This Chicken Sweet Potato Kale Soup is packed with flavor and warmth. The tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and healthy kale come together in a cozy bowl perfect for chilly days.
Every spoonful feels like a hug! I love how easy it is to make; just toss everything in the pot and let it simmer. It’s a hearty meal that brings smiles to the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These add a lovely sweetness and nutrition to the soup. If you’re out of sweet potatoes, regular potatoes work in a pinch. Carrots can also be a great alternative for that hint of sweetness!
Kale: Kale is perfect here for its texture and health benefits. However, if you prefer something softer, spinach is a fantastic substitute. Just add it towards the end of cooking since it wilts quickly.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to shred, but you can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Just add it in after the vegetables are cooked instead of cooking it from scratch.
Herbs: Using dried thyme and oregano adds flavor, but feel free to swap them with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs if you have them. Fresh herbs can really brighten up the soup!
What’s the Best Way to Shred Chicken?
Shredding chicken might seem tricky, but it’s quite simple. Once the chicken breasts are cooked through, you can easily pull them apart using two forks. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board.
- Using one fork to hold the chicken in place, use the other fork to pull the meat apart.
- Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot for the final stir.
This method allows you to control the size and texture of your chicken in the soup, ensuring every bite is tasty!
How to Make Chicken Sweet Potato Kale Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chopped kale, ribs removed
- Salt to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 30-35 minutes to cook, making the total time around 45 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, and ground black pepper. Cook this mix for an additional minute to release those wonderful aromas.
2. Add the Broth and Vegetables:
Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil to get things bubbling. Once boiling, add your cubed sweet potatoes and regular potatoes into the pot. Let them soak up the flavors for a minute.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Carefully add the whole chicken breasts to the boiling broth. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook everything together for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. This is where the magic happens!
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This step makes the chicken super tender and easy to mix back into the soup.
5. Add the Kale:
Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Now, stir in the chopped kale and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the kale is bright green and tender. Give the soup a taste and sprinkle in some salt to make it just right.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your soup is ready! Serve it hot in bowls and feel free to garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch. Enjoy every spoonful of your nourishing Chicken Sweet Potato Kale Soup!
This soup is perfect for those chilly days when you need something warm and fulfilling. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Greens Instead of Kale?
Absolutely! While kale adds a great texture and nutrition, you can substitute it with spinach or Swiss chard for a milder flavor. Just add them during the last few minutes of cooking since they wilt quickly.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables to enhance the flavor!
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Definitely! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
