it’s ready to enjoy. Perfect for a nourishing dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Sauté it for about 4-5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute. Just wait for that lovely aroma!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Next, add the whole boneless chicken breasts or thighs to the pot, and pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
3. Shred the Chicken and Add Sweet Potatoes:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. While the chicken is cooling, you can add the cubed sweet potatoes, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to the broth in the pot. Let this simmer for about 10-12 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in the Kale:
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the chopped kale and cook for another 5 minutes until the kale wilts but remains vibrant green. This gives a lovely texture and flavor!
5. Final Seasoning and Serve:
Give your soup a taste and adjust any seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed. Then, ladle the warm soup into bowls. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your hearty Chicken Sweet Potato Kale Soup!
This soup is not just filling but also packed with nutrients—perfect for cozy nights in! 🍲
Can I Use Other Greens Instead of Kale?
Absolutely! Spinach or Swiss chard are great substitutes for kale. They will wilt quickly, so just add them in during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Is This Soup Suitable for Meal Prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, and it refrigerates well for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat when needed.
How Can I Add More Flavor to the Soup?
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar just before serving. Fresh herbs like thyme or cilantro can also enhance the flavor profile beautifully!
