best caldo de pollo recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best best caldo de pollo recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Caldo de Pollo recipe! This hearty, comforting soup has been a staple in my household for years, and I just can’t get enough of it. The rich flavors and tender chicken make it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Whether I’m serving it to my family on a weeknight or to a crowd of friends on the weekends, Caldo de Pollo is always a hit. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors meld together. I like to use bone broth for an extra boost of nutrition and depth of flavor. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we’re making this recipe – they get so excited to taste the finished product and add their own toppings.

The aroma that fills our home as it simmers on the stovetop is just heavenly, and I feel so lucky to be able to share this tradition with my loved ones. One thing that really sets this recipe apart is the way it makes me feel connected to my heritage. My abuela used to make this soup for us all the time when I was growing up, and now that I have kids of my own, I love being able to pass this tradition down through the generations.

It’s more than just a meal – it’s a way of showing love and care for those around us.

Best Caldo de Pollo

4.8 from 1062 votes

This hearty Mexican chicken soup is packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. It is a comforting and nourishing meal perfect for any day of the week.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time50 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 10 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
8 cups water
1 large white onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup chopped green beans
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 cup chopped cilantro
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 bay leaves
Juice of 2 limes

For Serving

Warm corn tortillas
Lime wedges
Fresh cilantro leaves
Sliced avocado
Salsa verde or hot sauce

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the chicken thighs in a large stockpot and add 8 cups of water.
2Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
3Add the quartered onion, smashed garlic, bay leaves, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot.
4Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender when pierced with a fork.
5Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set them aside to cool slightly.
6Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bones, discarding the skin and bones.
7Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the simmering broth.
8Cook for 10 minutes, then add the green beans, corn, and zucchini.
9Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, until all vegetables are tender but still bright in color.
10Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
11Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
12Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with warm corn tortillas, lime wedges, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and salsa on the side.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot (at least 6 quarts)
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Ladle
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 6g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of water. You can also add a whole jalapeno or serrano pepper to the broth for extra heat. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Best Caldo de Pollo Works

This Caldo de Pollo recipe has become an essential part of our family’s meals over the years – it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

And as we’ve learned how to make it together as a team, we’ve also discovered all sorts of creative ways to serve it up – from adding crusty bread or corn tortillas on the side to using leftover chicken for salads or sandwiches later in the week.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Caldo de Pollo

1. What is Caldo de Pollo?

Caldo de Pollo is a traditional Latin American soup made with chicken, vegetables, and aromatic spices.

2. What are some common variations of Caldo de Pollo?

Some common variations include adding potatoes, carrots, or other root vegetables for added texture and flavor.

3. How do you store leftover Caldo de Pollo?

You can store leftover Caldo de Pollo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

4. Can you make Caldo de Pollo in a slow cooker?

No problem! Simply brown the chicken in a pan before transferring everything to your slow cooker.

5. Is Caldo de Pollo healthy?

This soup is packed with nutritious ingredients like chicken breast, vegetables, and herbs – perfect for a quick and easy dinner!

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