Sicilian Chicken Soup

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food to warm your heart and home, I have just the recipe for you: Sicilian Chicken Soup. This hearty dish is a favorite in my kitchen, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little extra love in a bowl. It’s loaded with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and cozy ditalini pasta that makes each spoonful feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re gathering with family or simply treating yourself after a long day, this soup never disappoints.

What I love about this Sicilian Chicken Soup is how easy it is to make from scratch. You can whip it up quickly on busy weeknights or prepare it in advance for those days when you need something comforting without any fuss. Let’s dive into why you’ll adore this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just over 50 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with veggies and tender chicken, even the pickiest eaters will love it!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—it’s even better the next day!
• Wholesome Ingredients: With simple, fresh ingredients, you can feel good about serving this meal to your loved ones.
• Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of flavors and textures creates a soup that’s both comforting and nourishing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store. This recipe calls for fresh vegetables and flavorful chicken that come together beautifully.

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 ½ cups)
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium russet potatoes (1 pound), peeled and cut into ¾-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

• ½ cup dry ditalini pasta
• ½ cup fresh chopped Italian parsley
• Fresh black pepper, to taste

Variations

One of the best things about Sicilian Chicken Soup is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

• Add More Greens: Toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat in your soup.
• Change the Pasta: Swap out ditalini pasta for small shells or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
• Go Vegetarian: Replace chicken with chickpeas or lentils for a hearty plant-based version.

How to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a large soup pot (at least 6-quart), combine your chicken thighs, onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt. This step sets up your flavor base. Each ingredient contributes to that rich taste we love in homemade soups!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add in your low-sodium chicken stock and water. Season with fresh black pepper to taste. Cover it up and bring everything to a boil! Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer partially covered for about 30 minutes. This slow cooking helps tenderize the chicken until it’s falling off the bone—trust me; it’s worth the wait!

Step 3: Add Pasta

After you’ve removed the chicken from the pot with tongs (don’t burn those fingers!), add in your ditalini pasta. Stir occasionally as it cooks for another 13-15 minutes until tender. Stirring helps prevent sticking—plus it gives you that delicious aroma filling your kitchen!

Step 4: Shred Chicken

While your pasta cooks away happily in that bubbling broth, take two forks to shred your cooked chicken thighs. Discard any skin and bones before returning that juicy meat back into the pot. At this point, give those veggies another check; they should be fork-tender now.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Finally, discard those bay leaves hiding in there and stir in freshly chopped parsley right before serving. Ladle yourself a generous bowl of Sicilian Chicken Soup and enjoy every flavorful bite!

This recipe is not just about feeding your body but also nurturing your spirit—perfect for family gatherings or simply enjoying on a chilly night at home. Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Sicilian Chicken Soup

Creating the perfect bowl of Sicilian Chicken Soup is all about attention to detail and making small tweaks that elevate the dish. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will add vibrant flavors and nutrients to your soup, enhancing the overall taste and aroma.
• Don’t rush the simmering: Allowing the soup to simmer low and slow helps meld the flavors together, resulting in a richer, more satisfying broth.
• Shred the chicken while warm: Shredding the chicken immediately after removing it from the pot makes it easier to handle and ensures it mixes well with the other ingredients.
• Adjust seasoning at the end: As flavors concentrate during cooking, it’s best to taste and adjust seasonings like salt or pepper right before serving for a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
• Store leftovers properly: If you have extra soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.

How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Soup

Serving your Sicilian Chicken Soup is an opportunity to impress your family and friends with both presentation and pairing! Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this comforting dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped Italian parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that brightens each spoonful.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Although it’s not traditional for this recipe, a light dusting of dairy-free Parmesan can enhance flavors while keeping things plant-based.

Side Dishes

• Crusty whole-grain bread: Perfect for dipping, a slice of hearty bread complements the rich broth beautifully while offering a satisfying crunch.
• Mixed green salad: A simple salad with fresh greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
• Garlic bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is an indulgent side that pairs wonderfully with any soup.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add an earthy touch and are an excellent way to incorporate more nutrients into your meal.

Enjoy your delicious Sicilian Chicken Soup with these thoughtful garnishes and sides for a truly heartwarming meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sicilian Chicken Soup is perfect for meal prep! It holds up wonderfully in the fridge or freezer, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. You can whip up a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week or save some for later.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If possible, keep the pasta separate to maintain its texture.

Freezing

• Portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space at the top for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, consume within 1-2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Add a splash of water or chicken stock if needed to adjust consistency.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious Sicilian Chicken Soup.

Can I make Sicilian Chicken Soup without chicken thighs?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even use vegetable stock and chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

How long does Sicilian Chicken Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly, this soup lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator. It’s a great option for meal prep!

Can I add other vegetables to Sicilian Chicken Soup?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or green beans. Just keep an eye on their cooking times.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this comforting bowl of Sicilian Chicken Soup! Its warmth and flavor are sure to brighten your day, especially during chilly weather. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this recipe is straightforward and satisfying. Enjoy every spoonful!