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 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup coconut milk; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love this Sweet Potato Soup with Chicken for its comforting flavors and hearty texture. Each bowl is a hug in disguise, perfect for chilly evenings. The sweet potatoes add a natural creaminess, while the chicken provides a satisfying protein boost. I often make this on weekends, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, after one spoonful, you'll be wrapping yourself in this warm embrace, feeling both nourished and delighted.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-20T12:50:28.439Z

When I first made this Sweet Potato Soup with Chicken, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. The key is to sauté the onions and garlic until they are golden, enhancing their sweetness and flavor. This method not only builds the soup’s base but also makes the whole kitchen smell heavenly. Adding spices like cumin and coriander brings out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, creating a delightful harmony in every bite.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that using homemade chicken broth can elevate this soup to the next level. Not only does it add depth, but it also enriches the nutritional profile. For an extra creamy texture, a little bit of coconut milk at the end makes it feel indulgent without being heavy. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to because it’s simple yet so rewarding!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes combined with tender chicken.
Comforting and creamy texture, perfect for any season.
Easily adaptable; add your favorite spices or vegetables!

      

Understanding the Ingredients

Sweet potatoes serve as the star ingredient of this soup, providing not only a naturally creamy texture but also sweetness that balances beautifully with the savory elements. Choosing firm, unblemished sweet potatoes ensures maximum flavor; I prefer using medium-sized ones for even cooking. You can experiment with different varieties like Japanese or purple sweet potatoes for unique tastes and vibrant colors.

The spices in this soup, especially cumin and coriander, are crucial for adding depth and warmth. Cumin imparts an earthy flavor, while coriander adds a subtle hint of citrus. Measuring these spices accurately can dramatically influence the soup's flavor profile. Feel free to adjust based on your personal preference—if you love spice, adding a pinch of cayenne can amplify the comforting warmth!

Blending Techniques

For a perfectly smooth soup, using an immersion blender allows for ease and gives you control over the texture; you can blend it to your desired smoothness without transferring hot liquids. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transferring small batches to a countertop blender works too—just ensure to vent the lid slightly to avoid steam buildup, which can lead to splatter.

After blending, revisit the soup on the heat. Stirring in coconut milk not only enhances creaminess but also adds a rich, tropical flavor that complements sweet potatoes well. Heating the blended soup gently on low helps meld all flavors together. Keep an eye on it to avoid boiling, which can separate the coconut milk and alter the texture.

Ingredients

For the soup

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup coconut milk
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking for a more enjoyable experience!

Instructions

Sauté the base

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add sweet potatoes

Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot and sauté for another 5 minutes.

Combine ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth and add the ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Simmer the soup

Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Blend and finish

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Stir in the shredded chicken and coconut milk, and heat through.

Serve and garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Sweet Potato Soup with Chicken while it's warm!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the onions and garlic. This will give the soup a pleasant warmth that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.

Storing and Reheating

This Sweet Potato Soup with Chicken can be made in advance, making it a fantastic meal prep option. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To maximize freshness, allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating. If you plan to freeze it, do so within a day or two, as the sweet potatoes can become mushy over time.

When reheating, doing so on the stovetop is ideal. Gently warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of broth or coconut milk to restore the desired consistency as the soup may thicken in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

Serving this soup with a crusty bread or homemade croutons elevates the experience, adding texture contrast to the creamy soup. A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream can introduce a tangy element that breaks through the sweetness and enhances the soup’s overall flavor complexity. Try garnishing with a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an additional flavor boost and visual appeal.

For a complete meal, consider pairing the soup with a crisp side salad or a grain dish like quinoa or farro. The earthiness of these options complements the sweet and savory notes of the soup, ensuring a balanced dining experience full of contrasting flavors and textures.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

→ Can I freeze Sweet Potato Soup?

Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for coconut milk?

You can use heavy cream or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, but adjust the consistency with additional broth as needed.

→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option.