Sicilian Chicken Soup

Introduction

This hearty and flavorful Sicilian Chicken Soup is packed with vegetables, tender chicken, and a rich, comforting broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing meal, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

– 1 kg bone-in chicken thighs
– 2 liters chicken broth
– 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
– 200 g carrots, diced
– 150 g celery, chopped
– 1 medium onion, chopped (about 120 g)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 100 g red bell pepper, diced
– 100 g yellow bell pepper, diced
– 150 g zucchini, diced
– 200 g potatoes, diced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
– 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 bay leaf
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 150 g small pasta (such as ditalini or orzo)
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, chopped celery, and diced bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened but not browned.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth

Add the bone-in chicken thighs to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, diced potatoes, diced zucchini, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for approximately 45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken thighs from the pot. Using two forks, shred the meat and discard the bones. Return the shredded chicken back into the soup.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add the small pasta (such as ditalini or orzo) to the soup and cook for an additional 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and the juice of one lemon. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Serve the Soup

Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Substitutions

Feel free to substitute the bone-in chicken thighs with boneless chicken if preferred, though the flavor may be slightly different.

Vegetable Variations

You can add other vegetables like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for extra nutrition and color.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Freezing the Soup

This soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let it cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Pasta Cooking Tip

If you plan to have leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to each bowl before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

To freeze, let the soup cool fully, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sicilian Chicken Soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of extra parsley for added flavor. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a slice of lemon on the side, allowing guests to add a refreshing squeeze to their bowls.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximately 1.5 cups):
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 30g
– Total Fat: 10g
– Saturated Fat: 2g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Dietary Fiber: 4g
– Sugars: 3g
– Sodium: 800mg (varies based on broth used)

This soup is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as protein from the chicken, making it a nutritious option for a hearty meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

– Chicken: Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for quicker cooking and easier shredding.
– Broth: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
– Vegetables: Add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or green beans according to preference.
– Pasta: Instead of ditalini or orzo, you can use gluten-free pasta or quinoa for a healthier twist.
– Spices: Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried ones for a brighter flavor. Consider adding thyme or rosemary as alternatives.

Cook techniques

Sautéing

Sauté the vegetables in olive oil to enhance their flavors and create a flavor base for the soup. Cook them until they are softened before adding the liquids and chicken.

Simmering

Allow the soup to simmer gently after bringing it to a boil. This technique helps to meld the flavors of the broth and ingredients while ensuring that the chicken cooks thoroughly and becomes tender.

Shredding

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred the meat using two forks. This step allows the chicken to integrate better into the soup and provides a pleasant texture.

Cooking Pasta

Add small pasta to the soup during the last stages of cooking to achieve the perfect tenderness. Ensure to monitor the pasta closely to avoid overcooking.

Finishing Touches

Incorporate fresh parsley and lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors. These fresh ingredients add a vibrant taste to the dish, enhancing the overall freshness of the soup.

FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but be mindful of reducing the cooking time since boneless cuts cook faster.

What other vegetables can I add to the soup?

You can add a variety of vegetables such as green beans, peas, or spinach, based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! This soup can be made a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator, and the flavors will improve overnight. Be sure to reheat it gently before serving.

Is it possible to freeze Sicilian Chicken Soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup. Just ensure it is completely cooled before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to three months.

What can I use as a substitute for chicken broth?

You can use vegetable broth or homemade broth as a substitute for chicken broth, maintaining a similar volume for flavor consistency.

Conclusion

This Sicilian Chicken Soup is not only a delightful dish but also a heartfelt offering of warmth and comfort. With its wholesome ingredients and rich flavors, this soup is an excellent choice for family meals, especially during colder months. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread, it is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

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