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.
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!