Sicilian Chicken Soup

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, then this Sicilian Chicken Soup is just the ticket! This recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s great for family gatherings or a cozy dinner with friends.

What I love most about this Sicilian Chicken Soup is how it’s made from scratch using simple, wholesome ingredients. You get tender chunks of chicken and veggies swimming in a savory broth, making every spoonful a delight. It’s not just food; it’s comfort on a chilly day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this soup comes together effortlessly.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good chicken soup, making it an instant hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this soup in advance and store it for busy days ahead.
• Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with vegetables and lean protein, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients creates an irresistible flavor profile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Sicilian Chicken Soup is part of the fun! You’ll find that these are all simple, wholesome items you probably already have on hand or can easily pick up at your local market. Let’s take a look:

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

Variations

One of the best things about Sicilian Chicken Soup is its flexibility! You can easily adjust the recipe to fit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations:

• Add more greens: Toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
• Swap the protein: Feel free to use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer leaner meat.
• Change up the pasta: Try other small pasta shapes like orzo or macaroni if ditalini isn’t available.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat!

How to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a large soup pot (at least 6-quart), combine the chicken, onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt. This mixture forms the foundation of your soup. Each ingredient brings its own unique flavor and texture to the dish.

Step 2: Add Liquid and Simmer

Next, pour in the chicken stock and water. Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Cover the pot and bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer partially covered for about 30 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together while making sure the chicken becomes tender and easy to shred.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

After your chicken is cooked through and tender, it’s time to add in the ditalini pasta. Stir it into the bubbling soup and continue cooking for another 13-15 minutes until it’s perfectly al dente. Remember to stir occasionally—this way your pasta won’t stick together!

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

While your pasta cooks, carefully remove the chicken from the pot using tongs. Let it cool slightly before shredding with two forks—discarding any skin or bones as you go. Returning this shredded goodness back into your soup adds heartiness that we all love.

Step 5: Final Touches

Before serving, discard those bay leaves—nobody wants to bite into one of those! Stir in fresh parsley for color and freshness right before ladling out portions into bowls. Enjoy every warm spoonful of your homemade Sicilian Chicken Soup!

With these steps laid out clearly, I hope you feel excited about making this comforting dish! It truly warms up any cold day and brings everyone together at the table.

Pro Tips for Making Sicilian Chicken Soup

Making Sicilian Chicken Soup is a breeze, but a few extra tips can take your dish to the next level!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor of your soup, making it taste vibrant and alive. They provide better texture and more nutrients, ensuring you enjoy every spoonful.

• Don’t skip the bay leaves: Adding bay leaves during cooking infuses the soup with a subtle depth of flavor. Just remember to remove them before serving, as they are not meant to be eaten.

• Cook pasta separately (optional): If you prefer your pasta al dente, cook it separately and add it just before serving. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and absorbing too much broth.

• Adjust seasoning at the end: Tasting your soup before serving allows you to adjust the salt and pepper levels based on your preference. Each batch can taste a little different depending on the ingredients used, so don’t hesitate to customize!

• Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator—just reheat gently before serving.

How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Soup

Presenting your Sicilian Chicken Soup beautifully can make mealtime even more special. Here are some ideas for serving this comforting dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley over each bowl just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Lemon wedges: Adding a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the soup and enhances its overall taste.
• Parmesan cheese alternative: If you’re avoiding dairy, consider using a plant-based Parmesan sprinkle for added richness.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into your soup. Opt for whole-grain or sourdough for extra flavor!
• Mixed green salad: A light salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette balances out the hearty soup beautifully.
• Garlic knots: These soft, buttery knots are perfect for sopping up every last bit of broth from your bowl.
• Roasted vegetables: Serve a side of seasonal roasted vegetables to complement the flavors of your soup while adding more nutrients to your meal.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to enjoy a warm bowl of Sicilian Chicken Soup that feels like a hug in a bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sicilian Chicken Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week or store it for future meals. Here’s how to keep your delicious soup fresh and ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftover soup into airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Cool the soup completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe container and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Sicilian Chicken Soup that might help you out!

Can I use other types of chicken for Sicilian Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses bone-in-skin-on chicken thighs for flavor, you can also use boneless chicken breasts or even shredded rotisserie chicken. Just adjust cooking times accordingly!

How can I make Sicilian Chicken Soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of this soup, simply replace the chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You’ll still have a hearty and flavorful dish!

What are some variations of Sicilian Chicken Soup I can try?

Feel free to add different vegetables like zucchini or green beans. You can also experiment with spices such as oregano or basil for extra flavor. Enjoy making it your own!

How long does it take to make Sicilian Chicken Soup?

This comforting dish takes about 55 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 45 minutes of cooking time. Perfect for a cozy night at home!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Sicilian Chicken Soup as comforting as I do! It’s not just a recipe; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and share warm moments with loved ones. I encourage you to try making this delicious soup—it’s simple, nourishing, and absolutely delightful. Enjoy every spoonful!