Description
Authentic Caldo de Pollo is a traditional Mexican chicken soup featuring bone-in chicken, fresh vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and potatoes, aromatic herbs, and a flavorful broth. This comforting, hearty dish is perfect for chilly days and nourishing family dinners, easy to prepare with everyday ingredients and customizable to suit your dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Broth
- Whole bone-in chicken pieces (legs or thighs recommended)
- 4 to 6 cups chicken broth or water (low-sodium preferred)
Vegetables
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium zucchinis, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves, peeled
Herbs and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Rice (1/2 to 1 cup), for added bulk
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Jalapeños or chili powder, for a spicy twist
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Wash and chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Rinse chicken pieces under cold water and pat dry. Gather fresh herbs and aromatics to prepare for cooking.
- Brown the Chicken (Optional): In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat and brown the chicken pieces on all sides to add caramelized flavor to the broth.
- Build the Broth: Place chicken pieces in the pot and cover with chicken broth or water. Add chopped onion, garlic cloves, and season with salt. Bring to a gentle boil and skim off any foam that rises to keep broth clear.
- Add Vegetables: When chicken begins to soften, add chopped carrots, potatoes, and zucchini carefully to maintain their texture.
- Simmer and Season: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender. Taste broth and adjust salt, pepper, and optionally add lime juice to balance flavors.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh chopped cilantro just before serving to add bright, aromatic notes to the soup.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken pieces to impart richer flavor to the broth.
- Skim off foam during boiling to ensure clear, clean soup.
- Add vegetables later in cooking to avoid overcooking and maintain texture.
- Season gradually and taste before final adjustment.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their vibrant flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: caldo de pollo, mexican chicken soup, authentic mexican soup, chicken soup with vegetables, comforting soup, traditional caldo de pollo