Sicilian Chicken Soup Recipe

This comforting dish, Sicilian Chicken Soup, is a traditional Italian recipe known for its delicious blend of tender chicken and vegetables. It’s made with fresh ingredients like carrots, celery, onions, chicken stock, and Italian seasonings.

The soup’s rich flavours come from slow cooking, allowing the ingredients to meld perfectly. This makes Sicilian Chicken Soup a perfect choice for a hearty and healthy meal any time of the year.

Why You’ll Love Sicilian Chicken Soup

Easy to Make

You can create this flavorful soup in your kitchen with just a few simple ingredients and a little prep time. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Healthy and Nutritious

Made with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, spinach, and chicken, Sicilian Chicken Soup is a great source of vitamins, protein, and antioxidants. It’s the perfect meal if you’re looking for something healthy that tastes amazing.

Great for Meal Prep

This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day. You can make a big batch and enjoy it for several weekly meals.

Kid-Friendly

The mild yet flavorful taste makes it a hit with kids. Plus, it’s an easy way to get them to enjoy a nutritious meal without fuss.

Ingredients for Sicilian Chicken Soup

To make a delicious Sicilian Chicken Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this soup. They cook quickly and provide a tender, juicy protein base.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for a flavorful soup without too much salt. This will enhance the overall taste and make the soup more satisfying.
• Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil is essential for sautéing the vegetables and chicken, adding a rich and smooth flavour.
• Tomatoes: Fresh or canned diced tomatoes add a tangy, hearty base to the soup. Their slight sweetness balances the savoury flavours.
• Dried Oregano and Dried Basil: These classic Italian herbs add depth and authenticity to your Sicilian soup. They bring a fragrant, earthy taste to the dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: These simple seasonings are vital for bringing out all the flavours in the soup. Adjust them to your taste.
• Onion and Garlic are the savoury foundation of the soup. Sautéed onion and garlic give it a delicious, aromatic base.
• Carrots, Celery, and Zucchini: These vegetables provide a variety of textures and flavours. The carrots and celery add a slight sweetness and crunch, while the zucchini softens and enriches the soup with its mild flavour.

How to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Sicilian Chicken Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup small pasta (like orzo or ditalini)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Soup Base: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large stock pot. Add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
2. Add Vegetables: Stir in the carrots, celery, and zucchini, cooking for another 5 minutes. These vegetables will add depth to the soup.
3. Add Chicken: Toss in the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned, around 5 minutes.
4. Simmer: Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
5. Add Pasta: Stir in the pasta and continue simmering for another 10 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary. You can add more salt or pepper, depending on your preference.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Sicilian Chicken Soup Variation

There are many ways to personalize this Sicilian Chicken Soup to suit your taste. Here are a few variations:

• Spicy Twist: For a spicy kick, add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the heat level to your preference.
• Vegetarian Option: You can substitute the chicken for chickpeas or tofu to create a meatless version that is just as satisfying.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs, such as basil, rosemary, or thyme, to enhance the flavour profile. Fresh herbs add a burst of freshness to the soup.

How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Soup

Sicilian Chicken Soup is best served hot. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• With Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a slice of crusty bread to soak up the savoury broth.
• Garnished with Parmesan: Sprinkle-grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavour.
• As a Light Meal: Enjoy the soup as a light lunch or dinner. Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage Tips

To keep your Sicilian Chicken Soup fresh, follow these storage tips:

• Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to keep the soup longer, freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool before freezing.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much after storage, add a bit of water or broth.

FAQs About Sicilian Chicken Soup