Few meals feel as cozy as a bowl of chickarina soup on a chilly day. The smell of gently simmering chicken, vegetables, and pasta immediately evokes warm, nostalgic memories of home-cooked comfort. Moreover, this homemade version is fresher, healthier, and far more flavorful than any canned soup.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Because it features rich homemade broth with mini chicken meatballs
- Since it uses tender pearl pasta or couscous for extra texture
- As a result, it’s simple to make and easy to customize
- In addition, it’s perfect for meal prep and family dinners
Chickarina Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Homemade chickarina soup with tender chicken meatballs, pearl pasta, and rich flavorful broth. Fresher and healthier than canned.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 pounds bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 small clove garlic, halved
- 3 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for serving
- Pinch white pepper
- 1 medium onion, diced (1 cup)
- 1 large carrot, diced (1 cup)
- 2 stalks celery, diced (1 cup)
- 1 cup pearl pasta or Israeli couscous
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs and drumsticks in a pot with salt, peppercorns, bay leaf, and water. Simmer 45 minutes. Shred meat and strain stock.
- In a food processor, combine chicken breast, broth, breadcrumbs, baking powder, garlic, 2 tsp oil, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Pulse to paste and chill.
- Heat 3 tbsp oil, add onion, carrot, celery, and salt. Cook 3–5 min.
- Add stock, shape and drop small meatballs into soup. Add pasta and simmer until al dente.
- Return shredded chicken, adjust seasoning, and serve topped with Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
- To freeze: omit pasta and add when reheating.
- Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Add lemon juice for brightness before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
What is Chickarina Soup?
Chickarina soup is a classic chicken-based soup featuring tiny, tender meatballs and small pearl-shaped pasta, often called pastina or Israeli couscous. Its popularity grew in the U.S. thanks to canned versions like Progresso, but making it fresh at home gives you richer flavor and better texture.
How it stands out:
- Small chicken meatballs: offer a lighter alternative compared to heavier beef or pork versions.
- Small pearl pasta: cooks quickly and gives the soup a comforting bite
- Broth-based: light yet hearty, perfect for family meals
- Customizable: easy to adjust for gluten-free or high-protein diets
Key Ingredients for Chickarina Soup
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Make the Broth | Put the chicken thighs and drumsticks into a large pot for cooking.Add 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp peppercorns, bay leaf, and 10 cups water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes. Remove any foam, take out the meat, shred it, and strain the broth for clarity. |
| 2. Prepare the Meatballs | In a food processor, combine chicken breast pieces, chicken broth, breadcrumbs, baking powder, garlic, 2 tsp oil, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Pulse to form a thick paste (do not purée). Chill briefly. |
| 3. Cook the Vegetables | Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven. Add diced onion, carrot, celery, and 1 tsp salt. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. |
| 4. Assemble the Soup | Pour in the saved broth, let it gently simmer, then form tiny meatballs and add them to the soup. Add pasta and simmer until al dente. |
| 5. Finish and Serve | Return shredded chicken to the pot, adjust seasoning, and serve hot topped with Parmesan and parsley. |
For the Meatballs:
- Ground chicken or turkey A lean protein that keeps the meatballs light.
- Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the ingredients and keep them tender.
- Egg – Ensures the meatballs hold their shape while staying soft.
- Parmesan cheese – Enhances the depth of flavor with a rich, savory taste.
- Garlic and onion powder – Enhances the depth of flavor.
- Fresh parsley – Brings brightness and a fresh taste.
For the Soup:
- Chicken broth – A savory foundation that brings all the flavors together.
- Carrots, celery, and onions – Classic aromatics that provide natural sweetness.
- Acini de pepe pasta – Small pasta that absorbs the broth beautifully.
- Olive oil – Essential for sautéing vegetables and enhancing flavor.
- Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning – Essential for balancing flavors.
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures that every spoonful is packed with comforting homemade goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chickarina Soup
Follow these steps for a flavorful and authentic homemade chickarina soup:
- Make the Broth:
Put chicken thighs and drumsticks into a large pot to start making the broth. Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon peppercorns, bay leaf, and 10 cups water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until meat is tender (about 45 minutes). Skim off any foam. Transfer meat to a plate, cool slightly, and remove from the bones. Cut into bite-size pieces. Strain and reserve stock.
2. Prepare the Meatballs:
Blend chicken breast, broth, crumbs, baking powder, garlic, oil, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a food processor until combined.. Pulse to form a thick paste (do not purée). Cover and chill briefly for easy shaping.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
Warm three tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven or deep pan over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, celery, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook until softened (3–5 minutes).
4. Assemble the Soup:
Add reserved stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Shape small meatballs by hand or with a scoop and drop them directly into the soup. Add pasta and simmer until al dente, following package directions.
