Name: Sicilian Chicken Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs; 1 medium onion (about 1 cup, chopped); 3 celery ribs (about 2 cups, chopped); 3 medium carrots (about 1.5 cups, chopped); 1 large yellow bell pepper, chopped; 2 medium russet potatoes (1 lb, 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; 1/2 cup dry ditalini pasta; 1/2 cup fresh chopped Italian parsley; Fresh black pepper, to taste

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If you’re looking for a cozy recipe to warm your heart and soul, you’ve come to the right place! This Sicilian Chicken Soup is like a big, comforting hug in a bowl. It’s filled with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and delightful pasta, making it perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little extra love. Whether you’re cooking for family gatherings or just want something easy on a busy weeknight, this soup is sure to become a cherished favorite.

What makes this soup so special is not just its delicious flavor but how simple it is to prepare. You can throw everything in one pot and let it do its magic. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh ingredients mingling together as they simmer away on the stove!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: Just toss everything into one pot! No complicated steps here—perfect for novice cooks or those short on time.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the tender chicken and fun pasta. It’s a great way to sneak in veggies without anyone noticing!
Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day! It’s ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies and lean protein, this soup is not just comforting but also nutritious.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of herbs, spices, and wholesome ingredients creates an unforgettable taste that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Sicilian Chicken Soup is half the fun! You’ll find these are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in one pot. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

Variations

This Sicilian Chicken Soup recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have at home or your personal taste preferences:

Swap the protein: Instead of chicken thighs, try using boneless chicken breasts or even turkey for a lighter option.
Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrition. They wilt beautifully into the soup!
Change the pasta shape: While ditalini is perfect here, any small pasta like elbow macaroni or even rice would work well too.
Spice it up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add some red pepper flakes for a little kick!

How to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup

Step 1: Combine All Ingredients

In a large soup pot (at least 6 quarts), combine your chicken with onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt. This step sets the foundation for your soup’s rich flavor profile right from the start!

Step 2: Simmer to Perfection

Add the chicken stock and water to your pot. Season with black pepper to taste. Cover and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer partially covered for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring that your chicken becomes tender enough that it easily falls off the bone.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

After removing the chicken from the pot with tongs, add your ditalini pasta. Continue cooking for another 13-15 minutes until it’s tender. Remember to stir occasionally—this prevents sticking and helps ensure every bite of pasta gets infused with that wonderful broth!

Step 4: Shred and Return Chicken

While your pasta cooks away merrily, shred your cooked chicken using two forks. Discard any skin or bones you find along the way. Return all that shredded goodness back into the pot; at this point, all those flavors are combining into pure comfort!

Step 5: Final Touches

Before serving up this deliciousness, discard those bay leaves—you don’t want anyone biting into one of those! Stir in fresh parsley for brightness and serve hot. Enjoy every spoonful of warmth as it fills your home with love!

Pro Tips for Making Sicilian Chicken Soup

Making Sicilian Chicken Soup is a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can enhance the flavor and texture even further!

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will provide vibrant flavors that dried or canned options simply can’t match. The sweetness of fresh carrots and the brightness of parsley can elevate your soup from ordinary to extraordinary.
Don’t rush the simmering process: Allowing the soup to simmer gently helps the flavors meld beautifully. This slow cooking process enhances the depth of taste, making each spoonful a comforting delight.
Taste as you go: Seasoning is key! By tasting throughout the cooking process, you can adjust salt and pepper levels to suit your preferences, ensuring a well-seasoned soup that everyone will love.
Cook pasta separately if needed: If you’re planning to have leftovers, consider cooking the ditalini pasta separately. This prevents it from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy in future servings.
Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to personalize your soup by adding other veggies like zucchini or spinach. These not only provide more nutrients but also add different textures and flavors to your dish.

How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Soup

Serving Sicilian Chicken Soup can be as simple or creative as you like! Here are some ideas to make your meal extra special.

Garnishes

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: While avoiding animal-derived products, consider using a plant-based Parmesan alternative for a cheesy finish that adds richness.
Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil: A light drizzle before serving enhances flavor and gives your soup a glossy appearance.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread: A warm, crusty loaf is perfect for dipping into your soup. It soaks up the broth beautifully, making every bite more satisfying.
Simple green salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette pairs well with the rich flavors of the soup while adding a crisp contrast.
Garlic bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic-infused olive oil makes for an irresistible side that complements the hearty soup wonderfully.
Roasted vegetables: Simple roasted seasonal veggies bring out natural sweetness and provide a nutritious side that balances out your meal perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sicilian Chicken Soup is perfect for meal prep! It’s not only comforting but also easy to store and reheat, making it a great choice for busy weekdays.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
Transfer leftovers into airtight containers.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

Let the soup cool down to room temperature.
Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Label each container with the date and type of soup.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
If microwaving, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Sicilian Chicken Soup!

Can I use boneless chicken for Sicilian Chicken Soup?

Yes! You can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take less time to cook through.

How can I make Sicilian Chicken Soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of this soup, substitute chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

What goes well with Sicilian Chicken Soup?

This comforting soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad, making it a perfect meal!

Can I add other vegetables to my Sicilian Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies like zucchini, spinach, or even corn for added flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this delightful Sicilian Chicken Soup! It’s not just food; it’s a warm hug on those chilly days. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and hearty pasta makes it truly special. Enjoy making it for yourself and your loved ones—it’s bound to become a cherished recipe! Happy cooking!

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