Warm, hearty, and incredibly comforting, this Sicilian chicken soup is a classic dump-and-go recipe made with tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, pasta, and a richly seasoned broth. Perfect for cold nights or busy days, it’s a simple and nourishing bowl that tastes like home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sicilian Chicken Soup
A One-Pot, Dump-and-Go Comfort Meal
This Sicilian chicken soup is made in one pot, which means minimal mess and effortless cleanup. Just toss everything in, let it simmer, and enjoy a cozy, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug.
Authentic Flavor from Simple Ingredients
Each spoonful bursts with the richness of chicken thighs, tender potatoes, and sweet carrots. The broth gets deeper with every minute of simmering, giving it that old-world Sicilian charm.
Family-Friendly, Make-Ahead, and Freezer-Friendly
It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or freezer storage. You can easily reheat it on busy nights without losing its comforting taste or texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Soup Ingredients
You’ll need chicken thighs, onions, celery, carrots, yellow bell pepper, russet potatoes, garlic, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, kosher salt, black pepper, chicken stock, and water. These build the base of your rich and hearty broth.
Pasta and Herb Additions
Ditalini pasta adds bite-sized comfort, while fresh Italian parsley brightens the soup. Add a sprinkle of black pepper before serving for a savory finish.
Substitutions and Variations
You can replace ditalini with tubetti or orzo, and swap parsley for basil if you like a fresher twist. Chicken drumsticks also work well, giving the broth deep flavor.
How to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup Step-by-Step
Build Flavor with Chicken, Veggies, and Broth
Start by adding chicken thighs, chopped vegetables, garlic, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, chicken stock, and water into a large pot. Season with pepper.
Simmer Until Chicken Is Tender
Cover the pot, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. The broth will become beautifully rich and aromatic.
Add Pasta and Cook to Perfection
Remove the chicken, then add pasta to the pot. Simmer partially covered for 13 to 15 minutes until the pasta is soft and cooked through.
Shred Chicken and Finish the Soup
Shred the chicken, removing skin and bones. Return the meat to the pot and discard the bay leaves.
Add Fresh Herbs and Serve Hot
Stir in chopped parsley, adjust seasoning, and serve the soup hot. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a squeeze of lemon.
Tips for the Best Flavor and Texture
Why Chicken Thighs Create a Better Broth
Chicken thighs make a more flavorful broth than chicken breast. They release natural fat and richness that deepens the taste.
Optional Flavor Boosters
Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavor. A pinch of dried parsley, onion powder, or garlic powder can make it even more savory.
How to Adjust Thickness
To thicken, whisk a tablespoon of flour with a few tablespoons of soup, stir back into the pot, and simmer until it reaches your preferred texture.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Guide
How to Store in the Fridge
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. The flavors actually get better overnight.
How to Freeze for Long-Term Use
Freeze without pasta for best results. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Best Practices When Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. If frozen, cook fresh pasta separately and add it to the hot soup just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Garnishes and Finishing Touches
Top each bowl with fresh parsley, cracked pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil. For extra comfort, serve with grated Parmesan.
What to Serve on the Side
Crusty bread or garlic toast goes perfectly. A side salad balances the meal beautifully.
Common Questions About Sicilian Chicken Soup
What is in Sicilian chicken soup?
It includes chicken thighs, carrots, celery, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, and pasta in a savory broth.
What is in Sicilian chicken?
It’s typically seasoned chicken cooked with Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs.
What is the secret ingredient for soup?
Fresh parsley or a splash of lemon juice can make the flavor pop.
What is Sicilian wedding soup?
It’s a different soup made with tiny meatballs, greens, and pasta in a clear broth.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Creamy cheddar cauliflower soup for cozy nights
- Slow cooker crack potato soup that’s ultra satisfying
- High-protein broccoli cheddar soup to fuel your day
- Easy taco soup for quick weeknight comfort
- Hearty lentil potato soup with rustic flavor
- Classic tomato basil soup with a roasted twist
Conclusion
This Sicilian chicken soup brings together warmth, flavor, and simplicity in one comforting bowl. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding your family, it’s a satisfying meal that never fails to comfort. For more cozy ideas, check out more recipes on Pinterest.
Sicilian Chicken Soup
Equipment
- 6-quart pot for cooking the soup
- Cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables
- Wooden spoon for stirring the soup
Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
- 3 ribs celery, chopped (2 cups)
- 3 medium carrots, chopped (1½ cups)
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (¾-inch pieces)
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) no-salt diced tomatoes
- 2 dry bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 carton (32 oz) low-sodium chicken stock
- 4 cups water (or additional chicken stock)
- ½ cup dry ditalini pasta
- ½ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
- to taste fresh black pepper
Instructions
- Place chicken, vegetables, garlic, tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, stock, and water in a large 6-quart pot. Season with black pepper.
- Cover and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken and add pasta to the pot. Cook, partially covered, for 13–15 minutes until pasta is done.
- Shred chicken, discarding skin and bones, and return the meat to the soup. Discard bay leaves.
- Stir in parsley and adjust seasonings. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired.
