Chicken soup has never been easier! Sicilian Chicken Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. This hearty soup features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and ditalini pasta, bringing warmth to your table. It’s wholesome, satisfying, and made from scratch, ensuring every spoonful is packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Warmth: Ideal for chilly days, this soup wraps you in warmth and comfort.
- Rich Flavor: Boasting a blend of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, every bite is full of deliciousness.
- Easy to Prepare: Minimal prep work and simple steps make this soup accessible for cooks of all levels.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main course or side dish; it fits perfectly into any meal plan.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and vitamins, this soup promotes health while satisfying hunger.
Tools and Preparation
To create the best Sicilian Chicken Soup, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot (at least 6-quart)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Soup Pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking and prevents overcrowding of ingredients.
- Sharp Knife: For efficient chopping of vegetables, a sharp knife ensures safety and speed in meal prep.
- Tongs: Useful for easily handling hot chicken pieces without burning your fingers.
Ingredients
For a delicious bowl of Sicilian Chicken Soup, gather the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 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 Pot
In a large soup pot, combine the following ingredients:
* Bone-in chicken thighs
* Chopped onions
* Chopped celery
* Chopped carrots
* Chopped yellow bell pepper
* Cubed potatoes
* Chopped garlic
* Diced tomatoes
* Bay leaves
* Kosher salt
Step 2: Add Liquids and Simmer
Add the chicken stock and water to the pot. Season to taste with black pepper. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is tender.
Step 3: Cook Pasta
After removing the chicken from the pot with tongs, add the dry ditalini pasta. Continue cooking for another 13–15 minutes until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
While the pasta cooks, shred the boiled chicken using two forks. Discard skin and bones before returning shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once cooked through, discard bay leaves from the soup. Stir in chopped parsley before serving hot.
This comforting Sicilian Chicken Soup is sure to become a favorite in your household! Enjoy each bowl filled with warmth and flavor.
How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Soup
Sicilian Chicken Soup is a hearty dish that warms you from the inside out. Here are some delightful ways to serve it that will enhance your meal experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair your soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping. A rustic baguette or sourdough works wonderfully, soaking up the flavorful broth.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Enhance the flavor by garnishing each bowl with fresh chopped parsley or basil. This adds a vibrant touch and extra freshness to every serving.
Accompanied by a Salad
- Serve your soup alongside a crisp green salad. A simple mix of greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup perfectly.
With a Side of Grated Cheese
- Offer grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese on the side for those who enjoy an added cheesy flavor. Just a sprinkle can elevate the taste significantly.
In a Bread Bowl
- For a fun twist, serve Sicilian Chicken Soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for an eye-catching presentation and is great for enjoying every last drop!
How to Perfect Sicilian Chicken Soup
Making Sicilian Chicken Soup is simple, but these tips will help you achieve perfection in every bowl.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs for a more vibrant flavor profile.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving. You can adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Cook Pasta Separately: If you plan to store leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it when ready to serve. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Let It Simmer Longer: For richer flavors, allow the soup to simmer longer than recommended. Just ensure the chicken remains tender.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or kale for more nutrition and variety.
Best Side Dishes for Sicilian Chicken Soup
Pairing side dishes with Sicilian Chicken Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the rich flavors of the soup while adding a delightful crunch.
- Caprese Salad: This fresh salad made with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil brings brightness and acidity that balances the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds texture and earthy flavors that pair well with chicken soup.
- Polenta: Creamy polenta offers a comforting base that absorbs the delicious broth beautifully.
- Cheese Quesadillas: Simple cheese quesadillas make for an easy finger-food option that kids will love alongside their soup.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses can provide variety and stimulate appetites before the main course.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Sicilian Chicken Soup, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are common mistakes you should avoid.
- Skipping the Browning Step – Not browning the chicken can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always sear your chicken for a few minutes before adding other ingredients.
- Overcooking the Vegetables – Cooking veggies too long can make them mushy. Add more delicate vegetables later in the cooking process for better texture.
- Ignoring Seasoning – Failing to season at various stages can leave your soup bland. Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning as you go along.
- Using Low-Quality Stock – A poor-quality broth can ruin the dish. Invest in good low-sodium chicken stock for the best flavor.
- Not Stirring Frequently – Pasta can stick together if not stirred occasionally. Keep an eye on it and stir to maintain even cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Containers: Use airtight containers to keep it fresh.
Freezing Sicilian Chicken Soup
- Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal quality.
- Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
Reheating Sicilian Chicken Soup
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered with a lid, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop – Place in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Sicilian Chicken Soup that might help you out.
What is Sicilian Chicken Soup?
Sicilian Chicken Soup is a hearty dish featuring tender chicken, vegetables, and ditalini pasta simmered in flavorful broth.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Sicilian Chicken Soup ahead of time. It tastes even better after sitting as flavors meld together.
How can I customize my Sicilian Chicken Soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or greens. You can also change the type of pasta based on your preference.
Is Sicilian Chicken Soup healthy?
Absolutely! This soup is packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from the vegetables, making it a wholesome meal option.
Final Thoughts
Sicilian Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit different tastes. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting bowl full of warmth!
Sicilian Chicken Soup
Warm up with homemade Sicilian Chicken Soup filled with tender chicken and fresh veggies. Try this comforting recipe today!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in 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 (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
- 2 dry bay leaves
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, combine chicken thighs, chopped onion, celery, carrots, bell pepper, cubed potatoes, garlic, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt.
- Pour in chicken stock and water; add black pepper to taste. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken from the pot; add ditalini pasta and cook for an additional 13–15 minutes until tender.
- Shred the chicken and return it to the pot along with chopped parsley. Discard bay leaves before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg