Smoky Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup
In short: Chicken thighs and sweet potatoes simmered in a smoked paprika and cumin broth with tomatoes and kale. A one-pot meal, naturally gluten-free. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 5 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 5
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 325 kcal
This soup leans on smoked paprika and cumin to give a simple pot of chicken, sweet potato and greens a deep, campfire sort of flavor. Chicken thighs stay tender in the simmering broth, sweet potatoes soften and thicken it a little, and kale goes in near the end. A squeeze of lime balances the sweetness. It cooks in one pot in about 50 minutes and is a good make-ahead lunch.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion and bell pepper for 6 minutes, stirring, until soft. Add the garlic, smoked paprika, cumin and oregano and cook for 1 minute, then stir in the tomato paste for 1 minute.
- Pour in the stock and tomatoes, add the salt and the chicken thighs, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15 minutes.
- Add the sweet potatoes and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until they are tender and the chicken is cooked through (74°C / 165°F) and very tender.
- Lift the chicken onto a board and shred it with two forks, then return it to the pot.
- Stir in the kale and simmer for 5 minutes, until tender. Add the lime juice and pepper, taste for salt, and serve topped with scallions or cilantro.
Tips
- Want some heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the spices or pass hot sauce at the table. The smoked paprika alone is smoky, not spicy.
- Butternut squash or regular potatoes can replace the sweet potatoes. For a thicker soup, mash a few of the cooked cubes against the side of the pot.
Questions and answers
Can I use chicken breasts in this soup?
Yes. Skip the first 15-minute simmer and add the breasts together with the sweet potatoes, then check that they reach 74°C (165°F) before shredding. Breasts dry out if cooked longer.
Is smoky chicken and sweet potato soup spicy?
No. Smoked paprika gives smoky warmth but almost no heat. Add cayenne, chili flakes or hot sauce if you want it spicy.
Can I freeze chicken and sweet potato soup?
Yes, for up to 3 months. The sweet potatoes soften a little after freezing but stay in pieces, so the soup is still good when reheated. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it gently.
How long does it take to make Smoky Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup?
About 55 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Smoky Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup?
About 325 kcal per serving, with 27 g of protein, 34 g of carbohydrates and 9 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 325 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
