Sicilian Chicken Soup
If you’re looking for a heartwarming dish that fills your home with delightful aromas, then this Sicilian Chicken Soup is just what you need! This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. Made from scratch with tender chunks of veggies, ditalini pasta, and shredded chicken, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering. There’s something special about gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing stories over steaming bowls of this delicious soup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep time, this soup comes together effortlessly. Just throw everything in the pot and let it do its magic!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the tender chicken and colorful veggies. It’s a great way to sneak in some nutritious ingredients!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy!
- Heartwarming Flavor: The combination of fresh ingredients creates a comforting flavor that warms you from the inside out.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap out the protein for something new!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple, wholesome ingredients to create your own pot of Sicilian Chicken Soup. Each one plays an important role in building that rich flavor we all crave!
For the Soup
- 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
For the Broth
- 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
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adjust it to suit your tastes or use what you have on hand.
- Swap the protein: Instead of chicken thighs, feel free to use boneless chicken breasts or even turkey for a different flavor.
- Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale for extra greens—these will add both nutrition and color!
- Change up the pasta: If you don’t have ditalini on hand, small shells or elbow macaroni work beautifully too.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you like a little heat!
How to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
In a large soup pot (at least 6-quart), combine your chicken thighs along with onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt. This step sets up your soup base; all those fresh ingredients will meld together as they cook.
Step 2: Add Liquid and Simmer
Pour in the chicken stock and water. Season with fresh black pepper to taste. Cover your pot and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone. This slow cooking allows all those flavors to develop beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
After removing the cooked chicken from the pot using tongs, add your ditalini pasta into the bubbling broth. Continue cooking for another 13-15 minutes until the pasta is tender. Don’t forget to stir occasionally; we want to avoid any sticky situations here!
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
While your pasta cooks away happily in its broth bath, shred your cooled chicken using two forks. Discard any skin or bones—what we’re after is that juicy shredded goodness! Return it back into the pot along with those delicious veggies.
Step 5: Final Touches
Before serving up your masterpiece, discard those bay leaves—they’ve done their job! Stir in fresh parsley for that burst of vibrant flavor right before serving. Enjoy every warm spoonful of this Sicilian Chicken Soup with family and friends!
Pro Tips for Making Sicilian Chicken Soup
Making a comforting bowl of Sicilian Chicken Soup can be a delightful experience, and a few handy tips can take it to the next level!
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs not only enhance the flavors but also contribute to the nutritional value of your soup. Opting for seasonal produce can make a noticeable difference.
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Adjust seasoning gradually: Start with the recommended amount of salt and pepper, then taste as you go. This allows you to customize the flavor to your preference without oversalting.
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Let it simmer: A longer simmering time helps meld all the flavors together beautifully. If you have extra time, let the soup cook on low heat for an additional 15-30 minutes.
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Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain freshness and makes for easy reheating later on.
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Add variety with veggies: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like zucchini or green beans based on what you have on hand. This not only adds different textures but also boosts the soup’s nutrition.
How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Soup
Serving your Sicilian Chicken Soup can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some creative ways to present this hearty dish that will impress your family and friends.
Garnishes
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
- Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges alongside provides a zesty touch that balances the richness of the soup when squeezed over each bowl.
Side Dishes
- Crusty bread: A good loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up all that delicious broth.
- Mixed greens salad: A light salad with vinaigrette complements the warmth of the soup, adding freshness and crunch.
- Garlic bread: For those who love a bit of extra flavor, garlic bread enhances the meal with its savory aroma and buttery goodness.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted seasonal veggies make a nutritious side that pairs beautifully with the heartiness of Sicilian Chicken Soup.
With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re well on your way to enjoying this delightful comfort food! Happy cooking!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Sicilian Chicken Soup is perfect for meal prep! It can be made in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen and develop, making it even more delicious. Here’s how to store your leftovers and keep them fresh.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to keep the pasta separate if you prefer it not to become too soft.
Freezing
- Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Leave some space at the top of the containers, as the soup will expand when frozen.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy reference.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use the microwave for quicker defrosting.
- Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or stock if it seems too thick.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this wonderful dish!
What makes Sicilian Chicken Soup special?
Sicilian Chicken Soup stands out due to its rich flavors from fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and hearty ditalini pasta. This combination creates a comforting bowl that warms both body and soul.
Can I make Sicilian Chicken Soup without chicken thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless skinless chicken breasts or even shredded rotisserie chicken. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for best results.
How can I customize my Sicilian Chicken Soup?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach. You can also switch out the pasta type or use whole grain options for a healthier twist!
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this delightful Sicilian Chicken Soup! It’s not only a wonderful way to warm up during chilly days but also a great dish for sharing with loved ones. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. Enjoy every spoonful and don’t hesitate to invite friends over for a cozy bowl together!
Sicilian Chicken Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Warm up your evenings with this delightful Sicilian Chicken Soup, a comforting bowl brimming with vibrant vegetables and tender chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this soup is both nourishing and flavorful. With each spoonful, you’re treated to a medley of fresh ingredients that come together to create a dish reminiscent of rustic Italian cuisine. Whether you’re sharing stories around the dinner table or simply enjoying a moment to yourself, this soup promises warmth and satisfaction.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) no-salt diced tomatoes
- 32 oz low-sodium chicken stock
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup dry ditalini pasta
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine chicken thighs, onion, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt.
- Pour in chicken stock and water; season with black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low; simmer for about 30 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken; add ditalini pasta to the pot and cook for another 13-15 minutes.
- Shred the chicken while the pasta cooks; return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Discard bay leaves; stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
