caldo de pollo recipe
C. Sophie
Warm your soul with this authentic Caldo de Pollo Recipe! Packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and bold flavors, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 250 kcal
Main Ingredients
Bone-in chicken:
- Whether you choose thighs drumsticks, or a whole chicken, bone-in chicken will give you the richest, most flavorful broth. The bones add depth and richness, creating that comforting taste you crave.
Carrots:
- Fresh peeled and chopped carrots bring sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
Potatoes:
- Cubed potatoes provide a heartiness that makes the soup feel more like a full meal.
Celery:
- Chopped celery adds a subtle refreshing crunch to balance the flavors.
Onions:
- A whole onion halved or quartered, gives a savory base for the broth.
Garlic:
- A few cloves of fresh garlic bring warmth and a touch of natural spice to enhance the overall flavor.
Fresh cilantro:
- For garnish cilantro adds a fresh, citrusy pop that completes the dish.
Limes:
- Lime wedges to squeeze over the soup before serving provide a bright tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the broth.
- Flavor-Boosting Additions
- Chicken bouillon cubes or powder: For an extra burst of flavor these cubes or powder are a great way to intensify the broth without extra fuss.
Oregano:
- A pinch of oregano adds an earthy aroma perfect for traditional caldo de pollo.
Bay leaves:
- One or two bay leaves add complexity and a subtle herbal note to the soup’s base.
Salt and pepper:
- Season to taste ensuring your broth is perfectly balanced.
Optional toppings:
- Consider adding sliced avocado rice, or warm tortillas as a side to make this meal even heartier.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
In a large stockpot, place the chicken along with 10–12 cups of water.
Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. As it heats, skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. This ensures a clear, clean broth.
Step 2: Add Flavorful Aromatics
Once the water comes to a boil, lower the heat to a simmer.
Add the onion, garlic cloves, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt to the pot.
Let the broth simmer gently for about 30–40 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and infuse the water with its rich flavor.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly.
Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, and any other vegetables you’re using to the pot.
Simmer the vegetables in the broth for 15–20 minutes or until they’re tender but not mushy.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and shred the meat from the bones. Discard the bones or save them for making more stock later.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the simmering vegetables.
Step 5: Season to Perfection
Add chicken bouillon, oregano, and black pepper to the soup. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the caldo de pollo into bowls, ensuring each serving has plenty of chicken, vegetables, and broth.
Top with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Encourage your guests to squeeze lime juice over their soup—it adds a bright, tangy kick!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 700mg
Keyword caldo de pollo recipe, healthy comfort food, Mexican chicken soup