Sicilian Chicken Soup

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that warms your soul, look no further than this delightful Sicilian Chicken Soup. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a big hug in a bowl. The rich flavors of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and hearty ditalini pasta come together to create a meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. There’s something so special about sharing a homemade soup—each spoonful is filled with love and warmth.

This Sicilian Chicken Soup is not just delicious; it’s also easy to make. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, especially when the weather turns chilly. It’s truly the ultimate comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just ten minutes of prep time, you can have this soup simmering on the stove in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love the tender chicken and fun pasta shapes, making mealtime stress-free.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup keeps well in the fridge, so you can easily enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this soup is as healthy as it is satisfying.
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of fresh ingredients creates a rich, comforting flavor that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! Everything in this recipe comes together beautifully to create a heartwarming dish that will fill your home with delicious aromas.

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

For the Broth

• 1 (32 oz) carton low-sodium chicken stock
• 4 cups water (or chicken stock)

For the Finish

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

Variations

This Sicilian Chicken Soup is incredibly flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Add More Greens: Toss in some spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Swap the Protein: Try using shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it from scratch for even quicker preparation.
• Go Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with hearty veggies like mushrooms or chickpeas for a delicious meatless option.

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 the onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt. This step sets up the foundation of flavors that will meld together beautifully as they cook.

Step 2: Add Stock and Simmer

Next, pour in your chicken stock and water. Season it all with fresh black pepper to taste. Cover the pot and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer partially covered for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone. This slow cooking allows all those wonderful flavors to blend perfectly.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

After removing the chicken from the pot with tongs, add in your ditalini pasta. Let it cook for another 13-15 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Watching that pasta cook adds anticipation—it’s almost time to dig in!

Step 4: Shred Chicken & Return to Pot

While your pasta cooks, shred your chicken using two forks—discarding skin and bones—and return it back into your pot. This ensures every bowl has plenty of juicy chicken goodness! Take this moment to check if your veggies are cooked through too.

Step 5: Finish with Parsley

Finally, discard those bay leaves before stirring in fresh parsley for brightness and flavor right before serving. Your Sicilian Chicken Soup is now ready! Ladle it into bowls and enjoy every heartwarming bite.

With its rich flavors and comforting warmth, this Sicilian Chicken Soup is sure to become a beloved recipe in your kitchen!

Pro Tips for Making Sicilian Chicken Soup

Making a delicious Sicilian Chicken Soup is all about the little details! Here are some pro tips to take your soup to the next level.

• Use fresh vegetables: Fresh veggies not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant colors and nutrients to your soup, making it more appealing and healthy.
• Season in layers: Add salt and spices at different stages of cooking to build depth of flavor. This way, each ingredient can shine through without overpowering the others.
• Stir occasionally: As you cook the pasta in the soup, giving it a gentle stir prevents it from sticking together. This ensures that every spoonful has a perfect balance of chicken, veggies, and pasta.
• Make it ahead: Soups often taste even better the next day! Consider making a larger batch and allowing it to sit in the refrigerator overnight so that the flavors can meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with herbs: While parsley is lovely, don’t hesitate to add other fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an extra layer of flavor that nods to traditional Sicilian cuisine.

How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Soup

Serving Sicilian Chicken Soup is as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present this comforting dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Freshly chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the fresh flavors of the soup.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (non-dairy option available): A light dusting of non-dairy cheese adds a creamy richness that complements the broth perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping. The bread can soak up all those delicious flavors and make your meal heartier.
• Green salad: A simple side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup.
• Garlic knots: These soft, buttery bites are perfect for sopping up every last drop of soup and offer a delightful addition that everyone will love.
• Roasted vegetables: A side of roasted seasonal vegetables adds an earthy component that pairs wonderfully with your comforting bowl of soup.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Sicilian Chicken Soup will not only be delicious but also a memorable meal shared with family or friends. Enjoy every warm bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sicilian Chicken Soup is perfect for meal prep! It’s easy to make in large batches and stores wonderfully, ensuring you have a comforting meal ready whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the soup cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to airtight containers or resealable bags.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool down before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.
• You can also use a microwave; heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Sicilian Chicken Soup.

What makes Sicilian Chicken Soup special?

Sicilian Chicken Soup stands out with its vibrant mix of vegetables and hearty chicken, creating a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The blend of flavors and textures makes it a delightful meal all year round.

Can I use different pasta in Sicilian Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! While ditalini pasta is traditional, feel free to substitute with any small pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure it’s perfectly tender.

How long does it take to make Sicilian Chicken Soup?

From start to finish, this delicious soup takes about 55 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or cozy weekend meal prep.

Is there a vegetarian option for Sicilian Chicken Soup?

Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe by using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock and omitting the chicken entirely. Add more vegetables or beans for protein!

Can I add other vegetables to my Sicilian Chicken Soup?

Definitely! Feel free to include your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, green beans, or spinach. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on how quickly they cook.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Sicilian Chicken Soup as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings comfort on chilly days. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying quiet time at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Happy cooking!