Sicilian Chicken Soup

Chicken soup has never been easier! Sicilian Chicken Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. This hearty dish features tender chunks of vegetables, ditalini pasta, and shredded chicken, making it a delightful meal for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Its unique flavors and simple preparation will have everyone craving more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, you can have this delicious soup on the table in under an hour.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs combine to create a rich and satisfying broth.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for lunch or dinner, this soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread.
• Nutritious Option: Packed with lean protein and veggies, it’s a healthy choice that warms you from the inside out.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Sicilian Chicken Soup, you’ll need to gather some essential tools that will make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot (at least 6-quart)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking the entire batch of soup evenly without overflow.
• Sharp knife: Makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Wooden spoon or ladle: Perfect for stirring ingredients gently without scratching your pot.

Ingredients

To make this hearty Sicilian Chicken Soup, gather the following 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 (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

Broth and Pasta Ingredients

• 1 (32 oz) carton low-sodium chicken stock
• 4 cups water (or chicken stock)
• 1/2 cup dry ditalini pasta

Final Touches

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

How to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

In a large soup pot, combine the following ingredients:
* Chicken thighs
* Onions
* Celery
* Carrots
* Bell pepper
* Potatoes
* Garlic
* Diced tomatoes
* Bay leaves
* Kosher salt

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add chicken stock and water to the pot. Season with fresh black pepper to taste. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer partially covered for about 30 minutes or until chicken is tender.

Step 3: Add Pasta

After removing the chicken from the pot using tongs, add ditalini pasta. Continue cooking for an additional 13–15 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

While the pasta cooks, shred the chicken using two forks. Discard skin and bones. Return shredded chicken back to the pot once pasta is cooked.

Step 5: Final Touches

Discard bay leaves from the soup. Stir in fresh parsley before serving hot.

Enjoy your warm bowl of homemade Sicilian Chicken Soup, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Soup

Sicilian Chicken Soup is a warm and hearty meal perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious soup that will elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked baguette or ciabatta is perfect for dipping. The crust adds a delightful crunch, complementing the soup’s richness.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A light mixed green salad can balance the hearty soup. Toss in some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette for freshness.

Top with Grated Cheese

• Sprinkle some grated parmesan or pecorino on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor. The cheese melts into the hot soup, adding creaminess.

Offer Lemon Wedges

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the soup just before eating. This brightens the flavors and adds a zesty touch.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Add additional chopped parsley or basil on top of each bowl. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of freshness.

How to Perfect Sicilian Chicken Soup

Perfecting your Sicilian Chicken Soup is all about attention to detail and quality ingredients. Follow these tips to enhance your dish.

• Use quality chicken: Choose fresh, organic chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Customize vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite veggies such as zucchini or spinach to suit your taste.
• Control seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper based on personal preference to ensure balanced flavor.
• Cook pasta separately: If you plan to store leftovers, cook the ditalini pasta separately and add it just before serving to prevent mushiness.
• Let it rest: Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully.
• Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time for more robust flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Sicilian Chicken Soup

Complement your Sicilian Chicken Soup with delightful side dishes that enhance its comforting qualities. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread
   Rich garlic butter spread on toasted bread pairs perfectly and adds a savory touch.

2. Stuffed Peppers
   Colorful bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices provide a hearty addition that complements the soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized offers sweetness that balances the savory broth.

4. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze bring a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

5. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs and lemon dressing adds protein and texture alongside the soup.

6. Cheesy Polenta
   Creamy polenta topped with cheese serves as a comforting side that pairs wonderfully with the flavorful chicken broth.

7. Herbed Rice
   Fluffy rice cooked with herbs creates a subtle side dish that absorbs the delicious broth well.

8. Cornbread Muffins
   Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast in texture and flavor when served alongside this hearty soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid common pitfalls when making your Sicilian Chicken Soup to ensure the best results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using low-quality chicken: Always opt for fresh, high-quality chicken thighs. This enhances flavor and tenderness in your soup.
• Neglecting seasoning early: Adding salt and pepper at the start can help build layers of flavor. Don’t wait until the end!
• Overcooking the vegetables: Vegetables should be tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on them during cooking to maintain their texture.
• Skipping the bay leaves: Bay leaves add depth to the soup. Don’t leave them out; just remember to remove them before serving!
• Not monitoring pasta cooking time: Pasta can easily become overcooked and mushy. Stir regularly and taste until it reaches al dente.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Sicilian Chicken Soup in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sicilian Chicken Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Sicilian Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power, stirring every minute, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Sicilian Chicken Soup, you’re in the right place! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or a mix of thighs and breasts for varied textures.

What can I substitute for ditalini pasta?

Any small pasta shape works well, such as elbow macaroni or orzo.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version.

Can I prepare Sicilian Chicken Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make it a day in advance; the flavors will deepen overnight.

Final Thoughts

This Sicilian Chicken Soup is a comforting dish that warms your soul and satisfies your hunger. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand or your preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different veggies or pasta shapes!

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: Olivia
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sicilian Chicken Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days. This delightful soup combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and ditalini pasta in a flavorful broth, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. With just 10 minutes of prep time and under an hour of cooking, you’ll have a warm bowl of goodness that everyone will love. The rich flavors and nutritious ingredients come together effortlessly, ensuring every spoonful is satisfying.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
• 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 (1 pound)
• 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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large soup pot, combine chicken thighs, onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and kosher salt.
2. Add chicken stock and water; season with black pepper to taste. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is tender.
3. Remove chicken and add ditalini pasta to the pot. Cook for 13–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
4. Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the pot after the pasta is cooked.
5. Discard bay leaves; stir in fresh parsley before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg