Short Description
Sicilian Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This rustic soup is perfect for chilly days and delivers a rich, homemade taste that embodies the heart of Sicilian cuisine.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Packed with hearty vegetables and tender chicken
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep and freezing
- Naturally gluten-free and customizable
- A warm, nourishing dish ideal for cold days
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken (preferably bone-in for extra flavor)
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onion
- Garlic
- Diced tomatoes
- Chicken broth
- Small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
- Fresh basil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Directions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sautรฉ onions, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Place the chicken into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot, shred it, and return it to the soup.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, basil, and Italian seasoning. Let the soup simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Cook pasta separately, then add it to the soup before serving.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or parmesan cheese for a richer texture.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
How do I make Sicilian Chicken Soup thicker?
Let the soup simmer longer to reduce the broth or mash some of the vegetables for a thicker consistency.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then shred the chicken and add it back in.
What pasta works best for this soup?
Small pasta like ditalini, orzo, or even broken spaghetti work best.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely! Add shredded rotisserie chicken towards the end of cooking.
What can I use instead of basil?
Fresh parsley or oregano make great substitutes.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free pasta or skip it altogether.
Can I add potatoes to this soup?
Yes, diced potatoes can be added for extra heartiness.
How do I prevent pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl before serving.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned diced tomatoes work perfectly in this recipe.
What side dishes pair well with Sicilian Chicken Soup?
A crusty loaf of bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables complement the soup well.
Conclusion
Sicilian Chicken Soup is a warm and comforting meal perfect for any occasion. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables, this dish is a must-try for soup lovers. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Try different variations to suit your taste, and enjoy a taste of Sicily in every spoonful!
PrintSicilian Chicken Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A warm and comforting Italian-inspired soup filled with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors. This soup is perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or any small pasta)
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sautรฉ the vegetables:ย Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
- Add liquids and seasoning:ย Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in oregano, basil, crushed red pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken:ย Add the whole chicken breasts to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 25โ30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the chicken:ย Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Cook the pasta:ย Stir in the ditalini pasta and diced zucchini. Cook for another 10 minutes until the pasta is tender.
- Serve:ย Ladle the soup into bowls, top with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For a richer flavor, add a Parmesan rind while the soup simmers.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
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