Caldo De Pollo Mexican Chicken Soup
Caldo De Pollo Mexican Chicken Soup is a warm, comforting dish featuring tender bone-in chicken, fresh vibrant vegetables, and fragrant herbs simmered in a flavorful broth. This traditional Mexican soup is nutritious, easy to make, and perfect for any day you need a cozy, satisfying meal with authentic flavors.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 2 to 3 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks)
Vegetables
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
Herbs & Spices
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Pinch of salt, to taste
Liquids
- 8 cups chicken broth or stock
Optional
- 1/2 cup cooked rice or hominy (optional for heartier texture)
- Fresh lime juice (to serve)
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and chop all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water, then pat them dry thoroughly.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become fragrant and translucent, building a flavorful base for the broth.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and sear them until lightly browned on all sides to lock in flavor and add richness to the soup.
- Add Broth and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for about 30 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Add carrots, zucchini, and corn to the pot. Cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still vibrant in color and texture.
- Final Touches: Remove the chicken from the pot, shred the meat off the bones and discard the bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stir in chopped fresh cilantro, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with fresh lime juice squeezed on top.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for a richer broth compared to boneless cuts.
- Simmer the soup slowly to develop deep, comforting flavors.
- Add vegetables later in the cooking process to keep them crisp and colorful.
- Taste your soup regularly and adjust seasoning gradually to avoid over-salting.
- Serve with lime wedges to brighten the flavors instantly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Caldo De Pollo, Mexican Chicken Soup, bone-in chicken soup, authentic Mexican soup, comforting soup, gluten-free soup, easy chicken soup, traditional Mexican recipe