If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of goodness that warms your soul, then you’ve found it! This Sicilian Chicken Soup is not only hearty and delicious but also incredibly easy to make. On those chilly winter nights, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a steaming bowl filled with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and delightful ditalini pasta. It’s been a family favorite for years, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with friends.

What makes this recipe truly special is how quickly it comes together and how nourishing it is. You can whip it up from scratch using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Trust me; once you taste this soup, it will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under an hour!
Family-Friendly: Packed with colorful veggies and tender chicken, even the pickiest eaters will love it.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.
Comforting Flavor: The blend of fresh ingredients creates a warm and satisfying taste that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Sicilian Chicken Soup lies in its wholesome ingredients. Each one contributes to the rich flavor and nutrition of the dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Soup

4 bone-in-skin-on chicken thighs (about 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 additional chicken stock)
1/2 cup dry ditalini pasta
1/2 cup fresh chopped Italian parsley
Fresh black pepper, to taste

Variations

One of the best things about Sicilian Chicken Soup is its flexibility. You can easily make adjustments based on what you have or what you like! Here are some fun ideas:

Swap the protein: Feel free to use boneless skinless chicken breasts or even turkey if that’s what you have on hand.
Add more greens: Toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra nutritional boost.
Change the pasta: If ditalini isn’t your favorite, try using small shells or any other bite-sized pasta!
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat if you enjoy spicy flavors.

How to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a large soup pot (at least 6-quart), combine all the key ingredients: chicken thighs, onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt. This step sets the foundation for our flavorful broth!

Step 2: Bring It to a Boil

Next, pour in the chicken stock and water. Season with black pepper to your liking. Cover your pot and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes. This slow cooking helps tenderize the chicken so that it practically falls off the bone!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

After removing the chicken from the pot with tongs (don’t forget those trusty utensils!), add in your ditalini pasta. Continue cooking for another 13-15 minutes until it’s nice and tender. Give it a stir every now and then so that nothing sticks.

Step 4: Shred That Chicken

While the pasta cooks away happily in its broth bath, take two forks to shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Discard any skin and bones because we want pure deliciousness! Return that juicy shredded chicken back into the pot.

Step 5: Final Touches

Before serving up this delightful soup, discard those bay leaves! Stir in freshly chopped parsley for brightness and serve hot. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

And there you have it—your very own bowl of Sicilian Chicken Soup! Enjoy every spoonful as you share warmth with loved ones around your table!

Pro Tips for Making Sicilian Chicken Soup

Making Sicilian Chicken Soup is a delightful experience, and with a few extra tips, you can elevate your soup to the next level!

Use fresh vegetables: Fresh veggies enhance the flavor and texture of the soup, making it more vibrant and nutritious. Look for seasonal produce to get the best taste.
Adjust seasoning gradually: Start with the recommended salt and pepper, but taste as you go. This allows you to control the flavor profile according to your preference.
Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer slowly helps all the flavors meld beautifully. Patience pays off when it comes to developing depth in your soup!
Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheating gently helps maintain the soup’s flavor and texture.
Experiment with herbs: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or oregano for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh or dried varieties work well, so use what you have on hand!

How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Soup

Serving your Sicilian Chicken Soup can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully.

Garnishes

Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up every bowl.
Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to squeeze some juice over their soup, adding a delightful zing that complements the flavors.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into your soup. The texture contrasts nicely with the smooth broth.
Mixed green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the hearty soup.
Roasted vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies provide a delicious side that harmonizes well with the flavors of the chicken soup while adding extra nutrients.
Garlic knots: Soft, buttery garlic knots are irresistible alongside a bowl of Sicilian Chicken Soup. They’re perfect for mopping up every last drop!

Enjoy crafting your meal and sharing it with loved ones—it’s sure to warm hearts as much as it warms bellies!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sicilian Chicken Soup is perfect for meal prep, making it a great option to whip up in advance. You can enjoy it throughout the week or share with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

Let the soup cool down to room temperature.
Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion when freezing.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe container and heat in intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

What makes Sicilian Chicken Soup special?

Sicilian Chicken Soup is not just comforting but also packed with wholesome ingredients like fresh vegetables and tender chicken. It’s a delightful dish that brings warmth and happiness to any table.

Can I use other types of pasta in Sicilian Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! While ditalini is traditional, feel free to experiment with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or orzo. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How do I make Sicilian Chicken Soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply replace chicken thighs with chickpeas or another protein source, use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock, and skip the meat entirely while keeping all veggies.

Is Sicilian Chicken Soup good for winter?

Definitely! This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days, offering warmth and comfort with every spoonful. It’s a wonderful way to nourish yourself during winter!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Sicilian Chicken Soup as much as I do! It’s a warm hug in a bowl—a perfect recipe for cold days spent with loved ones. Enjoy every comforting bite, and don’t hesitate to share this deliciousness with your friends!