4 Easy Steps to Irresistible Sicilian Chicken Soup Bliss

When life gets a little too life-y, a bowl of Sicilian chicken soup has a magical way of slowing everything down. Maybe it’s the cozy aroma, maybe it’s the tender chicken, or maybe it’s that first spoonful that feels like a warm hug from someone who really gets you. Whatever it is, this is one of those soups that every busy woman (hi, friend!) needs in her kitchen—especially on days when dinner needs to taste like comfort and accomplishment.

And because many of us grew up loving Italian-American dishes, you’ll also be happy to know this has all the soul of a Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup, but made right at home with ingredients you trust. I’m Aneta, and at Chicken Magic Recipes, chicken is kind of my love language—so pull up a chair because we’re diving into one of my all-time favorites.

Why You’ll Love This Sicilian Chicken Soup

Let me tell you, this recipe checks all the boxes for busy families, working moms, and anyone who wants dinner to practically cook itself:

  • It’s loaded with fresh veggies, bone-in chicken thighs, and herbs that simmer into the most comforting broth.
  • It requires minimal prep—just toss everything in the pot and let time do the heavy lifting.
  • It tastes like the best version of your favorite Italian restaurant soup.
  • It’s hearty enough to stand alone as a full meal (my kind of dinner!).

This soup became a household staple for me after a hectic week when my kids were all fighting colds. I threw it together with what I had, and by some miracle of chicken magic, it turned into a recipe we now make year-round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Chicken Thighs – Bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor. If you’re going to splurge anywhere, let it be on good chicken. Organic or pasture-raised truly makes a difference.
  • Veggies – Onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, and potatoes. Your veggie drawer will be so proud.
  • Canned Tomatoes – No-salt diced tomatoes are ideal. If you only have the salted ones, reduce added salt.
  • Aromatics – Dry bay leaves + fresh garlic = the holy duo of comfort soups.
  • Chicken Stock – Use low-sodium so you can control the saltiness. I like mixing stock and water—it works beautifully.
  • Salt – Season early! Everything cooks together, so flavor needs to start from the beginning.
  • Pasta – Ditalini is traditional, but tubetti or even orzo works well too.
  • Fresh Parsley – Or substitute fresh basil if parsley isn’t your thing.

Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.

How to Make Sicilian Chicken Soup (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Build the base with everything in one pot

Grab a large 6-quart soup pot and add your chicken thighs, onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, tomatoes, bay leaves, garlic, stock, and water.

Cover the pot, bring it all to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer partially covered for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fork-tender. Your kitchen will already smell incredible—don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Step 2: Add pasta while the chicken rests

Using tongs, remove the chicken and set it aside on a cutting board.

Pour your pasta into the bubbling soup and cook 13–15 minutes, still partially covered, until perfectly tender. This is when the broth becomes beautifully starchy and hearty—exactly what we want.

Step 3: Shred the chicken

Once the chicken is cool enough to touch, shred it using two forks. Discard the skin and bones.

Return all that juicy shredded chicken to your pot. At this point, the soup is basically whispering, “Eat me.”

Step 4: Add herbs and serve

Fish out the bay leaves (no one likes that surprise).

Stir in fresh parsley, give the soup a taste, and adjust your seasoning if needed.

Ladle into bowls and enjoy immediately. Bonus points if you serve this with warm bread.

Tips for the Best Sicilian Chicken Soup

  • Salt early, taste often. Because everything cooks together, the chicken absorbs the seasoning as it simmers.
  • Soup too thick? Add a splash of water or stock until it reaches your perfect consistency.
  • Soup too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
  • Make it spicy. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing your veggies.
  • Don’t fear imperfections. If your broth looks cloudy or your pasta swells a bit—congratulations, that’s how homemade Italian soup should look.

One time, my pasta absorbed half my soup because I got distracted scrolling online (don’t judge). And honestly? It turned into a delicious chicken-vegetable stew. So trust me—it’s very forgiving.

Close-up of hearty Sicilian chicken soup with ditalini pasta, veggies, and tender shredded chicken in a warm bowl
A delicious bowl of Sicilian chicken soup loaded with pasta, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables—pure comfort in every bite.

FAQs About Sicilian Chicken Soup

Can I make this like a Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! This recipe naturally leans into the flavors of Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup—simple vegetables, tender chicken, and that perfectly savory broth. If you want it even closer, leave out the potatoes and add more celery.

Can I substitute the pasta?

Yes! Tubetti, mini shells, small elbow macaroni, or orzo all work beautifully.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that pasta will continue to absorb liquid—add more broth when reheating.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, but freeze it without the pasta. Add cooked pasta when you reheat for best texture.

A Cozy Bowl Worth Sharing

There’s something so special about a pot of Sicilian chicken soup simmering on the stove. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with love—just the way homemade cooking should be. Whether you’re chasing away a cold, feeding hungry kids, or craving something warm after a long day, this soup promises to deliver comfort in every spoonful.

I hope this becomes one of your family favorites just like it did for mine. If you make it, share your bowl with me—I love seeing the magic you create in your kitchen.

Happy cooking,

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love

If this Sicilian chicken soup warmed your heart (and your kitchen!), here are a few more comforting bowls that readers absolutely adore. They pair beautifully with the flavors and feel of this recipe—consider them your next stop on the cozy-meal journey:

Explore these dishes whenever you need something warm, satisfying, and easy to make. Your next favorite bowl might be just one click away!

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Close-up of hearty Sicilian chicken soup with ditalini pasta, veggies, and tender shredded chicken in a warm bowl

Sicilian Chicken Soup


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A cozy and flavorful Sicilian chicken soup made with tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, ditalini pasta, and aromatic herbs. A comforting Italian-inspired soup ready in just 4 easy steps.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 3 celery stalks, sliced

  • 3 large carrots, sliced

  • 1 bell pepper, chopped

  • 2 medium potatoes, diced

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) no-salt diced tomatoes

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock

  • 4 cups water

  • 11 ½ cups ditalini pasta

  • 12 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

  • Black pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Add Everything to the Pot:
    In a large 6-quart soup pot, combine chicken thighs, onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, bay leaves, chicken stock, and water.

  2. Simmer Until Tender:
    Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer partially covered for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.

  3. Cook the Pasta + Shred the Chicken:
    Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook for 13–15 minutes. Shred the chicken, discarding skin and bones, then return it to the pot.

  4. Finish + Serve:
    Remove bay leaves, stir in fresh parsley, season with salt and pepper, and ladle into bowls.

Notes

If using salted canned tomatoes or full-sodium broth, reduce added salt.
Orzo or tubetti pasta can replace ditalini.
For a thinner soup, add more stock or water before serving.
Leftovers thicken as the pasta absorbs broth—add liquid when reheating.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx.)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

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