Spicy Sicilian Shredded Chicken Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Name: Spicy Sicilian Shredded Chicken Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Sicilian
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds); 1 medium onion (about 1 cup), chopped; 3 celery ribs (about 2 cups), sliced; 3 medium carrots (approximately 1½ cups), chopped; 1 large yellow bell pepper, chopped; 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1 pound); 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt diced tomatoes; 2 dry bay leaves; 1 tablespoon salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 32 ounces (1 quart) low-sodium chicken stock; 4 cups water or additional chicken stock; ½ cup dry ditalini pasta; ½ cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped

By:

Grace Mueller

Published:

June 7, 2025

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Benefits and Advantages of Sicilian Chicken Soup

Sicilian chicken soup is a comforting and nutritious meal cherished for its simplicity and rich flavors. One major benefit is its easy preparation, featuring common, affordable ingredients accessible to home cooks of all levels. This soup combines lean chicken protein from dark meat thighs with a colorful medley of vegetables, including onions, celery, carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers, offering a hearty and well-rounded meal without excessive calories or fats.

The unique Sicilian flavor profile comes from a combination of garlic, fresh herbs, and the subtle sweetness of diced tomatoes, contributing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support immune health. Its light yet satisfying nature, enhanced with ditalini pasta, makes it suitable for anyone seeking a nutritious, low-fat dish that nourishes without heaviness. This versatile, Mediterranean-inspired soup offers both taste and health benefits, distinguishing it from traditional chicken soups.

“Sicilian chicken soup delivers comforting warmth and a nutrient-rich, flavorful bite perfect for any occasion.”

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Essential Ingredients for Sicilian Chicken Soup

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
3 celery ribs, sliced (about 2 cups)
3 medium carrots, chopped (about 1½ cups)
1 large yellow bell pepper, chopped
2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1 pound)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt diced tomatoes
2 dry bay leaves
1 tablespoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
32 ounces (1 quart) low-sodium chicken stock
4 cups water or additional chicken stock
½ cup dry ditalini pasta
½ cup fresh chopped Italian parsley (for garnish)

These ingredients create a rich, aromatic broth imbued with Mediterranean flavors, sustained with hearty vegetables and tender chicken. The ditalini pasta adds texture and substance to the soup, making it filling and satisfying.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Sicilian Chicken Soup

This recipe easily adapts to different dietary preferences and restrictions:

Vegan/Vegetarian: Substitute chicken thighs with chickpeas, white beans, or tofu for a plant-based option. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock to maintain flavor.
Gluten-Free: Omit pasta or replace ditalini with certified gluten-free pasta varieties. Ensure all broth and seasoning blends are gluten-free.
Low-Calorie: Reduce olive oil and salt amounts, and increase vegetables to maintain volume with fewer calories.
Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, requiring no cheese or cream additions.
Chicken Alternatives: Use chicken drumsticks or boneless thigh meat for variation, avoiding breast meat to prevent dryness.

These substitutions allow you to maintain the flavor and nutritive profile of Sicilian chicken soup tailored to individual dietary needs.

How to Prepare the Perfect Sicilian Chicken Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare Ingredients: Chop onion, celery, carrots, bell pepper, and potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Mince garlic finely for even flavor distribution.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large 6-quart pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrots, and bell pepper; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add Chicken and Broth: Place bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs into the pot. Pour in chicken stock and water. Add diced tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover partially. Simmer for about 30 minutes or until chicken is fully tender and vegetables are cooked.
Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from the pot. Discard skin and bones, then shred meat finely. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
Add Pasta: Stir in dry ditalini pasta. Cook for 13 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender.
Adjust and Garnish: Discard bay leaves. Stir in fresh chopped parsley and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls. Optionally, drizzle with olive oil or sprinkle extra parsley for added freshness.

Following these steps creates a hearty, flavorful Sicilian chicken soup with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich vegetable broth infused with Mediterranean herbs and spices.

Mastering Sicilian Chicken Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations

For a superior Sicilian chicken soup, slow cooking the soup at low heat for a longer duration deepens the flavors and produces tender, juicy chicken. Consider marinating bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in lemon juice, garlic, and Italian herbs before adding them to the pot, which adds brightness and moisture to the meat. To enrich texture, blend in pureed cannellini beans or swirls of coconut milk, especially to accommodate dairy-free diets, creating a subtle creaminess without overpowering the traditional profile.

Try adding a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to introduce gentle heat and smoky undertones, which complement the Mediterranean flavors. Homemade chicken stock or broth will notably enhance the soup’s depth, but store-bought low-sodium versions work well for convenience. Seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or fresh tomatoes can be added towards the end of cooking for additional nutrients and color. These variations allow for personalized adaptations while maintaining the authentic essence of Sicilian chicken soup.

How to Store Sicilian Chicken Soup: Best Practices

Allow your Sicilian chicken soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers to prevent condensation and preserve fresh flavors. Store the soup refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, which makes it perfect for meal prepping. For extended preservation, freeze the soup (excluding pasta) in appropriately sized, freezer-safe containers or bags for about 3 months.

When reheating, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Warm the soup slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even heating. Avoid reheating soups multiple times, as this can degrade texture and flavor. Since pasta may become mushy when frozen and reheated, it’s advisable to cook fresh pasta before serving leftovers.

Proper cooling and separate storage of pasta help maintain the rich flavor and texture of Sicilian chicken soup during storage and reheating.

Nutritional Value of Sicilian Chicken Soup

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	260 kcal
Fat	4.1 g
Carbohydrates	19.9 g
Protein	34.7 g
Sodium	177.3 mg
Cholesterol	103.4 mg

Sicilian chicken soup offers a balanced combination of lean high-quality protein mainly from chicken thighs, moderate healthy fats primarily from olive oil, and complex carbohydrates from vegetables and ditalini pasta. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins from garlic, herbs, and vegetables, which support immune function and reduce inflammation. The soup is relatively low in sodium and cholesterol when using low-sodium broth, making it suitable for heart-conscious individuals. This nutrient profile supports muscle maintenance, energy, and overall wellness, making the soup an excellent nutritious option for chilly days.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Sicilian Chicken Soup

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used but it yields a leaner soup with less richness. Adjust cooking time to avoid drying out the breast meat, and consider adding extra olive oil or herbs to maintain flavor.

Is there a vegan version of Sicilian chicken soup?

Absolutely. Replace chicken with chickpeas or white beans for protein and use vegetable broth. Add tofu if desired. Ensure seasonings and broth are vegan-friendly.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free broth and avoid adding traditional pasta. Substitute with gluten-free pasta or enjoy the soup without any pasta to keep it gluten-free.

What is a good substitute for fennel bulb?

Celery is a common substitute that provides crunch and freshness, though it lacks fennel’s subtle anise flavor. You can also omit fennel and add more herbs to balance the taste.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well refrigerated for 4 days and freezes for up to 3 months. Reheat gently and add fresh pasta if desired for the best texture.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Add or reduce crushed red pepper flakes or black pepper according to taste. Fresh herbs like oregano or parsley enhance flavor without adding heat. A splash of lemon juice or vinegar can brighten the profile as well.