Name: Creamy Sweet Potato Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 medium yellow, white, or sweet Vidalia onion, diced small; 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced small; 1 stalk celery, diced small; 3 to 5 cloves garlic, finely pressed or minced; 1.25-1.50 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces; 6 ounces diced portobello mushrooms (optional); 4-5 cups fresh spinach (4-5 heaping handfuls); 4 tablespoons olive oil; 64 ounces reduced sodium chicken stock (8 cups); ½ cup half-and-half (heavy cream may be substituted; or omit for dairy-free); 2 teaspoons dried oregano (or to taste); 2 teaspoons ground coriander (or to taste); 1 tablespoon kosher salt (or to taste); 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste); 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional and to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 67 reviews

The Creamy Sweet Potato Chicken Soup Recipe is a comforting bowl of pure deliciousness that combines tender shredded chicken, naturally sweet and velvety sweet potatoes, fragrant herbs, and a touch of creaminess that wraps around every spoonful. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and yet is so vibrant and fresh you’ll want to enjoy it all year round. Whether you’re cozying up on the couch or feeding a hungry family, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between hearty and healthy with every nourishing bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a creamy soup in a white pot on a white marbled surface. The soup has a thick yellow-orange base with visible chunks of orange vegetables, green leafy pieces, and white shredded elements mixed throughout. The texture looks smooth with small flecks of herbs or spices scattered on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Creamy Sweet Potato Chicken Soup Recipe starts with simple, wholesome ingredients you might already have in your pantry or fridge. Each item plays a crucial role: the chicken brings protein and heartiness, sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and creaminess, aromatic veggies build complexity and depth, while herbs and spices give the soup that irresistible warmth and flavor.

1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that poaches beautifully tender and juicy for shredding.
4 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the aromatic vegetables perfectly.
1 medium yellow, white, or sweet Vidalia onion, diced small: Provides sweetness and depth to the soup base.
3 medium carrots, peeled and diced small: Bring earthiness and a pop of color to brighten the bowl.
1 stalk celery, diced small: Adds a subtle crunch and classic soup flavor balance.
3 to 5 cloves garlic, finely pressed or minced: Brings an aromatic punch to awaken the senses.
64 ounces reduced sodium chicken stock (8 cups): The flavorful broth foundation that ties everything together.
1.25-1.50 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces: Naturally sweet and creamy when cooked, giving the soup its signature heartiness.
2 teaspoons dried oregano: Adds a lovely herbal note that lifts the flavor profile beautifully.
2 teaspoons ground coriander: Offers a warm, citrusy undertone that complements the other spices.
1 tablespoon kosher salt: Essential to bring out all the flavor, but add gradually to suit your palate.
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances sweetness.
6 ounces diced portobello mushrooms (optional): For extra umami depth and meaty texture if desired.
4-5 cups fresh spinach: A burst of vibrant green and a healthy dose of vitamins.
½ cup half-and-half (or heavy cream): Brings luscious creaminess, though you can omit it for a lighter version.
1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): A small pinch that wakes up all the flavors without overpowering.

How to Make Creamy Sweet Potato Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Poach the Chicken

Start by gently poaching the chicken breasts in salted water until cooked through. This technique keeps the chicken moist and tender, perfect for shredding later. Don’t overcook it, since thick breasts can vary in required time. While the chicken is poaching, you can multitask and begin prepping your veggies for the next steps, saving precious time and effort.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Once poached, let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes to lock in juices, then shred it with two forks. This shredded chicken will be folded into the soup for a satisfying texture and protein boost. If you’re using rotisserie or leftover chicken, simply skip the poaching.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, warm the olive oil and sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery over medium-high heat until starting to soften and sweeten. This step builds the essential flavor base for your soup, releasing the natural sugars and aromas of the vegetables.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Spices

Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant, then stir in the oregano, coriander, salt, and black pepper. These spices bring a harmonious blend of herbal and slightly citrusy notes that elevate the soup beyond ordinary.

Step 5: Simmer with Sweet Potatoes and Stock

Pour in the chicken stock along with the diced sweet potatoes, allowing everything to come to a boil. The sweetness of the potatoes mellows and thickens the broth as they cook until fork tender, usually around 12 to 15 minutes. If you saved the chicken’s poaching water, feel free to add it here to boost flavor even more.

Step 6: Incorporate Mushrooms and Chicken

Halfway through cooking the sweet potatoes, toss in the optional portobello mushrooms and shredded chicken. This step lets the chicken warm back up gently and gives mushrooms a chance to soak in the savory broth taste.

Step 7: Finish with Spinach and Cream

Turn off the heat and stir in fresh spinach until just wilted. Then, add half-and-half or cream for that velvety finish. If you prefer, you can skip the dairy altogether for a lighter but still incredibly tasty soup.

Step 8: Adjust Seasonings and Spice

Give your soup a careful taste, and if it feels a little flat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for warmth and complexity, or more salt to brighten flavors. This final seasoning tune-up personalizes your Creamy Sweet Potato Chicken Soup Recipe perfectly.

How to Serve Creamy Sweet Potato Chicken Soup Recipe

Creamy Sweet Potato Chicken Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Simple garnishes take this soup from casual comfort food to lively presentation. Try a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness, or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to add richness. A few toasted pumpkin seeds also add a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast that pairs beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup stands strong on its own but shines further when paired thoughtfully. Crispy crusty bread or a warm garlic baguette is perfect for dipping, while a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and balances the meal. For heartier appetites, roasted vegetables or a grain salad make excellent complements.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining or a special night in, serve this soup in rustic bread bowls that encourage everyone to dig in eagerly. You can also layer individual portions in clear glass bowls to showcase the colorful layers of sweet potato chunks, spinach, and chicken. Garnish each serving with a tiny swirl of cream and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a beautiful flourish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Sweet Potato Chicken Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making it an excellent make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully if you want to stash some away for busy days. Store it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable bags for up to 4 months. Just be mindful that if you’ve added cream, it may slightly change texture upon thawing, but stirring well will bring it back to a lovely consistency.

Reheating

Reheat your frozen or refrigerated soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to keep the cream smooth and prevent any separation. The microwave works fine too; just cover and heat in intervals, stirring to warm evenly and enjoy that cozy, comforting bowl once again.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of poaching my own?

Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftovers is a great time saver and works perfectly with this soup. Just shred it and add it in when the sweet potatoes are halfway cooked as instructed.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Simply omit the half-and-half or cream, and the soup will still be deliciously creamy thanks to the sweet potatoes. You can also use plant-based milk or cream alternatives if you prefer.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Mushrooms are optional in the recipe, but you might also enjoy adding chopped kale, zucchini, or even some diced bell peppers to customize your bowl with extra flavor and nutrition.

How spicy is the soup with cayenne pepper?

The cayenne pepper is added just in small amounts to enhance the flavors without making the soup hot or overpowering. It adds a subtle warmth and depth, but if you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to omit it or adjust the quantity to your liking.

What if I don’t have dried oregano or coriander?

If you don’t have these exact spices, Italian seasoning can be a good substitute for oregano, and ground cumin or a mild curry powder can replace coriander. The soup’s flavor will be slightly different but still wonderful and comforting.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy Sweet Potato Chicken Soup Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a reliable, nourishing, and delicious meal to their cooking repertoire. Its blend of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors combined with tender chicken and fresh greens makes it a true crowd-pleaser that invites warm memories and full bellies. So go ahead and try it out — you’re going to fall in love with every comforting spoonful.