Chicken soup has never been easier! Sicilian Chicken Soup is a delightful and hearty dish perfect for warming up on a cold winter day. This recipe showcases tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and al dente ditalini pasta, making it a comforting meal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding the family, or just craving a cozy bowl of goodness, this soup delivers on flavor and satisfaction.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Soup Base
- For Cooking Liquid
- For Pasta & Garnish
- How to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup
- Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- Step 2: Add Liquid
- Step 3: Cook Pasta
- Step 4: Shred Chicken
- Step 5: Final Touches
- How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Soup
- Pair with Crusty Bread
- Add a Side Salad
- Top with Parmesan Cheese
- Serve with Garlic Toast
- Accompany with Extra Herbs
- How to Perfect Sicilian Chicken Soup
- Best Side Dishes for Sicilian Chicken Soup
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Sicilian Chicken Soup
- Reheating Sicilian Chicken Soup
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use boneless chicken?
- How do I customize my Sicilian Chicken Soup?
- What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
- Can I make this soup vegetarian?
- How spicy is Sicilian Chicken Soup?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can have this delicious soup ready in under an hour.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs create a rich taste that will warm your soul.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or as a starter; enjoy it any time of the year!
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with vitamins from the veggies and protein from the chicken, it’s both healthy and filling.
- Comforting Meal: A classic comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any table.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the essential tools before you start. These tools will help you achieve the best results with ease.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot (at least 6-quart)
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients evenly while allowing space for the soup to simmer.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accuracy in measuring ingredients for consistent results.
Ingredients
To create this flavorful Sicilian Chicken Soup, you’ll need 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
For Cooking Liquid
- 1 (32 oz) carton low-sodium chicken stock
- 4 cups water (or chicken stock)
For Pasta & Garnish
- 1/2 cup dry ditalini pasta
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped Italian parsley
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
How to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a large soup pot, combine chicken, onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt.
Step 2: Add Liquid
Add chicken stock and water. Season to taste with black pepper. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer partially covered for 30 minutes or until chicken is tender and easily falling off the bones. Remove chicken with tongs when done.
Step 3: Cook Pasta
Add ditalini pasta to the soup. Continue cooking for another 13–15 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
While pasta cooks, shred the chicken using two forks. Discard skin and bones. Return shredded chicken back into the pot.
Step 5: Final Touches
Discard bay leaves from the soup. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving. Enjoy your warm bowl of Sicilian Chicken Soup!
How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Soup
Sicilian Chicken Soup is a comforting dish that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite. Here are some delightful ways to serve this hearty soup.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- A slice of warm, crusty bread complements the soup beautifully. Dip it into the broth for a delightful experience.
Add a Side Salad
- A fresh green salad adds crunch and freshness. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette.
Top with Parmesan Cheese
- Grate some Parmesan cheese over each bowl before serving. This adds a rich, salty flavor that enhances the soup’s taste.
Serve with Garlic Toast
- Garlic toast is perfect for dipping. The garlic flavor pairs well with the savory notes of the soup.
Accompany with Extra Herbs
- Offer fresh herbs like basil or more parsley on the side. Guests can sprinkle them on top for an added burst of flavor.
How to Perfect Sicilian Chicken Soup
Perfecting your Sicilian Chicken Soup can elevate it to new heights. Here are some helpful tips.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of your soup. Always opt for in-season produce when possible.
Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper in stages as you cook. This ensures you achieve the perfect balance without overpowering flavors.
Simmer Slowly: Allow your soup to simmer for longer if you have time. This helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
Shred Chicken Properly: Use two forks to shred chicken finely, ensuring it mixes well with the broth and other ingredients.
Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Best Side Dishes for Sicilian Chicken Soup
Pairing side dishes with Sicilian Chicken Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth while adding robust flavor.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crunchy romaine lettuce and creamy dressing, balancing the warmth of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add a savory component that complements the soup’s flavors beautifully.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers provide a refreshing bite alongside the hearty soup.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Flaky biscuits with melted cheese make a delightful pairing, offering both texture and taste.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or quinoa offer a healthy, filling side that matches well with chicken soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned to perfection provide an additional comforting element to your meal.
- Mixed Grain Salad: A grain salad featuring quinoa or farro mixed with herbs and lemon gives a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Sicilian Chicken Soup can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your experience. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfect.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt or pepper can leave your soup bland. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you cook.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry. Remove the chicken once it’s tender and falling off the bone.
- Ignoring vegetable sizes: Cutting vegetables into uneven sizes leads to inconsistent cooking. Aim for uniform pieces for even tenderness.
- Not stirring the pasta: Ditalini pasta can stick together if not stirred occasionally. Make sure to give it a good stir while cooking.
- Using low-quality stock: A poor-quality broth can negatively affect flavor. Choose a good low-sodium chicken stock for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 3–4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Sicilian Chicken Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Sicilian Chicken Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1–2 minutes, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Sicilian Chicken Soup that may help you along the way.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used instead of bone-in thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I customize my Sicilian Chicken Soup?
Feel free to add different vegetables like zucchini or green beans based on what you have available.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Ditalini pasta works great, but you can also use small shells or any short pasta you prefer.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
How spicy is Sicilian Chicken Soup?
This recipe is mild, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you enjoy some heat!
Final Thoughts
Sicilian Chicken Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. This recipe is perfect for chilly nights or whenever you’re craving a hearty meal. Give it a try and enjoy its warming flavors!
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Sicilian Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Savor the warmth of Sicilian Chicken Soup, a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days. This delightful recipe features tender chicken thighs simmered with vibrant vegetables and al dente ditalini pasta, creating a nourishing meal that satisfies both body and soul. With fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs, every spoonful offers a burst of flavor that will make this your go-to soup for gatherings or cozy family dinners. Quick to prepare in under an hour, this easy-to-make soup is not only delicious but also nutritious—making it the perfect option for a nourishing weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in-skin-on chicken thighs (2 pounds)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 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
- 1 (32 oz) carton low-sodium chicken stock
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup dry ditalini pasta
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped Italian parsley
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
- 1 Tbsp. kosher salt
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine chicken, onion, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, and salt.
- Pour in chicken stock and water; season with black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Add ditalini pasta and cook for an additional 13–15 minutes until tender.
- Shred the cooked chicken using two forks and return it to the pot.
- Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
