When the cold weather hits or you're feeling under the weather, nothing beats a steaming bowl of italian penicillin soup with chicken. This classic dinner recipe has been passed down through generations of Italian families, and for good reason. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and healing chicken broth creates the ultimate comfort food that actually helps you feel better.
I've made this italian penicillin soup with chicken countless times for my family, and it never fails to bring warmth and comfort to our table. The beauty of this italian penicillin soup with chicken lies in its simplicity; fresh ingredients come together to create something truly magical that feeds both body and soul.
A Soup That's Been Healing Families for Generations
The traditional italian penicillin soup with chicken has been a staple in Mediterranean kitchens for centuries. Italian grandmothers, or nonnas, have long known what modern science is just confirming: this healing chicken soup recipe contains powerful natural compounds that can help fight inflammation and boost your immune system. The garlic and onions provide natural antibiotic properties, while the simmering stock draws out nutrients from the chicken bones.
This italian penicillin soup with chicken pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread or a simple side salad. It's the kind of dish that makes your home smell incredible and brings everyone to the dinner table. Whether you're making it as a cold remedy soup or simply craving Italian comfort food, this recipe delivers every single time.
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Ingredients
For the Chicken Broth Base:
- Chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in)
- Water
- Onion, quartered
- Garlic cloves, smashed
- Bay leaves
- Celery stalks, chopped
- Carrots, sliced
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh rosemary
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
Optional Add-ins:
- Small pasta (e.g., ditalini or orzo)
- Fresh spinach (or kale)
- Parmesan rind
- Red pepper flakes
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing Your Ingredients
- Start by rinsing your chicken pieces under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels.
- Chop all your vegetables into uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
- Smash the garlic cloves with the flat side of your knife to release their natural oils.
- Gather all your fresh herbs and tie them together with kitchen twine for easy removal later.
- Have your olive oil, salt, and pepper ready near the stove.
Step 2: Building the Flavor Base
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Brown the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden; this creates a deeper flavor.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
- Add the onions and garlic to the same pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- This step builds the foundation for your best chicken soup for flu.
Step 3: Simmering the Stock
- Return the chicken to the pot and add all 10 cups of water.
- Toss in the celery, carrots, bay leaves, and your bundle of fresh herbs.
- Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low for a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for 45 minutes to create that healing chicken broth.
- Skim off any foam that rises to the surface for a clearer broth.
- The low simmer extracts all the goodness from the bones and vegetables.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
- Remove the chicken pieces and let them cool for 5 minutes.
- Shred the meat with two forks and discard the bones and skin.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the vegetables and herbs.
- Return the clear broth and shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add fresh vegetables if you want more texture in your nonna's chicken soup recipe.
- Stir in the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- If using pasta, cook it according to package directions and add it to bowls before ladling the soup.
Expert Cooking Tips
- Temperature Control : Keep it at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil ; it keeps the broth clear and the chicken tender.
- Best Chicken Choice : Bone-in, skin-on pieces give the broth depth and flavor. Rotisserie works in a pinch, but nothing beats homemade stock.
- Herb Power : Add thyme and rosemary early, parsley and lemon juice at the end for brightness and immune-boosting zing.
- Skim Like a Pro : Skim off foam during the first 30 minutes for a clear, golden broth worthy of Nonna’s approval.
- Smart Storage : Cool quickly in an ice bath, chill, then remove solidified fat for a lighter soup and longer freshness.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Diet-Specific Modifications
This versatile soup adapts beautifully to different dietary needs. For a keto-friendly version, skip the pasta and add extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms. The italian penicillin soup with chicken is naturally low-carb and high-protein without the pasta. If you're following a paleo diet, this recipe is already compliant; just make sure to use quality chicken and skip any grains.
For vegetarians, you can create a similar healing soup by using vegetable broth and adding white beans or chickpeas for protein. While it won't be the traditional italian penicillin soup with chicken, it will still provide comfort and warmth.
