Description
A hearty and authentic caldo de pollo recipe made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This traditional Mexican chicken soup is perfect for comforting meals and bringing family together.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces) or 6–8 bone-in chicken thighs/drumsticks
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced (optional)
- 2 ears of corn, cut into rounds (optional)
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced (optional)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 2 large tomatoes, diced or 1 cup canned tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1–2 jalapeños or serrano peppers, sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Rinse chicken pieces and pat dry. Brown them in a large pot with olive oil over medium heat for 5–7 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Return the chicken to the pot and add chicken broth or water to cover all ingredients.
- Stir in tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes. Add optional ingredients like potatoes or corn halfway through cooking.
- Remove chicken, shred meat, and discard bones. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Adjust seasoning and stir in chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with lime wedges, tortillas, or crusty bread.
Notes
- For extra flavor, roast or char the vegetables before adding them to the soup.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for later use.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 2 cups)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Caldo de pollo recipe, Mexican chicken soup, authentic caldo de pollo, chicken soup recipe, traditional Mexican soup