Sicilian Chicken Soup

Chicken soup has never been easier! Sicilian Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that warms the soul on chilly days. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights, this recipe is simple to follow and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and ditalini pasta, it’s a bowl of comfort you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Each ingredient adds depth and richness to the soup, creating a delicious experience.
• Versatile Dish: Whether served as a main course or starter, this soup fits any occasion.
• Nutritious Meal: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, it’s a healthy choice for any meal.
• Freezes Well: Make a big batch and store some for later; it reheats beautifully!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot (at least 6-quart)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Sharp knife: Aids in chopping vegetables quickly and safely, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Wooden spoon or ladle: Perfect for stirring the soup without scratching your pot.

Ingredients

To create your delicious Sicilian Chicken Soup, gather 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

For Flavoring

• 1 (14.5 oz) can no-salt diced tomatoes
• 2 dry bay leaves
• 1 Tbsp. kosher salt
• Fresh black pepper, to taste

For the Broth

• 1 (32 oz) carton low-sodium chicken stock
• 4 cups water (or chicken stock)

For Finishing Touches

• 1/2 cup dry ditalini pasta
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped Italian parsley

How to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

In a large soup pot (at least 6-quart), combine:
* Chicken thighs
* Chopped onions
* Chopped celery
* Chopped carrots
* Chopped bell pepper
* Diced potatoes
* Chopped garlic

Add:
* Diced tomatoes
* Bay leaves
* Salt

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add:
* Chicken stock
* Water

Season with:
* Fresh black pepper to taste

Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer partially covered for 30 minutes until chicken is tender and easily falling off the bones. Use tongs to remove the chicken from the pot.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add:
* Ditalini pasta

Continue cooking for another 13–15 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

While pasta cooks, shred the cooked chicken using two forks. Discard skin and bones before returning the shredded chicken back into the pot.

Step 5: Final Touches

Discard bay leaves. Stir in:
* Chopped parsley

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting bowl of Sicilian Chicken Soup!

How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Soup

Sicilian Chicken Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. Here are some delightful ways to serve this flavorful soup for maximum enjoyment.

Classic Bowl

• Serve in a deep bowl, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Artisan Bread

• Pair with crusty artisan bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the delicious broth perfectly.

Parmesan Cheese

• Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side. A sprinkle adds a savory touch that enhances the soup’s flavors.

Lemon Wedges

• Provide lemon wedges for squeezing into the soup. The acidity brightens the dish and balances richness.

Side Salad

• Accompany with a light mixed greens salad. A refreshing salad complements the warmth of the soup beautifully.

How to Perfect Sicilian Chicken Soup

Perfecting your Sicilian Chicken Soup can elevate it to new heights. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your soup turns out amazing every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to dried or canned options.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup as it cooks and adjust salt and pepper to fit your preferences, ensuring each bowl is deliciously seasoned.

• Cook Pasta Separately: To avoid mushy noodles, consider cooking ditalini pasta separately. Add to each bowl before ladling in the soup.

• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to rest for about 15 minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together, making it even more aromatic and tasty.

Best Side Dishes for Sicilian Chicken Soup

Sicilian Chicken Soup makes a wonderful main dish, but pairing it with complementary sides can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your savory soup, enhancing each bite with rich flavors.

2. Caprese Salad: This fresh salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Serve roasted seasonal vegetables alongside your soup for added nutrition and color on your plate.

4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette can provide a healthy balance without overshadowing the flavors of the soup.

5. Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice, beans, and spices, offering a hearty side that complements the chicken soup well.

6. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese adds comfort and pairs nicely with the broth-based nature of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Sicilian Chicken Soup can be simple, but certain mistakes can affect your final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the Sautéing: Not sautéing the vegetables first can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always take a few minutes to cook your onions, celery, and garlic before adding them to the soup.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Monitor your simmering time closely and remove the chicken once it’s tender.

• Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season at different stages results in bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.

• Not Storing Properly: Improper storage can lead to spoilage. Use airtight containers for leftovers and refrigerate promptly after serving.

• Forgetting to Stir: Neglecting to stir while cooking pasta in the soup can cause it to stick together. Stir occasionally to keep everything evenly cooked.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Sicilian Chicken Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Sicilian Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes.

• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sicilian Chicken Soup:

Can I use other types of chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I customize my Sicilian Chicken Soup?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

What is the best way to thicken Sicilian Chicken Soup?

You can thicken it by adding more pasta or using a cornstarch slurry. Just mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the soup.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Just store it properly as mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

Sicilian Chicken Soup is not only comforting but also full of flavor and nutrition. This recipe is versatile; you can easily customize it with different veggies or pasta shapes based on what you have on hand. Give this delicious dish a try—you’ll love how simple it is!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Sicilian Chicken Soup

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 bowls 1x

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Description

Sicilian Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that warms you from the inside out. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and ditalini pasta for a nourishing meal perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. The rich flavors come together effortlessly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Packed with nutrition, this easy-to-make recipe is not only satisfying but also versatile enough to customize based on your favorite ingredients. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience your loved ones will cherish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 celery ribs, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, chopped
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can no-salt diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• Fresh black pepper to taste
• 1 (32 oz) carton low-sodium chicken stock
• 4 cups water or additional chicken stock
• 1/2 cup dry ditalini pasta
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped Italian parsley

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Instructions

1. In a large soup pot (at least 6-quart), combine the chicken thighs, onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, and garlic.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt.
3. Pour in the chicken stock and water; season with black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer partially covered for about 30 minutes until the chicken is tender.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot using tongs; shred it using two forks and discard skin and bones.
5. Add ditalini pasta to the pot and cook for another 13–15 minutes until tender. Stir occasionally.
6. Return shredded chicken to the pot and discard bay leaves. Stir in chopped parsley before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 105mg