Chicken soup has never been easier! Sicilian Chicken Soup is the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold winter day. This comforting and hearty soup features tender chunks of veggies, ditalini pasta, and juicy shredded chicken. It’s great for family dinners or cozy nights in, and it makes leftovers that are just as delicious. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This soup is simple enough for beginners yet satisfying for seasoned cooks.
- Flavorful: The combination of fresh vegetables and herbs brings vibrant flavors to every spoonful.
- Versatile: Customize with your choice of veggies or pasta to suit your taste preferences.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein and veggies, this soup is a healthy meal option for any time of year.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick meals later.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Sicilian Chicken Soup, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot (at least 6-quart)
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs or slotted spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: A spacious pot allows all ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, improving prep time.
- Tongs or slotted spoon: These tools help remove chicken easily and serve your soup without mess.
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, 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
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a large soup pot, combine the chicken thighs, onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt.
Step 2: Add Liquids
Pour in the chicken stock and water. Season with black pepper to taste. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Simmer
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Simmer the soup partially covered for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and falls off the bone easily. Use tongs to remove the chicken from the pot.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
Add the ditalini pasta to the pot. Cook for an additional 13–15 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Shred Chicken
While pasta cooks, shred the cooked chicken using two forks, discarding skin and bones. Return shredded chicken back into the pot.
Step 6: Check Veggies
At this point, taste test your veggies—especially the potatoes—to ensure they are tender.
Step 7: Final Touches
Discard bay leaves from the soup. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving for added flavor and freshness.
Now you’re ready to enjoy a warm bowl of delicious Sicilian Chicken Soup!
How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Soup
Sicilian Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving options. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some great ways to serve this comforting dish.
Pair with Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of fresh baguette for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: A buttery garlic bread adds extra flavor and complements the soup beautifully.
Add a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing provides a nice contrast to the warm soup.
- Italian Chopped Salad: A mix of fresh veggies and olives adds a refreshing crunch.
Serve with Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan on top for added richness.
- Mozzarella: Melted mozzarella can be draped over individual servings for a gooey finish.
How to Perfect Sicilian Chicken Soup
Perfecting your Sicilian Chicken Soup can elevate it from good to great. Here are some essential tips to enhance your cooking experience.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to maximize flavor.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process for optimal seasoning.
- Cook Low and Slow: Allowing the soup to simmer helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
- Shred Chicken Properly: Use two forks to shred chicken evenly, ensuring every bite has that delicious chicken flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Parsley: Adding fresh parsley at the end brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
Best Side Dishes for Sicilian Chicken Soup
Complement your Sicilian Chicken Soup with delightful side dishes that will round out your meal perfectly. Here are some excellent choices:
- Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables in olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then roast until tender.
- Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella balls drizzled with balsamic glaze make a refreshing appetizer.
- Risotto: Creamy risotto can be flavored with herbs or lemon for an elegant side that pairs well with soup.
- Focaccia Bread: Soft, herby focaccia is perfect for soaking up every last drop of your soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and cheese offer hearty additions to your meal.
- Polenta Cakes: Grilled or fried polenta cakes provide a unique texture that complements the soup nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Sicilian Chicken Soup at home can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Ignoring the seasoning: Seasoning is key in a soup. Don’t skip the salt and pepper, and taste as you go to ensure balanced flavor.
- Overcooking the chicken: If you overcook the chicken, it will become tough. Keep an eye on the cooking time and remove it once it’s tender.
- Not stirring the pasta: Pasta can stick together if not stirred occasionally. Make sure to stir your soup a couple of times while cooking the ditalini.
- Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add brightness to your soup. Don’t skip the parsley; it enhances flavor.
- Using high-sodium stock: Opt for low-sodium chicken stock to control sodium levels in your soup. This helps prevent an overly salty result.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing Sicilian Chicken Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container as soup expands when frozen.
Reheating Sicilian Chicken Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place soup in an oven-safe pot. Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for Sicilian Chicken Soup?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, but keep in mind that bone-in chicken adds more flavor.
How can I customize my Sicilian Chicken Soup?
Feel free to add different vegetables like zucchini or spinach according to your taste preferences.
What other herbs can I use in this recipe?
Apart from parsley, you can try basil or thyme for additional flavor layers in your Sicilian Chicken Soup.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute ditalini pasta with a gluten-free pasta option available at most grocery stores.
Final Thoughts
Sicilian Chicken Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or prefer. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly day or serving guests, this delightful soup is sure to impress everyone. Give it a try and enjoy customizing it!
Sicilian Chicken Soup
Sicilian Chicken Soup is a soul-warming dish perfect for chilly days. This hearty recipe features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and ditalini pasta simmered in a flavorful broth. With its rich taste and wholesome ingredients, it’s an excellent choice for family dinners or cozy evenings at home. The simplicity of preparation makes it accessible for novice cooks while ensuring satisfaction for culinary enthusiasts. Enjoy this comforting soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad, and don’t forget that leftovers are just as delightful!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in-skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 medium onion
- 3 celery ribs
- 3 medium carrots
- 1 large yellow bell pepper
- 2 medium russet potatoes
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp kosher salt
- 32 oz low-sodium chicken stock
- 1/2 cup dry ditalini pasta
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, combine chicken thighs, chopped onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt.
- Add chicken stock and water; season with black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer partially covered for about 30 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken; add ditalini pasta to the pot and cook for an additional 13–15 minutes.
- Shred the cooked chicken and return it to the pot.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving; stir in fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Customize with your favorite vegetables like zucchini or spinach. For gluten-free options, substitute ditalini pasta with a gluten-free version.
