Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, nourishing meal that hits all the right notes, you’ve got to try this Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to, especially when the weather starts to chill. The mix of tender chicken, naturally sweet potatoes, and hearty kale simmered in a fragrant broth is just pure comfort in a bowl. Stick around—I’ll share all the tricks so your soup turns out perfectly every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup Recipe is in its simple, wholesome ingredients that work beautifully together. When you shop, opt for fresh, firm produce and good-quality chicken broth to make a rich and comforting soup.

• Chicken breasts (on the bone, skin removed): Using bone-in chicken adds extra flavor and richness to the broth.
• Seasoning salt (like adobo): Adds a subtle savory boost that’s more interesting than plain salt alone.
• Olive oil: Helps soften the veggies and meld flavors without overpowering the soup.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
• Celery: Gives a slight aromatic crunch and balances sweetness.
• Garlic: For that unmistakable warmth and flavor foundation.
• Dried oregano, thyme, and cumin: This trio brings herbal earthiness and a hint of smokiness.
• Reduced sodium chicken broth: Keeps the soup flavorful without being too salty.
• Sweet potato: Offers natural sweetness and creamy texture once cooked.
• Kale: Adds a lovely green bite and nutritional power.
• Fresh jalapeño: Just the right amount of heat and a fresh peppery note.
• Fresh cilantro: Brightens the soup with a pop of herbal freshness at the end.

Variations

I love that you can easily make this Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup Recipe your own. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it to suit different moods and appetites, and you might find some fun ways to customize it too!

• Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky, spicy kick. My family goes crazy for how it adds warmth!
• Swap greens: Don’t have kale? Spinach or Swiss chard work wonderfully and cook down even faster.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth, then add beans or lentils for protein. I tried this for a friend’s dinner and the soup was just as hearty.
• Sweet potato swap: If you prefer a milder sweetness, try butternut squash or carrots instead—they blend beautifully too.

How to Make Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with the adobo or seasoning salt. I find that seasoning the chicken well before cooking develops the base flavor of the broth, so don’t skip this step. Set the chicken aside while you get your vegetables ready—that little waiting time makes all the difference.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Toss in the chopped onion and celery and cook gently until they’re soft and golden—this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Patience here is key. Then, add the garlic, oregano, thyme, and cumin and give it all a good stir, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes so those spices bloom and the kitchen fills with amazing aroma.

Step 3: Build Your Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, then nestle the seasoned chicken breasts right into the pot along with the halved jalapeño and fresh cilantro stems (the leaves come later). Cover and let everything simmer gently for 20 minutes. During this step, the broth develops that comforting, layered flavor that makes this soup one you’ll crave again.

Step 4: Add Sweet Potato and Kale, Finish Cooking

After the initial simmer, toss in your diced sweet potatoes and chopped kale. Continue simmering, uncovered, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through—a good 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the texture of your sweet potatoes; you want them soft but still holding their shape.

Step 5: Shred Chicken and Serve

Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks, and discard the bones. Return the shredded chicken to the soup, and don’t forget to fish out the jalapeño halves before serving—they’ve done their job of infusing gentle heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy some serious comfort food.

How to Serve Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish my soup with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves—it brightens the whole bowl and adds an herbal freshness that I adore. Sometimes, a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving gives it a lovely zing that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats crusty bread or warm cornbread alongside this soup. My family loves dipping the bread to soak up all the flavorful broth. Or, if I want something lighter, I’ll serve it with a simple green salad for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozier dinner party vibe, I’ve served this soup in small mason jars or rustic bowls. Topping with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a swirl of avocado crema adds a nice creamy contrast. It’s simple but feels special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After making your Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup Recipe, cool it completely before transferring it to airtight containers. In my experience, it keeps beautifully in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers are often even more delicious.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup many times, and it thawed perfectly without losing its texture or flavor. Just freeze in portion-sized containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat this soup is gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water if it seems thick helps maintain a nice consistency. You can also microwave it in short bursts—just give it a stir between heating intervals.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup Recipe has truly become a go-to in my kitchen for those days when I want something comforting yet healthy. I love how filling it is without being heavy, and the balance of flavors feels just right every time. I’m really excited for you to give it a try—you’ll see how simple ingredients come together to make something surprisingly special. Just imagine cozying up with a warm bowl on a chilly evening; trust me, it’s worth every spoonful!

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