Sicilian Chicken Soup

Chicken soup has never been easier! Sicilian Chicken Soup is the perfect warm dish for cold winter days. This hearty recipe combines tender chicken with a delightful mix of vegetables and ditalini pasta, making it a comforting choice for family dinners or gatherings. You’ll love how the fresh ingredients come together to create a flavorful bowl that satisfies your cravings and brightens up any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with veggies and lean chicken, this soup offers a healthy option without sacrificing taste.
• Versatile: Customize your soup by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to make it uniquely yours.
• Freezes Well: Make a big batch and store leftovers in the freezer for quick meals later on.
• Comforting Flavor: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates a rich, comforting flavor that warms you from the inside out.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot (at least 6-quart)
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking all the ingredients evenly while allowing enough space for the soup to simmer.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, enhancing your prep time efficiency.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 4 bone-in-skin-on chicken thighs, 2 pounds
• 1 medium onion, chopped, about 1 cup
• 3 celery ribs, chopped, about 2 cups
• 3 medium carrots, chopped, about 1 1/2 cups
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can no-salt diced tomatoes
• 2 dry bay leaves
• 1 Tbsp. kosher salt
• 1 (32 oz) carton low-sodium chicken stock
• 4 cups water (or chicken stock)

For Finishing Touches

• 1/2 cup dry ditalini pasta
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped Italian parsley
• Fresh black pepper, to taste

How to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a large soup pot, combine the following:
* Chicken thighs, add them bone-in-skin-on for maximum flavor.
* Onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Simmer

Add the chicken stock and water to the pot. Season with black pepper.
1. Cover the pot and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer partially covered for about 30 minutes until the chicken is tender.

Step 3: Cook Pasta

Once the chicken is tender:
1. Remove chicken from the pot using tongs.
2. Add pasta to the soup. Cook for an additional 13–15 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

While pasta cooks:
1. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks.
2. Discard skin and bones before returning shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 5: Final Touches

After adding back the chicken:
1. Discard bay leaves from the pot.
2. Stir in fresh parsley before serving hot!

Enjoy this delightful Sicilian Chicken Soup full of comforting flavors that will surely become a favorite!

How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Soup

Sicilian Chicken Soup is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve it as a main course or alongside other dishes, the warm flavors and hearty ingredients make it perfect for any occasion.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair your soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the flavorful broth, enhancing every bite.

Over Rice

• Serve the soup over a bed of fluffy rice. This adds texture and makes the meal more filling, perfect for a chilly evening.

Topped with Cheese

• Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese on top before serving. The cheese melts slightly, adding richness to the soup.

With a Side Salad

• A fresh green salad complements the soup beautifully. Opt for a light vinaigrette to balance the heartiness of the chicken soup.

How to Perfect Sicilian Chicken Soup

Creating the ultimate Sicilian Chicken Soup is simple with a few tips. These suggestions will elevate your soup’s flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to dried alternatives.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper to suit your preference for a perfectly seasoned broth.
• Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen the flavors. Just be cautious not to overcook the pasta.
• Add Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice right before serving brightens up the flavors and adds freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Sicilian Chicken Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Sicilian Chicken Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement this hearty dish.

1. Garlic Bread
   A favorite choice, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that delicious broth.

2. Caesar Salad
   This classic salad adds crunch and a zesty flavor that pairs well with the richness of the soup.

3. Grilled Vegetables
   Lightly seasoned grilled veggies provide a healthy contrast to the warm soup.

4. Stuffed Peppers
   Filled with grains and spices, stuffed peppers add an earthy touch to your meal.

5. Roasted Potatoes
   Crispy roasted potatoes are satisfying and can be seasoned similarly to your soup for harmony in flavors.

6. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad tossed with herbs offers a nutritious side that complements the heartiness of chicken soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Sicilian Chicken Soup can be simple, but avoiding common pitfalls is key to a delicious outcome.

• Bold ingredient choices: Using the wrong type of chicken can lead to dry meat. Always choose bone-in pieces for flavor and moisture.
• Bold neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season the broth adequately can result in bland soup. Taste as you cook and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
• Bold overcooking vegetables: Cooking veggies too long can make them mushy. Add them at the right time for perfect texture.
• Bold ignoring pasta cooking time: Adding pasta too early leads to overcooked, soggy noodles. Follow the recommended cooking time for ditalini.
• Bold skipping the shredding step: Not shredding the chicken properly means missing out on that tender, shredded texture that enhances every bite. Ensure you shred it well before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it for storage.

Freezing Sicilian Chicken Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers, as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Sicilian Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in a covered oven-safe dish, and heat for about 25-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Place soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot (about 10-15 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sicilian Chicken Soup.

Can I use different types of meat in Sicilian Chicken Soup?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef or turkey if you prefer a different flavor profile.

What can I add for extra flavor in Sicilian Chicken Soup?

Consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional depth. A splash of vinegar can also brighten the flavors.

How do I make Sicilian Chicken Soup vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, replace chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

How can I customize my Sicilian Chicken Soup?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like zucchini or spinach. You can also experiment with spices such as cumin or paprika for a unique twist.

What’s the best way to serve Sicilian Chicken Soup?

Serve hot with crusty bread on the side or garnished with fresh parsley for added color and freshness.

Final Thoughts

Sicilian Chicken Soup is a heartwarming dish perfect for chilly days. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various veggies and spices based on your taste. Try this comforting recipe today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Sicilian Chicken Soup

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sicilian Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or cozy family gatherings. This hearty soup features tender chicken thighs simmered to perfection with a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables and ditalini pasta. Each spoonful is a warm embrace, bursting with robust flavors and nutritional goodness. Not only is this recipe quick and easy to prepare, but it also offers endless customization options, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences. Enjoy a bowl of this delightful soup, packed with wholesome ingredients that will satisfy your cravings while warming your soul.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 medium onion
• 3 celery ribs
• 3 medium carrots
• 1 large yellow bell pepper
• 2 medium russet potatoes
• 4 cloves garlic
• 14.5 oz can no-salt diced tomatoes
• 32 oz low-sodium chicken stock
• ½ cup dry ditalini pasta
• Fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large soup pot, combine chicken thighs, chopped onion, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt.
2. Pour in the chicken stock and water; season with black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is tender.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot using tongs and add the ditalini pasta. Cook for an additional 13–15 minutes.
4. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks; discard bones and skin before returning shredded chicken to the pot.
5. Discard bay leaves and stir in fresh parsley before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 90mg