Sicilian Chicken Soup

Why Make This Recipe

Sicilian Chicken Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. With its mix of healthy vegetables, tender chicken, and pasta, it feels like a warm hug in a bowl. This soup is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it great for family dinners or meal prep. Plus, its rich flavors remind you of Italian cuisine, transporting you straight to Sicily.

How to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup

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

Directions

1. In a large soup pot (at least 6-quart), combine the chicken, onion, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt.
2. Add chicken stock and water. Season with black pepper to taste. Cover the pot and bring everything to a boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, partially covered, for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and falls off the bones.
4. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot using tongs.
5. Add the ditalini pasta to the soup and continue cooking for another 13-15 minutes, partially covered. Be sure to stir a few times to prevent the pasta from sticking.
6. While the pasta cooks, shred the chicken with two forks, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
7. Taste the soup, especially the potatoes, to check for doneness. Once everything is cooked, discard the bay leaves.
8. Stir in the fresh parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Soup

Serve your delicious Sicilian Chicken Soup in a bowl. It pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad. You can sprinkle extra parsley or grated parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Enjoy it with family and friends for a perfect meal!

How to Store Sicilian Chicken Soup

You can store leftover Sicilian Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure it cools down before sealing it. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup

• For a richer flavor, you can sear the chicken thighs in the pot before adding the vegetables.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or zucchini based on your preference.
• Adjust the amount of garlic and salt according to your taste.

Variation

You can turn this soup into a spicy version by adding red pepper flakes while cooking. Another option is to use different types of pasta, like elbow macaroni or shells, instead of ditalini.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can. Boneless chicken will cook faster, so reduce the cooking time accordingly.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken and chicken stock with vegetable broth and add tofu or chickpeas for protein.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day! Just store it properly in the refrigerator or freezer.