If you’re craving a hearty, nourishing meal that practically makes itself, let me introduce you to my Slow Cooker Chicken Sweet Potato Soup with Kale Recipe. This soup is one of those go-to dinners I rely on when I want something comforting without fussing in the kitchen. It’s loaded with tender chicken, hearty sweet potatoes, and vibrant kale all simmered in flavorful chicken stock—plus a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to keep things interesting. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your slow cooker routine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity at its Best: Just a handful of ingredients come together effortlessly in your slow cooker.
- Comfort in Every Bowl: The combination of tender chicken and sweet potatoes makes this soup warmly satisfying.
- Healthy and Hearty: Packed with nutrient-rich kale and a balanced mix of protein and veggies.
- Perfect for Busy Days: Prep in minutes and let the slow cooker do all the work while you relax.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Slow Cooker Chicken Sweet Potato Soup with Kale Recipe feel just right together—you get sweetness, earthiness, protein, and greens all in one bowl. Plus, everything is easy to find at most grocery stores.
- Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes; the natural sweetness pairs perfectly with savory broth.
- Lacinato kale: Also called dinosaur kale, it adds a slightly earthy flavor and holds up beautifully to slow cooking.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: I prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts work great too—just adjust cooking time if needed.
- Chicken stock: Opt for low sodium if you want more control over saltiness.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning throughout, enhancing all the flavors.
- Italian seasoning: This blend adds a subtle Mediterranean flair without extra effort.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a nice aromatic depth.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Drizzling on top at serving adds richness and a fresh finish.
Variations
I love how flexible this Slow Cooker Chicken Sweet Potato Soup with Kale Recipe is—you can adjust it to fit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are a few ways I’ve played around with it and that you might enjoy too!
- Makes it vegan or vegetarian: Swap chicken for canned chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead—still cozy and flavorful.
- Add heat: When I want a touch of spice, I throw in some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño at the start.
- Different greens: If kale isn’t your favorite, spinach or Swiss chard are great substitutes that soften nicely.
- Extra veggies: Sometimes I toss in diced carrots or celery for a bit more texture and sweetness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Sweet Potato Soup with Kale Recipe
Step 1: Toss Everything into the Slow Cooker
This step is truly as easy as it sounds—peel and chop your sweet potatoes into about 1-inch pieces, remove the kale stems and slice the leaves thinly, then add them all to your slow cooker along with the chicken, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and chicken stock. Give it a quick stir to mix it up so all those flavors combine nicely.
Step 2: Set and Forget—Cook Low and Slow or High and Fast
I sometimes vary the cooking time based on how much time I have. You can cook it on high for 3 to 5 hours if you’re in a bit of a rush, but my favorite is the low and slow method for 6 to 7 hours. This extra time gives the chicken and sweet potatoes a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that is just heavenly. Just make sure the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Stir It Back In
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks—the slow cooker does all the work of making it tender enough for easy shredding. Then toss it back into the slow cooker and stir to combine everything evenly. Now’s also the time to taste and adjust your seasoning with extra salt if needed.
Step 4: Serve with a Drizzle of Olive Oil
Before serving, I always add a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top. It melts right into the hot soup and adds this subtle, fruity richness that just elevates the whole dish. Plus, it makes every spoonful feel a little more indulgent and special.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Sweet Potato Soup with Kale Recipe
- Choose the Right Potatoes: I learned early on that using sweet potatoes instead of regular ones gives the soup its perfect balance of sweetness and earthiness.
- Don’t Skip the Olive Oil Drizzle: Adding it at the end enhances flavor and mouthfeel—I always keep a good quality extra virgin olive oil just for this purpose.
- Shred Chicken While Warm: It shreds so much easier when fresh out of the slow cooker, preventing dryness and keeping it tender.
- Adjust Salt Last: Since the chicken stock can vary in saltiness, tasting near the end helps avoid over-salting your soup.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Sweet Potato Soup with Kale Recipe
Garnishes
I often top my servings with just that drizzle of olive oil, but you can switch it up with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little cracked black pepper for some added aroma. A squeeze of lemon juice also works wonders if you want a bright citrus kick that complements the richness of the soup.
Side Dishes
Because this soup is such a complete meal, I usually keep sides simple with crusty bread or warm pita for dipping. Sometimes for a heartier meal, I add a side salad with vinaigrette to cut through the soup’s creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings or cozy dinners, I love serving this soup in rustic stone bowls topped with a swirl of olive oil and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch. It looks inviting and adds a fun texture dimension everyone always asks about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and the soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just make sure to cool it before refrigerating, and it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-friendly containers, label them, and freeze for up to 3 months. When I want a quick meal, it’s great to pull out and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
I reheat this soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, I add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up while keeping that comforting texture.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken for this Slow Cooker Chicken Sweet Potato Soup with Kale Recipe?
Yes! Using frozen chicken is convenient especially for busy days. Just be aware that it might add a bit more time to your overall cooking—aim for the longer end of the slow cooking range and ensure the chicken is fully cooked through before shredding.
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Can I make this soup thicker or creamier?
If you want a creamier texture, I recommend blending a portion of the soup with an immersion blender and then stirring it back in. Alternatively, adding a splash of coconut milk near the end can add creaminess and a subtle sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. The Slow Cooker Chicken Sweet Potato Soup with Kale Recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch, portion it into containers, and enjoy easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
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Can I add other spices or herbs?
Of course! While Italian seasoning works wonderfully here, I’ve experimented with thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of cumin for a different flavor profile. Feel free to customize based on what you love.
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How do I prevent the kale from getting too mushy?
Since kale holds up well in slow cookers, I add it at the very start with the other ingredients. But if you prefer your kale less soft, you could toss it in about halfway through cooking for a bit more texture.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Chicken Sweet Potato Soup with Kale Recipe fills my kitchen with warm, inviting aromas and gives my family a wholesome, satisfying meal with minimal effort on my part. It’s one of those recipes that makes busy weeknights feel calm and nourishing, and I’m confident you’ll find the same comforting joy once you try it. Grab your slow cooker, gather these simple ingredients, and let this soup become your new cozy favorite!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Sweet Potato Soup with Kale Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 240 min
- Total Time: 245 min
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and nutritious Slow Cooker Chicken Sweet Potato Soup featuring tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and nutrient-packed kale simmered in savory chicken stock with Italian seasoning. Perfect for an easy, wholesome meal with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 large or 4 small sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 bunch Lacinato kale, stems removed and thinly sliced (about 2 packed cups)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 64 oz chicken stock
- 2-3 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
To Serve
- Extra virgin olive oil (to serve)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Peel and chop sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Remove stems and thinly slice the kale. Mince garlic cloves.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place sweet potatoes, kale, chicken breasts or thighs, chicken stock, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic into a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3 to 5 hours or on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chicken is fully cooked and very tender.
- Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine and Season: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to incorporate. Taste the soup and add additional salt if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and finish with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- This slow cooker chicken sweet potato soup features only 5 simple main ingredients making it quick and easy to prepare.
- Choosing boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs is flexible based on preference; thighs will yield a moister texture.
- Adjust the salt amount according to taste and dietary preference.
- Fresh kale adds color, texture, and a boost of vitamins—feel free to substitute with other leafy greens if desired.
- Drizzling with extra virgin olive oil before serving adds healthy fats and depth of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 302 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 769 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 57 mg
