Sicilian Chicken (or Chicken-less!) Soup – A Cozy, Gut-Healing Recipe
There’s nothing better than a warm, nourishing bowl of homemade soup to cozy up with, and this Sicilian Chicken (or Chicken-less!) Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. 🍲 It’s packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, a swirl of pesto, and a bright squeeze of lemon to bring it all together. Bonus? It’s gut-healing, anti-inflammatory, and loaded with collagen-boosting nutrients that support skin health, digestion, and immune function—especially great for women over 50! ✨
This soup is light yet satisfying, naturally low-calorie, high-protein, and can be made gluten-free. Plus, if you’re plant-based, you can swap the chicken for tofu or your favorite vegan chicken alternative—it’s equally delicious!
How to Serve It
This Sicilian Chicken Soup is delicious on its own, but I love pairing it with:
- A side of crusty sourdough bread for dipping
- A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette for a lighter meal
- A sprinkle of extra Parmesan & basil for extra flavor

Sicilian Chicken or Chicken-less Soup
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Equipment
- Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
- Ladle
- Zester or Citrus Juicer
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders For Chicken-less option use firm tofu or vegan chicken
- Extra virgin olive oil spray
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 dash crushed red-pepper flakes
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 ½ cups water
- 32 oz low-sodium free-range chicken broth
- 8 ribs celery diced
- ½ lb baby carrots diced
- 1 white onion diced
- ½ cup orzo pasta
- 3 tbsp pesto (click for my easy peso recipe)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- fresh lemon juice for garnish
- ½ cup fresh basil, torn into pieces for garnish
Instructions
For Chicken Version
- Wash and pat dry the 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders. Cut into small cubes and place in a large bowl. Spray lightly with extra virgin olive oil spray.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders, Extra virgin olive oil spray
- Add crushed red-pepper flakes and garlic salt. Toss to coat evenly and set aside.1 dash crushed red-pepper flakes, 1 tsp garlic salt
For Chicken-less Version
- Cube firm tofu or plant-based chicken and season as above.
Preparing the Soup
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken (or tofu) and sauté for 3 minutes until lightly golden.
- Stir in: minced garlic, onion, celery, and carrots and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.2 cloves garlic, 8 ribs celery, 1 white onion, ½ lb baby carrots
- Pour in chicken broth and water. Increase heat and bring to a boil.32 oz low-sodium free-range chicken broth, 1 ½ cups water
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
- Stir in orzo pasta, and boil for 5 more minutes, until pasta is just tender.½ cup orzo pasta
- Turn off the heat and stir in pesto, salt and pepper.3 tbsp pesto (click for my easy peso recipe), ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper
- Garnish with fresh basil, shredded Parmesan cheese and serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, ½ cup fresh basil, torn into pieces
More About This Recipe
Pro Tips for the Best Sicilian Chicken Soup
- Use High-Quality Chicken Broth: A good, low-sodium broth makes a huge difference in flavor. If you have homemade bone broth, even better!
- Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Orzo pasta absorbs a lot of liquid, so cook it until just al dente to keep it from getting too soft.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: The pesto adds tons of flavor, but if you like a little heat, add extra red pepper flakes.
- Make it Plant-Based: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or a vegan chicken alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Meal Prep & Storage: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot – The perfect tool for simmering a rich, flavorful broth.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – For prepping veggies like celery, carrots, and onions.
- Ladle – For serving up big, cozy bowls of this delicious soup.
- Zester or Citrus Juicer – To get the most out of that fresh lemon squeeze!
Nutrition
Why This Soup is a Nutrition Powerhouse
- Chicken Broth for Gut & Skin Health
Chicken broth is rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals that help support gut lining integrity and skin elasticity. - Olive Oil for Heart Health & Anti-Inflammation
Extra-virgin olive oil is packed with monounsaturated fats and polyphenols that help lower inflammation and support cardiovascular health. - Garlic for Immunity & Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Garlic isn’t just for flavor—it’s one of the best natural immune boosters out there. Studies have found that garlic has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help strengthen the immune system. - Leafy Greens & Fresh Basil for Antioxidants
Spinach and basil aren’t just pretty garnishes—they’re loaded with vitamin K, iron, and antioxidants that help support brain function and reduce inflammation. - Lemon for Detox & Vitamin C Boost
That final squeeze of lemon? It’s not just for flavor! Lemons are high in vitamin C, which supports immune function, collagen production, and detoxification. According to Healthline, vitamin C helps protect the body from oxidative stress.
Final Thoughts
This cozy, healing, and nutrient-packed soup is the perfect winter comfort meal—light yet filling, full of anti-inflammatory ingredients, and great for gut and skin health. Whether you go classic with chicken or opt for the vegan-friendly version, this bowl of goodness will leave you feeling warm, nourished, and satisfied.
Give it a try and let me know how you love it! Don’t forget to tag me in your creations—I love seeing what you’re making. Stay cozy, friends!