Teriyaki Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup with Gochujang
A spicy-sweet blend of teriyaki chicken, sweet potatoes, and Korean chili paste. This asian-inspired soups (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken thighs, medium sweet potatoes, gochujang paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 400g chicken thighs
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tbsp gochujang paste
- 3 tbsp teriyaki sauce
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp ginger
- 500ml vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 stalks green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced cloves garlic and 1 tbsp grated ginger, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add 400g chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces) and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on the edges. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed to ensure even browning.
- Step 2: Add 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes), 2 tbsp gochujang paste, 3 tbsp teriyaki sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp honey. Stir well to coat all ingredients in the sauce, ensuring the sweet potatoes are evenly distributed. Tip: Dice sweet potatoes uniformly for even cooking and texture.
- Step 3: Pour in 500ml vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chicken is fully cooked through. Tip: Skim any foam that rises to the surface for a clearer, richer broth.
- Step 4: Using an immersion blender or transferring half the soup to a blender, puree until smooth. Stir the pureed soup back into the pot, then return the pot to low heat. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors. Tip: For a creamier texture, add 1-2 tbsp coconut milk before pureeing.
- Step 5: Garnish with sliced green onions (thinly sliced diagonally) and serve immediately. Tip: For extra heat, stir in a pinch of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Teriyaki Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup with Gochujang take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Teriyaki Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup with Gochujang?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Teriyaki Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup with Gochujang?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Teriyaki Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup with Gochujang for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Teriyaki Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup with Gochujang vegetarian-friendly?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.