If you are craving a heartwarming bowl of comfort that lights up your senses and reminds you of the Mediterranean sun, this Sicilian Chicken Soup Recipe is just what you need. Bursting with vibrant vegetables, tender shredded chicken, and a rich, flavorful broth infused with Italian seasoning and fresh herbs, this soup brings the true taste of Sicily right into your kitchen. It’s satisfying, soothing, and absolutely irresistible on a chilly day or whenever you want a nourishing meal full of love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sicilian Chicken Soup Recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a soulful and satisfying dish. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that are both rustic and refined.
- Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts (1 ½ pounds): Choosing bone-in adds depth to the broth and enriches the flavor beautifully.
- Carrots, chopped (2 cups): These bring a natural sweetness and bright color that brighten the soup.
- Celery, chopped (2 cups): Adds a subtle earthy aroma and delightful crunch to the base.
- Large onion, diced (1): A foundational flavor that softens and sweetens when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4): Essential for adding warmth and a savory punch.
- Can of diced tomatoes with juice (14.5 oz): The tomatoes balance the broth with acidity and a hint of tang.
- Medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (2): They provide hearty texture and soak up the flavorful broth.
- Chicken broth or water (6 cups): The liquid base that infuses every bite with comforting warmth.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend of herbs bringing authentic Italian flair.
- Salt (½ teaspoon, adjust to taste): Highlights and balances all the flavors in the soup.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just the right whisper of spice.
- Small pasta like ditalini (½ cup, optional): A lovely addition for extra texture and substance.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Stirred in at the end, it adds a fresh, herbal brightness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing vegetables and enriching the flavor foundation.
How to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Flavor Base
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions, chopped carrots, and celery. Let these vegetables cook gently for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and release their sweet, fragrant aroma. This sweating step is crucial, as it unlocks the natural sweetness that lays the flavorful groundwork for the soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant—watch carefully so it doesn’t brown or burn. Then add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Simmer this mixture for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to meld with the vegetables and add a rich, slightly tangy depth to the broth.
Step 3: Introduce the Chicken and Broth
Place the bone-in chicken pieces into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth or water until everything is just covered. Turn the heat up and bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a steady simmer and skim off any foam or impurities floating on top to keep the broth clear and clean-tasting.
Step 4: Let It Simmer Low and Slow
Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to an hour. This slow cooking tenderizes the chicken, allowing the flavors to deepen wonderfully. The long simmer is what gives this Sicilian Chicken Soup Recipe its truly authentic heartiness.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken and Add Potatoes
Carefully remove the chicken pieces and set them aside to cool slightly. Shred the meat using two forks, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the cubed potatoes. Let everything continue cooking for 15 minutes so the potatoes soften and soak up all those amazing flavors.
Step 6: Add Pasta and Seasonings
If you’re adding pasta, stir it in now and let the soup cook for another 10 minutes until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite. Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Finish by stirring in fresh chopped parsley, which adds an inviting burst of color and a hint of bright, herbal freshness just before serving.
How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of homemade love, sprinkle additional fresh parsley or a little grated Parmesan cheese right over the top of your serving bowl. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil can also add richness and a silky finish that complements the rustic flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs marvelously with crusty bread or garlic-infused focaccia to soak up every last bit of the broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the hearty notes of the soup and keep the meal feeling fresh and light.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Sicilian Chicken Soup Recipe directly in warm rustic bowls or soup crocks for a cozy, inviting presentation. You might also ladle into small cups as an elegant starter or appetizer if you’re hosting a dinner party—the soup’s complex flavors make it a real crowd-pleaser that feels special yet comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sicilian Chicken Soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even tastier. Just be sure to cool the soup completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When thawed, the potatoes might be a bit softer, but the soup remains delicious and comforting.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup seems thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up. Avoid microwaving in uneven bursts to preserve the texture and warmth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Sicilian Chicken Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in thighs add richer flavor, boneless chicken breasts work well too. Just be careful not to overcook them so they stay tender and juicy.
Is it necessary to use Italian seasoning, or can I substitute?
Italian seasoning brings a perfect blend of herbs that make this soup taste authentically Sicilian. However, you can use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if you prefer. Fresh herbs also work great for a brighter profile.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
You can! Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables or beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Keep the tomatoes, potatoes, and pasta for a satisfying meat-free version.
What type of pasta works best in this Sicilian Chicken Soup Recipe?
Small pasta like ditalini, acini di pepe, or small shells are perfect because they cook quickly and disperse throughout the soup offering delightful little bursts of texture.
How spicy is the soup, and can I add heat?
This soup is mild by nature, focusing on savory, herby flavors. If you want a kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a homemade Sicilian Chicken Soup Recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and love. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to share with friends and family. Once you taste that tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant herbs all mingling in one bowl, I promise you’ll keep coming back to this soul-nourishing classic again and again. Give it a try and enjoy a little taste of Sicily wherever you are!
Print
Sicilian Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and comforting Sicilian Chicken Soup made with tender bone-in chicken, fresh vegetables, diced tomatoes, and optional pasta. Simmered slowly to develop rich flavors, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal and serves six.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 cups carrots, chopped
- 2 cups celery, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 6 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup small pasta like ditalini (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute. Stir in the diced tomatoes and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Broth: Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Pour in chicken broth or water to cover everything. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the top.
- Simmer Soup: Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour to develop flavor and tenderize the chicken.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from the pot, let cool slightly, shred using two forks, and return it to the soup.
- Add Potatoes and Pasta: Add cubed potatoes and simmer for 15 minutes. If using pasta, stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken is preferred for richer flavor, but boneless can be used.
- Adjust salt according to dietary needs and broth saltiness.
- Pasta is optional; omit for a lighter or gluten-free option.
- Use fresh parsley for best flavor and garnish appeal.
- Simmer gently to ensure tender chicken and clear broth.