Creative Flavor Twists
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes and a diced jalapeño for heat
- Asian Fusion: Include ginger, star anise, and finish with sesame oil
- Tuscan Style: Add white beans, kale, and extra garlic for heartiness
- Spring Version: Use asparagus, peas, and fresh dill instead of traditional vegetables
- Rich and Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a luxurious texture
Ingredient Swaps
- Replace chicken with turkey for a Thanksgiving leftover soup
- Use vegetable stock instead of water for deeper flavor
- Swap carrots for sweet potatoes for added nutrition
- Try diced tomatoes for an Italian-American variation
- Add rice instead of pasta for a gluten-free option that's equally satisfying
Equipment Recommendations
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven (8-quart minimum) ; essential for making enough italian penicillin soup with chicken for the whole family
- Fine-mesh strainer ; creates that crystal-clear broth restaurants are known for
- Kitchen tongs ; makes handling hot chicken pieces safe and easy
- Large ladle ; perfect for serving and skimming foam
- Sharp chef's knife ; for efficiently prepping all your vegetables
- Cutting board ; preferably one designated for raw meat
- Measuring cups and spoons ; ensures consistent results every time
- Two forks ; the best tools for shredding chicken quickly
Budget-friendly tip: You don't need expensive equipment for this soup. A basic large pot works perfectly fine, and you can strain through a regular colander lined with cheesecloth if you don't have a fine-mesh strainer.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
Store your italian penicillin soup with chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating to maintain food safety. The flavors actually improve after a day, making this perfect for meal prep. If you notice the fat solidifying on top, you can either remove it for a lighter soup or stir it back in for more richness.
Freezing Instructions
- Cool the soup completely before freezing
- Portion into individual servings for easy reheating
- Leave 1-inch of headspace in containers to allow for expansion
- Freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
- If you added pasta, it may become soft after freezing; consider adding fresh pasta when reheating
Reheating Tips
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches 165°F. You can also microwave individual portions in 2-minute intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much during storage.
The Secret to Restaurant-Quality Flavor
Here's what separates good italian penicillin soup with chicken from truly exceptional bowls: letting your finished soup rest for 15 minutes before serving. This resting time allows all the flavors to marry and settle, creating a more cohesive taste. Professional chefs always do this with soups and stews.
Another secret is to slightly under-season during cooking and adjust at the very end. Salt levels concentrate as the liquid reduces, and what tastes perfect at the beginning might be too salty later. Always do a final taste test right before serving your italian penicillin soup with chicken, adding salt, pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice as needed.
FAQ
Does Italian penicillin soup have chicken in it?
Yes, authentic italian penicillin soup with chicken always includes chicken as the main protein. The bone-in chicken creates the rich, healing broth that gives this soup its medicinal reputation.
Does Italian penicillin soup really work?
Italian penicillin soup with chicken does have genuine healing properties. The combination of chicken broth, garlic, and vegetables provides anti-inflammatory compounds that support immune function and help reduce cold symptoms.
Why do they call it penicillin soup?
It's called penicillin soup because of its reputation for helping people recover from colds and flu. This italian penicillin soup with chicken has natural healing powers through ingredients like garlic, onions, and nutrient-rich broth.
What is the famous soup in Italy?
Italy has many famous soups, but minestrone is the most well-known internationally. However, italian penicillin soup with chicken holds a special place as a traditional healing soup that families turn to for comfort and wellness.
Warm Your Soul with This Timeless Recipe
Making italian penicillin soup with chicken from scratch is easier than you think, and the results are absolutely worth the time. This traditional dinner recipe combines simple ingredients to create something that's greater than the sum of its parts. The healing properties of the chicken broth, combined with aromatic vegetables and fresh herbs, make this more than just a meal.
Whether you're fighting off a cold or simply craving Italian comfort food, this italian penicillin soup with chicken delivers on every level. Once you've mastered this recipe, you might want to explore other comforting dishes like our BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe for a completely different take on chicken dinners, or try the Keto Chicken Parmesan Recipe for a low-carb Italian favorite. These recipes share the same commitment to flavor and satisfaction that makes italian penicillin soup with chicken such a beloved classic.
Cooking with love makes every bowl special 🍲~ Viola
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Italian Penicillin Soup with Chicken recipe:
Italian Penicillin Soup With Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- 1 Fine-mesh strainer
- 1 Kitchen tongs
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Chef’s knife
- 1 Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 2 Forks
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts bone-in preferred
- 10 cups water for the broth
- 1 large onion, quartered adds depth
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed immune support
- 2 bay leaves classic flavor
- 3 stalks celery, chopped texture
- 2 large carrots, sliced sweetness
- ¼ cup fresh parsley brightness
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme earthy
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary aroma
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoon olive oil sauté
- 1 lemon, juiced brightness
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or orzo) optional
- fresh spinach or kale extra greens
- parmesan rind umami
- red pepper flakes heat
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large stockpot. Sauté chicken, onion, garlic, and herbs until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Add water, carrots, celery, bay leaves, and optional parmesan rind. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer.
- Occasionally skim foam from the surface for a clearer broth. Simmer gently for 45–60 minutes.
- Remove chicken with tongs and shred with two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to pot. Stir in lemon juice, parsley, salt, pepper, and any optional greens or pasta. Simmer briefly to finish.
- Let the soup rest for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
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