Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup
Description: Warm up with this comforting Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup, inspired by the popular Italian restaurant favorite! Tender chicken, hearty potatoes, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and flavorful herbs simmer together in a rich, savory broth with a gentle spicy kick. This homemade soup is perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or whenever you crave a cozy restaurant-style meal at home.
📝 Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
6 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the chicken: Add the diced chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the broth and tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes and season with salt and black pepper.
Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Finish and serve: Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice, if desired. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread.
⏱️ Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
💡 Helpful Tips
Adjust the spice: Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat or reduce them for a milder soup.
Make it heartier: Add chopped zucchini or spinach during the final minutes of cooking.
Boost the flavor: Use good-quality chicken broth and fresh garlic.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Potatoes may soften slightly after thawing.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Add shredded cooked chicken during the last 10 minutes of simmering, just long enough to heat it through.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add the ingredients except parsley and lemon juice to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Q: How can I make the soup less spicy?
Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and season gradually to your taste.
Q: What should I serve with this soup?
Crusty Italian bread, garlic bread, a green salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich makes a delicious accompaniment.
Q: Is this the exact restaurant recipe?
This is a homemade copycat-inspired version, not an official Carrabba’s recipe. Ingredients and flavors may differ from the restaurant original.
📌 Short Description
This Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup is loaded with tender chicken, potatoes, vegetables, Italian herbs, and a flavorful spicy broth. A cozy, easy homemade soup that brings restaurant-inspired comfort straight to your kitchen!