Why You’ll Love Sweet Potato Chicken Soup
There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of sweet potato chicken soup. It’s hearty, nourishing, and packed with wholesome ingredients that warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for a cozy fall dinner or a light yet satisfying lunch, this healthy chicken sweet potato soup hits the spot every time. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes blends beautifully with savory chicken broth, tender chicken breast, and aromatic herbs. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat.
This easy sweet potato chicken soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or when you need a nourishing meal to lift your spirits. It’s also a great way to sneak in extra veggies like carrots and celery without compromising flavor. If you’re a fan of chicken vegetable soup or creamy sweet potato dishes, this one will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. For more cozy meal ideas, check out our healthy fall dinner recipes collection.
Table of Contents
Ingredients to make Healthy Chicken Sweet Potato Soup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes (about 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Time needed to make Crockpot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
If you’re short on time, this crockpot sweet potato chicken soup can also be adapted for slow cooking. For more slow-cooked comfort meals, check out our Mexican sweet potato chicken soup variation.
Quick Steps to Make Sweet Potato Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
Step 2
Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
Step 3
Add sweet potatoes, chicken breasts, chicken broth, thyme, pepper, salt, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil over high heat.
Step 4
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sweet potatoes are tender.
Step 5
Remove the chicken breasts and shred with two forks. Discard bay leaf from the pot.
Step 6
Return shredded chicken to the soup and stir in lemon juice. Simmer for another 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 8
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks:
Back in Mama’s kitchen, we always had a pot of soup simmering on the stove. Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up over the years to make this sweet potato chicken soup even better.
- For a spicy sweet potato twist, add a pinch of cayenne or a diced jalapeño while sautéing the veggies.
- Make it dairy-free and gluten-free by skipping any creamy additions and sticking to wholesome broth and veggies.
- Dice your sweet potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate and give the soup a smooth, hearty texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth.
Is Chicken Sweet Potato and Kale Soup healthy and nutritious ?
Absolutely! This chicken sweet potato and kale soup is a powerhouse of nutrition. Each bowl is packed with lean protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Chicken breast provides a low-fat, high-protein base, while sweet potatoes bring in complex carbs and beta-carotene. The addition of carrots, celery, and onion boosts the vitamin A and C content, making it a great immune-supporting meal.
Sweet potato broth is naturally rich in antioxidants and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. The olive oil used for sautéing adds heart-healthy fats, and the lemon juice brightens the flavor while offering a dose of vitamin C. If you’re looking for more nutritious options, our healthy soup recipes collection is full of ideas.
Compared to creamy sweet potato soups that often rely on heavy cream, this version is lighter and more balanced. For those who love a creamy texture, try blending a small portion of the soup and stirring it back in. You’ll get that creamy sweet potato feel without the extra calories. For more inspiration, check out this creamy vegetable soup that’s both rich and healthy.
Want to explore more hearty, nutritious bowls? This chicken and rice soup is another great option for a balanced meal.
Can I make Easy Sweet Potato Chicken Soup healthier and still delicious?
Yes, and it’s easier than you think! This easy sweet potato chicken soup is already a clean-eating favorite, but there are a few ways to make it even lighter or fit specific dietary needs. For example, swap chicken breast with skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor with slightly more fat. Or, go vegetarian by replacing the chicken with chickpeas or lentils for a plant-based protein boost.
To reduce sodium, use a homemade or low-sodium chicken broth. You can also skip the added salt and let each person season their bowl to taste. Looking for more veggie-packed meals? Our roasted sweet potato kale quinoa salad is a great side or standalone dish.
For those avoiding dairy, this soup is naturally dairy-free. Want to make it even more gut-friendly? Add a splash of apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice to support digestion. If you’re into slow-cooked meals, this slow cooker creamy chicken soup is a great alternative with a similar comfort factor.
And if you’re craving something with a Latin twist, this Cuban chicken noodle soup brings bold flavors to the table while still being wholesome. For more healthy swaps and ideas, browse our healthy soup recipes section.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Chicken Soup?
This sweet potato chicken soup is a meal in itself, but you can elevate it with a few simple sides. Serve it with a slice of crusty whole grain bread or a gluten-free roll for dipping. A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully, adding freshness to the warm, savory bowl.
Want to make it more filling? Add a scoop of cooked quinoa or brown rice to the bowl before ladling in the soup. This turns it into a chicken potato soup with extra texture and fiber. For a cozy dinner, pair it with a warm drink like ginger tea or spiced cider. Looking for more pairing ideas? Our healthy fall dinner recipes are full of seasonal inspiration.
If you’re in the mood for something spicy, this butternut squash chili makes a great companion dish. Or try this roasted garlic and mushroom quinoa soup for a double-soup dinner night. And don’t forget to explore our original sweet potato chicken soup recipe for more variations.
Avoid These Mistakes
Even the best cooks can run into trouble with soup. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making sweet potato chicken soup:
- Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breast can dry out if simmered too long. Stick to the 20–25 minute simmer time, then shred it right away.
- Uneven sweet potato chunks: Cut your sweet potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Too large, and they’ll stay firm; too small, and they’ll turn mushy.
- Skipping the aromatics: Don’t rush the onion, garlic, and celery step. These veggies build the flavor base. For more tips, visit our healthy soup recipes guide.
- Not seasoning enough: Taste as you go. Sweet potato broth can be naturally sweet, so balance it with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. For more soup wisdom, check out this old-fashioned chicken and dumplings soup.
- Forgetting to remove the bay leaf: It’s easy to overlook, but biting into a bay leaf isn’t pleasant. Always fish it out before serving.
- Need more soup inspiration? Try this sweet potato beef stew for a hearty alternative or explore our Mexican sweet potato chicken soup for a zesty twist.
The best way to store leftover Sweet Potato Chicken Soup
Leftovers of this sweet potato chicken soup recipe are a blessing. Store them properly, and you’ll have a ready-to-go meal for days. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze in single-serving portions. Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags laid flat for easy stacking. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to refresh the texture.
Want more make-ahead meal ideas? Our fall dinner collection is full of freezer-friendly options. For another cozy soup that stores well, try this chicken and brown rice soup.
And if you’re looking for a light side to pair with your leftovers, this chickpea salad is a refreshing option. For more soup storage tips, don’t miss our original recipe page with FAQs and freezing instructions.
Ready to give Sweet Potato Chicken Soup a try?
There’s no better time to whip up a pot of sweet potato chicken soup. It’s nourishing, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re craving a healthy chicken sweet potato soup or a spicy sweet potato variation, this recipe is endlessly adaptable. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you’ll have a comforting meal on the table in under an hour.
Don’t forget to explore our original recipe page for more tips, or try our Mexican-inspired version for a bold twist. Looking for more wholesome meals? Browse our healthy soup recipes and fall dinner ideas to keep your menu fresh and flavorful all season long.
Sweet Potato Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes (about 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.5 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add sweet potatoes, chicken breasts, chicken broth, thyme, pepper, salt, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Remove the chicken breasts and shred with two forks. Discard bay leaf from the pot.
- Return shredded chicken to the soup and stir in lemon juice. Simmer for another 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it during the last 5 minutes of simmering to warm through without overcooking.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this sweet potato chicken soup is naturally gluten-free as it contains no pasta, flour, or bread. Just be sure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free if you’re highly sensitive.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Add all ingredients except lemon juice and parsley to your crockpot. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Shred the chicken, stir in lemon juice, and serve.
What’s the best way to add kale to this soup?
If you want to turn this into a chicken sweet potato and kale soup, stir in chopped kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking. It will wilt perfectly without becoming mushy.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Let it cool, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.
