This Chicken Sweet Potato Kale Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tender chicken, colorful sweet potatoes, and nutritious kale, it’s both delicious and healthy.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just toss everything into a pot, let it simmer, and soon enough, you have a comforting meal ready to enjoy. It’s perfect for chilly days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness, but chicken breasts work too. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using canned beans or tofu instead for protein.
Sweet Potatoes: These add natural sweetness and creaminess. If you’re out of sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or butternut squash can work as good substitutes.
Kale: Kale is packed with nutrients! If you don’t have kale, try Swiss chard or spinach. Just remember, spinach cooks faster, so add it towards the end.
Broth: Homemade chicken broth is best if you have it, but store-bought works just fine. For a vegetarian version, swap in vegetable broth.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly?
The key to perfectly cooked chicken in this soup is to give it enough time to brown while preventing it from drying out. Here’s how:
- First, heat your olive oil well before adding the chicken. This helps it sear quickly.
- Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until it’s golden. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage since it will simmer later.
- Cut one piece of chicken open to check that it’s no longer pink, especially at the thickest part!
This method ensures a flavorful base and tender chicken throughout the soup. Enjoy making this cozy dish!
Chicken Sweet Potato Kale Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
- 2 cups water (optional, adjust broth to your liking)
- 3 cups chopped kale, tough stems removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dried herbs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup comes together in about 40 minutes, including prep and cooking time. You’ll spend about 10 minutes getting the ingredients ready and then let it simmer for around 30 minutes before you dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it’s translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This adds great flavor to your soup!
2. Add Garlic and Chicken:
Now, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can really smell it. Next, add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they start to brown, about 4-5 minutes. It’s fine if the chicken isn’t fully cooked yet since it will simmer later.
3. Combine the Sweet Potatoes and Spices:
Stir in the diced sweet potatoes along with the dried thyme, oregano, smoked paprika (if you want a hint of smokiness), and some salt and pepper. Give everything a good mix to coat the sweet potatoes with those spices!
4. Pour in the Broth:
Now’s the time to add the chicken broth and optional water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat so it can simmer gently.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You want to cook it until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chicken is fully cooked. You can check by cutting into a piece of chicken to make sure it’s no longer pink.
6. Add the Kale:
After 20 minutes, stir in the chopped kale. Let it cook for another 5 minutes until the kale is wilted and tender. At this point, the soup should look vibrant and inviting!
7. Final Seasoning and Serve:
Take a moment to taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley or any dried herbs you enjoy. It’s time to serve up this hearty soup hot with a side of your favorite crusty bread.
Enjoy the warmth and delicious flavors of your homemade Chicken Sweet Potato Kale Soup!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with canned chickpeas or beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also increase the amount of sweet potatoes or add additional veggies for more substance!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space in the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand, such as carrots or zucchini. Just make sure to dice them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.