Sicilian Chicken Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms your soul and fills your home with delightful aromas, you’ve come to the right place! This Sicilian Chicken Soup is not just any soup; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe brings together wholesome ingredients and rich flavors that will make everyone feel at home.

What makes this soup extra special is how simple it is to prepare. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip up this delicious dish. With tender chunks of veggies, hearty ditalini pasta, and shredded chicken, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly with minimal effort, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a warm bowl of chicken soup! It’s nutritious and satisfying for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and store leftovers in the fridge for an easy meal throughout the week.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Fresh veggies and herbs elevate the taste, ensuring every spoonful is packed with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sicilian Chicken Soup features simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have on hand. Each one contributes to the heartwarming flavor of the soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

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
• 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 this Sicilian Chicken Soup is its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on what you have available or your personal tastes. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use boneless chicken breasts or even turkey if you prefer a leaner option.
• Add more greens: Toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Change the pasta: Substitute ditalini with another small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or small shells.

How to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a large soup pot of at least 6-quarts, combine the chicken thighs with onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, bay leaves, and kosher salt. Mixing these ingredients together creates a flavorful base for your soup.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the low-sodium chicken stock and water to the pot. Season generously with black pepper. Cover and bring everything to a boil. Reducing the heat allows the soup to simmer gently for about 30 minutes until the chicken is tender and falls off the bone easily. This step is crucial as it infuses all those delicious flavors into your broth.

Step 3: Add Pasta

Once your chicken has cooked through, add the dry ditalini pasta to the pot. Continue cooking for another 13-15 minutes while stirring occasionally. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking together while soaking up all that rich flavor from the broth.

Step 4: Shred Chicken & Final Touches

Carefully remove the chicken from the pot using tongs. Shred it using two forks, discarding skin and bones before returning it back into the pot. At this point, check if your veggies are cooked perfectly—especially those potatoes!

Step 5: Serve It Up

Discard bay leaves once you’ve finished cooking. Stir in freshly chopped Italian parsley just before serving for that beautiful pop of color and freshness. Now it’s time to ladle out generous portions into bowls—enjoy every warm spoonful of your homemade Sicilian Chicken Soup!

Pro Tips for Making Sicilian Chicken Soup

Making soup from scratch can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve the best flavor and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs bring vibrant flavors to your Sicilian Chicken Soup, making each spoonful taste like a warm hug.

• Don’t rush the simmering process: Allowing the soup to simmer on low heat for the full 30 minutes helps develop rich flavors and ensures the chicken becomes tender and easy to shred.

• Stir occasionally: Stirring the soup every now and then while the pasta cooks prevents it from sticking together, resulting in a perfectly textured dish that everyone will enjoy.

• Taste as you go: Adjusting seasoning throughout the cooking process allows you to customize the flavor profile to your liking—don’t be shy about adding more salt or pepper if needed!

• Chill leftovers properly: If you have any soup left over, let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. This preserves freshness for up to three days, ensuring you can enjoy your delicious creation again soon!

How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Soup

Serving this hearty Sicilian Chicken Soup is just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some creative presentation ideas to enhance your mealtime experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing both presentation and flavor.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: While not strictly vegetarian, offering grated cheese on the side for those who enjoy it adds a lovely umami richness without overwhelming the soup’s natural flavors.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread pairs perfectly with this soup. Use it for dipping or sopping up every last drop of broth—it’s a comforting addition.

• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup. It’s a great way to add more veggies to your meal!

• Garlic knots: These soft, buttery bites are irresistible when served alongside your Sicilian Chicken Soup. They’re perfect for dunking into that flavorful broth!

• Roasted vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots brings out their natural sweetness and makes for a healthy side that complements the main dish beautifully.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re all set to enjoy a cozy bowl of Sicilian Chicken Soup that warms both body and soul!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sicilian Chicken Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious soup.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down entirely before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Sicilian Chicken Soup:

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will work just as well. Just adjust your cooking time slightly; they may cook faster than bone-in thighs.

What makes this Sicilian Chicken Soup different from other chicken soups?

The unique combination of fresh vegetables, ditalini pasta, and Italian herbs gives this Sicilian Chicken Soup its distinct flavor. It’s a comforting twist on traditional chicken soup!

Can I add other vegetables to this Sicilian Chicken Soup?

Yes! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or green beans. Just be mindful of cooking times to ensure everything is tender.

How long does this Sicilian Chicken Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly, this soup can last for 3-4 days in the fridge. It’s great for meal prep!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this heartwarming Sicilian Chicken Soup as much as I do! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a way to bring comfort and warmth into your home during those chilly days. So grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and savor each delightful spoonful together. Happy cooking!