Sharon BrownBefore diving deep into the delicious world of Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup, let’s chat about what you could pair with this dish. Picture this: a warm bowl of soup that embraces you like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. What could complement that?
1. Crusty Bread: A rustic baguette or some soft dinner rolls could elevate your experience. Let’s be honest—who doesn’t love dipping warm bread into broth?
2. Salad: A simple side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette can provide a perfect contrast to the hearty soup.
3. Cheese: A sprinkle of feta or grated Parmesan on top of your soup can add a delightful tang.
4. Wine: If you’re in the mood for a little indulgence, consider pairing it with a light white wine or a fruity rosé.
5. Herb Garnish: Fresh cilantro or parsley not only beautifies the soup but enhances its taste with bright notes.
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Let’s face it: some days call for a hug in a bowl. For me, that’s Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup. It’s nourishing, heartwarming, and perfect for sharing with family or savoring alone. Whenever the temperature drops or a busy week leaves me searching for comfort, this soup comes to the rescue. It’s the kind of dish that warms not just the stomach but the soul.
Plus, making it feels like a patchwork quilt. Each ingredient comes together, creating a symphony of flavors that truly warms the heart. Unique, flavorful, and easy, this recipe is a go-to!
What is Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup?
Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sweet potatoes, and rich broth, often enhanced with herbs and spices.
It’s a perfect blend of savory and sweet, bringing together wholesome ingredients that nourish the body and satisfy the senses. The broth serves as a warm, inviting base, while sweet potatoes add a naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture. This dish is ideal for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
How Does It Taste Like?
Imagine a flavorful hug on a spoon. The tender chicken blends seamlessly with the sweetness of the sweet potatoes, creating a balance that feels both hearty and refreshing. The aromatic spices, along with the warmth of the broth, tie everything together.
Each spoonful offers a delightful combination of savory and subtly sweet notes. The texture is creamy yet chunky, with crisp veggies punctuating the richness of the soup.
Why You’ll Love This?
Quick to Make: In less than an hour, you have a harmonious meal ready to serve.
Healthy Comfort Food: Filled with nutrients from the sweet potatoes and veggies, enjoy a meal that’s both indulgent and guilt-free.
Freezer-Friendly: You can prepare a large batch, portion it out, and have easy meals ready for busy days.
Versatile: Got any leftover veggies or grains? Toss them in! This recipe is forever adaptable.
Great for All Ages: It’s kid-friendly and accommodating to various diets; everyone will find something to love in this soup.
Ingredients
For the best Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup, gather the following:
2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
1 carrot, diced
1 onion, diced
1 cup pearl couscous (or orzo, small pasta)
6 cups chicken broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp olive oil
2 celery stalks, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Gather Ingredients
First, gather all your ingredients. This little act helps you have everything ready, and it speeds up the cooking process. Trust me; you don’t want to be scrambling for garlic in the middle of cooking.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes. You want the onion to be translucent and fragrant. It’s the start of something wonderful.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Once your veggies are softened, add in the minced garlic, turmeric, and Italian seasoning. Stir for about a minute. Here’s the trick: you want to let those flavors open up.
Step 4: Incorporate Sweet Potatoes
Now, add the diced sweet potatoes. Stir to combine everything. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to soak up those aromatic flavors.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then toss in your chopped cooked chicken. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This allows the sweet potatoes to become tender.
Step 6: Add Pearl Couscous
After your sweet potatoes are soft, stir in the pearl couscous. Continue to cook for an additional 8-10 minutes. You’ll notice the soup thickening beautifully as the couscous absorbs the broth.
Step 7: Final Touches
Once everything has cooked through, season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness. Garnish with fresh herbs if you desire.
Tips on Making Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup
Use Leftover Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders for convenience if you don’t have cooked chicken on hand.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to sneak in some spinach, kale, or peas toward the end of cooking. They’ll boost nutrients without altering the flavor much.
Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of it using an immersion blender for a creamier texture.
Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs right before serving can enhance the flavor profile. Think cilantro or thyme—great options.
Freezing: Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing. Use airtight containers and leave some space for expansion.
Nutrition Information
This Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a quick look at its nutritional profile based on a single serving:
Calories: Approximately 300
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 8g
Fat: 7g
Vitamin A: 200% of Daily Value
Vitamin C: 30% of Daily Value
How Do You Store This Chicken And Sweet Potato Soup?
When it comes to storage, giving your soup the right treatment prolongs its freshness.
Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers. It usually lasts up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
Freezing: For longer storage, pour your cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Chicken And Sweet Potato Soup?
Get creative with your pantry! Here are five substitutes to consider:
Quinoa Instead of Couscous: For a gluten-free meal, swap out pearl couscous for quinoa. It adds a nutty flavor and additional protein.
Butternut Squash: If sweet potatoes aren’t available, diced butternut squash can give you a similar sweetness and texture.
Coconut Milk: For creamy richness without dairy, add a can of coconut milk when you incorporate the broth. It lends a silky texture and a tropical twist.
Chickpeas Instead of Chicken: For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with chickpeas. Just add them in with the broth for protein.
Spinach for Kale: If your family loves greens, swap fresh kale with spinach. Spinach wilts down quickly and mixes right in, giving hidden nutrition.
Chicken And Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Cup, Tbsp
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast chopped
- 1 carrot diced
- 1 onion diced
- 1 cup pearl couscous or orzo, small pasta
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 sweet potatoes peeled and diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Ingredients
- First, gather all your ingredients. This little act helps you have everything ready, and it speeds up the cooking process. Trust me; you don’t want to be scrambling for garlic in the middle of cooking.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes. You want the onion to be translucent and fragrant. It’s the start of something wonderful.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
- Once your veggies are softened, add in the minced garlic, turmeric, and Italian seasoning. Stir for about a minute. Here’s the trick: you want to let those flavors open up.
Step 4: Incorporate Sweet Potatoes
- Now, add the diced sweet potatoes. Stir to combine everything. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to soak up those aromatic flavors.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then toss in your chopped cooked chicken. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This allows the sweet potatoes to become tender.
Step 6: Add Pearl Couscous
- After your sweet potatoes are soft, stir in the pearl couscous. Continue to cook for an additional 8-10 minutes. You’ll notice the soup thickening beautifully as the couscous absorbs the broth.
Step 7: Final Touches
- Once everything has cooked through, season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness. Garnish with fresh herbs if you desire.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Throw all the ingredients in your slow cooker after sautéing the vegetables. Let it cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What if I want to make this soup spicy?
Try adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the aromatics. Adjust the spice level to match your taste.
Can this soup be made vegan?
Certainly! Use vegetable broth and plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.
Is this soup okay for meal prep?
Yes! It’s an ideal meal prep choice. Make a large batch for the week, ensuring each serving is stored separately.
How can I make this soup creamier?
Blend a portion of the soup after cooking. Alternatively, stir in some heavy cream or a non-dairy milk just before serving.
Can you use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Fresh sweet potatoes are preferred for this recipe. If you only have canned, reduce cooking time since they are already soft, though this will alter the texture.
Conclusion
Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a ritual that warms your heart and fills your belly. Every spoonful tells a story, whether it’s a quick weekday dinner or a gathering with friends. With its health benefits, ease of preparation, and adaptability, it’s a keeper for any home cook. So, gather those ingredients and whip up something deliciously trustworthy. Your taste buds will thank you for this one!
