Sicilian Chicken Soup

If you’re looking for a heartwarming dish to chase away the winter chill, then you’ve come to the right place! This Sicilian Chicken Soup is a cozy hug in a bowl that will warm your soul and fill your home with delightful aromas. It’s one of those recipes that has been passed down through my family, and every time I make it, I’m reminded of family gatherings and laughter around the table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this soup is perfect for any moment when you need a little comfort.

Not only is this soup packed with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, but it’s also incredibly easy to whip up. You can let it simmer while you go about your day, making it a fantastic option for those hectic nights when everyone needs a nourishing meal. Trust me, once you try this Sicilian Chicken Soup, it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can get this delicious soup bubbling on the stovetop in no time.
• Hearty & Filling: Loaded with chicken, veggies, and pasta, this soup will keep you satisfied and warm.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting flavors of this dish—it’s sure to please everyone!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge and tastes even better the next day. Perfect for meal prep!
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or herbs to make it truly your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Sicilian Chicken Soup, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that pack in flavor. No fancy items here—just good old-fashioned cooking!

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

• 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 Sicilian Chicken Soup is its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

• Swap the protein: If you’re not keen on chicken thighs, feel free to use boneless chicken breast or even turkey!
• Add more greens: Toss in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for an extra nutritional boost.
• Change up the pasta: Try other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or mini shells if ditalini isn’t available.
• Spice it up: For a little kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing your veggies.

How to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a large soup pot that holds at least six quarts, combine your chicken with onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt. This creates a flavorful base that makes the soup so comforting.

Step 2: Add Liquid & Simmer

Pour in the chicken stock and water. Season it all with fresh black pepper to taste. Cover the pot and bring everything to a boil—this helps all those lovely flavors meld together! Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer partially covered for about 30 minutes until the chicken is tender and falls off the bone.

Step 3: Cook Your Pasta

After removing the chicken from the pot with tongs (it will be hot!), add in your ditalini pasta. Continue cooking for another 13-15 minutes while stirring occasionally—this keeps everything from sticking together.

Step 4: Shred & Return Chicken

While your pasta cooks away happily in that delicious broth, shred your cooked chicken using two forks. Discard any skin or bones; we just want those tender pieces! Toss them back into the pot once you’ve shreaded them—your soup is almost ready!

Step 5: Final Touches

Don’t forget to discard those bay leaves before serving! Stir in freshly chopped parsley for that burst of color and flavor right before serving. Now you’re ready to ladle out bowls of warmth—enjoy every spoonful of your homemade Sicilian Chicken Soup!

Pro Tips for Making Sicilian Chicken Soup

Making Sicilian Chicken Soup is not only easy but also allows you to customize it to your taste! Here are some tips to enhance your soup-making experience:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs bring vibrant flavors to your soup. Opt for seasonal produce whenever possible for the best taste.

• Adjust the Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasoning as you cook. Everyone’s palate is different, and this ensures the soup is just right for you.

• Cook the Pasta Separately: If you’re planning to have leftovers, consider cooking the ditalini pasta separately. This prevents it from soaking up too much broth and becoming mushy over time.

• Make It Ahead of Time: Soups often taste better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare your Sicilian Chicken Soup a day in advance for a delicious meal ready when you are!

• Freeze Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, freeze them in portioned containers. This way, you can enjoy a warm bowl of comfort food anytime without starting from scratch.

How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Soup

Presenting your Sicilian Chicken Soup beautifully can make mealtime even more enjoyable! Here are some ideas on how to serve this comforting dish:

Garnishes

• Fresh Italian Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each bowl.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before eating adds a delightful zing.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into your soup. The crunchy texture complements the warmth of the soup beautifully.
• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables add a savory depth to your meal while providing additional nutrients.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: For an indulgent treat, serve cheesy garlic bread alongside your soup. The gooey cheese and aromatic garlic make it irresistible.

Enjoy crafting this heartwarming Sicilian Chicken Soup and savor every comforting spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sicilian Chicken Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade soup all week long.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure to label the container with the date, so you know when it was made.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down before portioning it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
• Label each container with the date and contents. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Heat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• If using a microwave, reheat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Sicilian Chicken Soup!

How can I make Sicilian Chicken Soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of this soup, replace chicken thighs with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach for added flavor!

Can I use leftover chicken for Sicilian Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time. Just add your shredded chicken during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through without overcooking it.

What makes Sicilian Chicken Soup different from other chicken soups?

Sicilian Chicken Soup is unique due to its combination of vibrant vegetables and ditalini pasta, along with a rich flavor profile from fresh herbs and spices. It’s both hearty and comforting—perfect for any chilly day!

How long does it take to make Sicilian Chicken Soup?

The total time for preparing and cooking this delicious Sicilian Chicken Soup is about 55 minutes. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of cooking, you’ll enjoy a warm bowl in no time!

Can I add more vegetables to my Sicilian Chicken Soup?

Yes! Feel free to customize your soup by adding your favorite vegetables such as green beans, peas, or kale. This is a great way to increase nutrition and add variety!

Final Thoughts

I hope you have fun making this heartwarming Sicilian Chicken Soup! It’s not only nourishing but also brings joy with every spoonful. Whether you’re gathering around the table with loved ones or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!

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