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Caldo De Pollo Mexican Chicken Soup

Caldo De Pollo Mexican Chicken Soup

Caldo De Pollo Mexican Chicken Soup is a traditional, hearty, and nourishing Mexican soup made with bone-in chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth. This comforting soup is packed with vitamins and minerals that soothe colds, boost the immune system, and promote digestive health. Easily customizable to your preferred spice level and ingredients, it’s perfect as a cozy meal loaded with fresh flavors from lime, cilantro, and peppers.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Broth

  • 1 whole chicken or 34 bone-in chicken pieces
  • 8 cups chicken broth or water

Vegetables

  • 3 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 2 medium zucchinis, chopped
  • 1 large white onion, quartered
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled

Herbs and Spices

  • 12 jalapeño or serrano peppers, whole or sliced (adjust to taste)
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Garnishes and Serving

  • Lime wedges
  • Optional: sliced radishes, chopped white onion, avocado slices, crispy tortilla strips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the whole chicken or chicken pieces under cold water. In a large pot, cover the chicken with 8 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, skimming off any foam that forms on the surface to keep the broth clear and clean-tasting.
  2. Add Aromatics: Add peeled garlic cloves, quartered white onion, and jalapeño or serrano peppers to the pot. Simmer gently with the chicken for at least 30 minutes to deeply infuse the broth with flavor.
  3. Include Vegetables: Add chopped carrots, potatoes, and zucchini to the pot. Continue cooking for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender but not mushy, ensuring a perfect balance of texture.
  4. Season and Taste: Season the soup with salt and black pepper according to your preference. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning as needed to achieve a balanced and bright flavor.
  5. Finish With Fresh Herbs and Lime: Turn off the heat and stir in freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side to brighten each spoonful.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken to create a richer, more flavorful broth with natural gelatin for a silky texture.
  • Simmer gently to maintain a clear broth and prevent tough chicken meat.
  • Skim foam frequently to keep broth clean and visually appealing.
  • Add vegetables in stages to ensure even cooking without mushiness.
  • Customize spice level by removing seeds from peppers for less heat or adding extra for more kick.
  • Leftover cooked chicken can be added near the end of cooking; make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
  • This soup freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caldo De Pollo, Mexican Chicken Soup, comfort food, chicken soup, healthy soup, traditional Mexican recipe, immune boosting, nourishing soup