Sicilian Chicken Soup

Chicken soup has never been easier! Warm up with a huge bowl of Sicilian Chicken Soup on a cold winter day. This hearty dish is not only comforting but also packed with flavor from tender chunks of veggies, ditalini pasta, and shredded chicken. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe will become a go-to choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious soup simmering away in no time.
• Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean chicken, this soup delivers vital nutrients.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of herbs and spices creates a warm and inviting taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main course or a side dish; it pairs well with bread or salad.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or pasta types to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Sicilian Chicken Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot (at least 6-quart)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: A sturdy pot allows you to cook all ingredients evenly without splattering.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures precise chopping, making prep work faster and safer.
• Cutting board: Helps keep your workspace organized while protecting your counters during prep.

Ingredients

For this delightful Sicilian Chicken Soup, gather the following:

• 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

How to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a large soup pot, combine the following ingredients:
1. Add the chicken thighs, onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt.

Step 2: Simmer the Soup

Next:
1. Pour in the chicken stock and water.
2. Season generously with black pepper.
3. Cover the pot and bring everything to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is tender.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the soup simmers:
1. Remove the chicken using tongs and set aside.
2. Add ditalini pasta to the pot.
3. Cook for an additional 13–15 minutes until pasta is tender; stir occasionally.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

In this step:
1. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks; discard skin and bones.
2. Return shredded chicken back into the pot.

Step 5: Final Touches

Finally:
1. Discard bay leaves from the soup.
2. Stir in fresh parsley before serving.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful bowl of homemade Sicilian Chicken Soup!

How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Soup

Sicilian Chicken Soup is a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for sharing. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it an ideal choice for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve slices of crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious broth.
• A warm baguette or sourdough can add a delightful crunch.

Topped with Parmesan

• Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra savory flavor.
• This rich addition pairs perfectly with the soup’s fresh ingredients.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Enhance the presentation by garnishing with more fresh parsley or basil.
• This not only adds color but also boosts the soup’s aromatic qualities.

Accompanied by a Green Salad

• Pair the soup with a light green salad for a refreshing contrast.
• A simple mix of greens, cucumbers, and vinaigrette complements the warmth of the soup.

Served in Individual Bowls

• For a more elegant presentation, serve the soup in individual bowls.
• This makes it easy to portion out and adds a special touch to your table setting.

How to Perfect Sicilian Chicken Soup

Making Sicilian Chicken Soup is straightforward, but a few tips can help elevate your dish. Keep these in mind for optimal results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor and nutrition. Aim for seasonal produce when possible.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for maximum flavor.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For best results, cook ditalini pasta separately and add it just before serving. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Allow to Rest: Letting the soup sit for 10-15 minutes before serving allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove for best texture.

Best Side Dishes for Sicilian Chicken Soup

Complement your Sicilian Chicken Soup with these delightful side dishes that will enhance your meal. Each option adds its own unique flavor profile.

1. Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread can add an irresistible crunch and buttery flavor.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh slices of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil create a refreshing side.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender brings additional depth to your meal.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing provides a nutritious contrast to the rich soup.
5. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits studded with cheese offer a delightful pairing that everyone will love.
6. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering the main dish.
7. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted peppers makes for an exciting appetizer spread.
8. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad can cleanse the palate after the hearty soup while adding brightness to your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sicilian Chicken Soup, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect bowl every time.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning at each stage can lead to bland soup. Always season your ingredients as you go for depth of flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Leaving the chicken in too long can make it dry. Remove it once it’s tender and easy to shred, then return it after cooking the pasta.
• Ignoring the pasta cooking time: Adding pasta too early can lead to mushy noodles. Wait until the chicken is cooked, then simmer the pasta just until tender.
• Not using fresh ingredients: Using wilted or old vegetables can affect taste and texture. Always use fresh produce for the best results.
• Forgetting to adjust for thickness: If your soup is too thick after adding pasta, add more broth or water. Adjusting consistency ensures a delightful soup experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Sicilian Chicken Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to store soup.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; label with date for reference.

Reheating Sicilian Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Sicilian Chicken Soup.

Can I use other types of chicken?

Yes! You can replace the bone-in chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts or even turkey if desired.

What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to customize with your favorites, such as zucchini, green beans, or kale. Just be mindful of cooking times!

How spicy is Sicilian Chicken Soup?

This recipe is not spicy but you can add red pepper flakes for heat if you prefer a kick!

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.

Final Thoughts

This Sicilian Chicken Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different veggies and spices to suit your taste preferences. Perfect for any cold day, give this recipe a try and enjoy its hearty goodness!

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Sicilian Chicken Soup

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Warm up with a bowl of Sicilian Chicken Soup, a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. This delightful soup is brimming with tender vegetables, shredded chicken, and ditalini pasta in a flavorful broth.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

Ingredients

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• 4 bone-in chicken thighs (2 lbs)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 celery ribs, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, chopped
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) no-salt diced tomatoes
• 32 oz low-sodium chicken stock
• 1/2 cup ditalini pasta
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine chicken thighs, onion, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt.
2. Pour in chicken stock and water; season with black pepper. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes until chicken is tender.
4. Remove chicken and add ditalini pasta to the pot; cook for an additional 13–15 minutes.
5. Shred the cooked chicken and return it to the pot.
6. Discard bay leaves and stir in fresh parsley before serving.

• Author: Diary
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 85mg