Sicilian Chicken or Chicken-less Soup

Sicilian Chicken and Chicken-less Soup

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 and Chicken-less Soup

Sicilian Chicken or Chicken-less Soup

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Packed with collagen-boosting ingredients (hello, chicken broth & fresh basil!), this recipe supports skin elasticity, joint health, and digestion—especially important for women over 50. Plus, the mix of fiber-rich veggies, heart-healthy olive oil, and fresh lemon makes this a Mediterranean-inspired soup that’s both delicious and functional!
Perfect for cold nights, easy meal prep, or a cozy winter dinner, this low-calorie, high-protein soup will keep you warm and satisfied.
Course Main Course, Soup
Servings 8
Calories 320 kcal

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

Serving: 1.5cupsCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 25gFat: 12gFiber: 4gSugar: 6g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Why This Soup is a Nutrition Powerhouse

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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!

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