Warm Up with Hearty Sicilian Chicken Soup Recipe
The Secret to Comfort in a Bowl: Sicilian Chicken Soup
When the chill of winter sets in, nothing warms the soul quite like a steaming bowl of Sicilian Chicken Soup. This hearty dish is packed with tender chunks of chicken, colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked ditalini pasta. Each spoonful brings a wave of comforting flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones. Whether you’re fighting off the winter blues or just looking for a nourishing meal, this Sicilian Chicken Soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Sicilian Chicken Soup
– Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
– Loaded with nutritious veggies that add both flavor and texture.
– A one-pot meal that minimizes cleanup time.
– Versatile; customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
– Hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest appetites.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To make this delicious soup, gather the following tools:
– Large soup pot (at least 6-quart) for simmering all the ingredients together.
– Tongs for safely removing the chicken from the pot once cooked.
– Cutting board and sharp knife for chopping vegetables.
– Measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
– Two forks for shredding the chicken easily.
Preparation Tips
For the best result, be sure to use bone-in chicken thighs as they add rich flavor and moisture during cooking. Don’t rush the simmering process; letting it cook slowly allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Finally, make sure to taste-test before serving; adjusting seasoning can elevate your soup from good to great!
Ingredients for this Sicilian Chicken Soup
– 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
Sicilian Chicken Soup
Chicken soup has a magical way of warming your heart and soul, especially on those chilly winter days. This Sicilian Chicken Soup is not just any ordinary soup; it’s packed with tender chunks of vegetables, hearty ditalini pasta, and juicy shredded chicken—all made from scratch! Let’s dive into the cozy goodness of this recipe that will surely become a family favorite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients on the counter. Chop the onion, celery, carrots, bell pepper, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and set everything aside. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Pot
In a large soup pot (aim for at least 6-quart capacity), combine the chicken thighs, chopped onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, canned tomatoes (with juices), bay leaves, and kosher salt. This step sets up a beautiful flavor base for your soup.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Bring to Boil
Pour in both the chicken stock and water. Season with fresh black pepper to taste. Cover the pot and bring everything to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer partially covered for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once your chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the pot using tongs. Now it’s time to add the dry ditalini pasta into your bubbling soup. Cook for 13-15 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This helps ensure that every bite of pasta is perfectly al dente.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, shred your chicken using two forks. Discard any skin or bones left behind. Return that lovely shredded chicken back into the pot as you check on your veggies—especially those potatoes—to make sure they are tender!
Step 6: Final Touches
After you’ve returned all that savory shredded chicken to its home in the pot, discard any bay leaves lurking around. Stir in fresh chopped Italian parsley for a burst of color and flavor right before serving.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle generous portions of this heartwarming Sicilian Chicken Soup into bowls. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing with loved ones, take a moment to appreciate all those cozy aromas filling your kitchen!
Notes
This Sicilian Chicken Soup is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to swap out proteins; boneless skinless thighs can work just as well if you’re after a quicker option. You can also play around with different vegetables based on what you have handy—zucchini or green beans could be delightful additions! For an elevated flavor profile, try adding a splash of lemon juice or some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
– Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge can lower cooking temperatures.
– Forgetting to stir occasionally may lead to pasta clumping together.
– Not tasting before serving might result in unbalanced seasoning.
– Overcooking garlic can cause bitterness in flavor.
– Skipping fresh herbs at the end means missing out on vibrant flavors.
Storage Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is likely because this soup is so delicious!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If you want to freeze some for later enjoyment, make sure to do so without adding pasta; this keeps everything fresh when you thaw it out!
Estimated Nutrition
– Calories: 260
– Protein: 34.7 g
– Fat: 4.1 g
– Carbs: 19.9 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used if you prefer less prep time since there won’t be any bones to shred afterward.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers stored properly in an airtight container can last up to four days in the refrigerator or up to three months if frozen without pasta.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace chicken with vegetable stock and add more hearty vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas instead for protein.
Conclusion
I hope this Sicilian Chicken Soup warms you from head to toe as it does for me! It’s perfect for cold days when comfort food is needed most. Don’t forget to give this recipe a try—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Share your thoughts and variations; let’s keep this cozy cooking journey going together!
Sicilian Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Gather all your ingredients on the counter. Chop the onion, celery, carrots, bell pepper, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
- In a large soup pot, combine the chicken thighs, chopped onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, canned tomatoes (with juices), bay leaves, and kosher salt.
- Pour in both the chicken stock and water. Season with fresh black pepper to taste. Cover the pot and bring everything to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer partially covered for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the pot using tongs. Add the dry ditalini pasta into your bubbling soup. Cook for 13-15 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Shred your chicken using two forks. Discard any skin or bones left behind. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot.
- Discard any bay leaves. Stir in fresh chopped Italian parsley for a burst of color and flavor right before serving.
- Ladle generous portions of the soup into bowls and enjoy!
