Sicilian Chicken Soup Recipe

Warm, comforting, and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, this Sicilian Chicken Soup is a nourishing dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Loaded with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a blend of Italian seasonings, it’s a delightful soup that’s both filling and flavorful. Best of all, it’s easy to make and can be prepared in a single pot!

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a large pot, place the whole chicken and cover it with chicken broth (add water if needed to fully cover the chicken).
2. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the chicken simmer for about 45-60 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth and set it aside.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

1. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded chicken aside for later.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Soup

1. Pour the reserved chicken broth back into the pot with the sautéed vegetables.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, zucchini, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Add the Pasta and Chicken

1. Stir in the ditalini pasta and the shredded chicken.
2. Let the soup simmer for another 10-12 minutes until the pasta is cooked al dente.
3. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
3. Serve the soup hot with crusty bread on the side.

Tips for the Best Sicilian Chicken Soup

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil and oregano can enhance the flavor of the soup. If you have them on hand, add them towards the end of the cooking process.
• Add a Kick of Spice: If you like your soup a little spicier, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Make It Ahead: This soup is perfect for meal prepping. It tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

Serving Suggestions

• Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a side of crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Grated Cheese: Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a rich, savory finish.
• Salad on the Side: Pair this hearty soup with a simple Caesar salad or a light Mediterranean salad for a complete meal.

Variations

1. Creamy Sicilian Chicken Soup

For a creamier texture, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or a splash of half and half towards the end of the cooking process. This will add a luxurious richness to the soup.

2. Low-Carb Option

To make this soup low-carb, skip the pasta and add more vegetables like cauliflower or spinach to bulk it up without the extra carbs.

3. Vegetarian Version

For a vegetarian take on this Sicilian classic, replace the chicken with more beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?

Yes! You can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Simply simmer them in the broth until cooked through, then shred.

2. How long will this soup keep?

This soup will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

3. Can I freeze Sicilian Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! Freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

4. What pasta works best for this soup?

Ditalini or orzo are great choices for this soup, but you can use any small pasta like mini shells or elbow macaroni.

5. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand, such as spinach, kale, or bell peppers, for extra color and nutrition.

Conclusion

This Sicilian Chicken Soup is a flavorful, hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly nights or whenever you need a comforting dish. Loaded with healthy vegetables, tender chicken, and a medley of Italian herbs, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving it fresh for a family dinner, this soup is sure to satisfy!

Yield: 6

Sicilian Chicken Soup Recipe

Print

Warm, comforting, and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, this Sicilian Chicken Soup is a nourishing dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner. Loaded with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a blend of Italian seasonings, it’s a delightful soup that’s both filling and flavorful. Best of all, it’s easy to make and can be prepared in a single pot!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large zucchini, chopped
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup uncooked small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the chicken breasts or thighs, reduce the heat, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Set aside.
   
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
   
3. Add Broth and Tomatoes:
   Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in the oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for another 10 minutes to let the flavors blend.
   
4. Cook the Pasta:
   Stir in the uncooked pasta and zucchini. Let the soup simmer for another 8-10 minutes until the pasta is tender.
   
5. Add the Chicken:
   Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the fresh parsley. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
   
6. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Notes

Use Bone-In Chicken: For more flavor, you can use bone-in chicken pieces and remove the bones before shredding.

Spice it Up: If you like heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or cannellini beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier soup.