5. Finish and Serve:
Return shredded chicken to the pot, adjust seasoning, and simmer briefly. Serve warm, finishing each bowl with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips & Variations
Make It Gluten-Free
- Use gluten-free pasta or pearl-shaped gluten-free couscous.
- Substitute breadcrumbs in the meatballs with almond flour or gluten-free panko.
Meal Prep & Freezing
- Cook the soup without pasta if planning to freeze; add pasta fresh when reheating.
- Divide the soup and meatballs into portions, then freeze them for as long as three months.
- For refrigerated storage, keep in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Flavor Boosts
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a little zest to brighten the flavor.
- Opt for homemade chicken stock for a more robust and full-bodied taste.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spiciness.
Time-Saving Tips
- Use pre-ground chicken for faster meatball preparation (texture will differ slightly).
- Pre-chop vegetables and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead.
Storage and Safety for Chickarina Soup
Keeping Chickarina Soup fresh requires proper storage. Follow these simple tips to maintain its flavor and quality.
Refrigeration
- Allow the soup to cool slightly before placing it in an airtight container.
- Keep refrigerated for up to four days to preserve freshness.
- Reheat gently over low heat, stirring once in a while to warm it evenly.
For official guidelines on storing cooked meals, visit FDA Food Storage Guidelines.
Freezing
- To prevent soggy pasta, freeze the soup without the pasta.
- Pour into freezer-safe containers and label with the date.
- When stored correctly, it stays fresh for up to three months.
For freezing best practices, check USDA Freezing Guidelines.
Reheating Tips
- Always heat the soup to 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- Do not refreeze soup once it has been thawed to maintain its quality.
What to Serve with Chickarina Soup
Pairing Chickarina Soup with the right sides makes it a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some delicious options:
Bread & Crackers
- Crusty baguette or sourdough – Perfect for dipping into the broth.
- Garlic toast – Adds a crisp, buttery contrast.
- Saltine or oyster crackers – A simple yet classic choice.
Salads & Vegetables
- Crisp garden salad – A refreshing side that complements the soup’s richness.
- Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts – A great way to add more vegetables.
Cheese & Protein Additions
- Shaved Parmesan – A sprinkle on top enhances the flavor.
- Grilled chicken slices – Adds extra protein for a heartier meal.
These sides bring out the best in Chickarina Soup, making it even more enjoyable.
Top Tips for Perfecting Chickarina Soup
Want to make the best Chickarina Soup possible? Follow these expert tips to achieve the perfect results.
1. Choose Quality Broth
A rich, high-quality chicken broth is essential for a deeply flavorful soup. If using store-bought, go for a low-sodium option to control seasoning.
2. Keep Meatballs Light for Chickarina Soup
- Avoid overmixing the ground chicken to keep them tender.
- Using fine breadcrumbs and Parmesan creates a soft texture.
- Small, even meatballs ensure quick and even cooking.
3. Cook Pasta Separately for Leftovers
If storing the soup, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to prevent it from absorbing too much broth.
4. Build Layers of Flavor
Season in stages start with the vegetables, then the broth, and finally the meatballs. This technique enhances the overall taste.
Conclusion
Chickarina Soup is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor. With its tender meatballs, savory broth, and delicate pasta, it’s a dish that brings warmth to any meal. Whether enjoyed fresh or stored for later, this soup remains a delicious and nourishing choice.
If you love comforting soups, don’t miss Porcupine Soup, a unique and flavorful option. For more hearty recipes, check out:
- Purple Black Bean Soup Recipe – A nutritious and bold-flavored soup.
- Taipei Cuisine Quincy Beef Noodle Soup – A deeply flavorful, slow-cooked broth.
- Taco Soup Frios Recipe – A Tex-Mex twist on a classic soup.
- Beef Kidney Recipe – A rich and protein-packed dish.
Try this Chickarina Soup recipe today, and enjoy a bowl full of homemade goodness!
FAQs About Chickarina Soup
Chickarina soup is made with chicken broth, mini chicken meatballs, pearl-shaped pasta, and classic soup vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion. Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs enhance the soup with extra layers of flavor.
Made with chicken meatballs and small pearl pasta, chickarina soup has a lighter, more delicate broth. Italian wedding soup typically includes beef or pork meatballs along with greens such as spinach or escarole.
Traditionally, chickarina soup includes tiny pearl-shaped pasta such as pastina or Israeli couscous. However, acini di pepe or orzo can be used as substitutes.
Julia Child’s favorite soup was French onion soup, known for its rich slow-cooked broth topped with toasted bread and melted cheese. Nevertheless, she enjoyed many classic French soups.
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