Caldo De Pollo Mexican Chicken Soup
Caldo De Pollo Mexican Chicken Soup is a traditional, comforting dish combining tender bone-in chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This flavorful soup is rich in nutrients, perfect for warming up on chilly days, soothing the soul, and nourishing the body with wholesome ingredients and authentic Mexican flavors.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Broth
- 4–6 bone-in chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks)
- 8 cups chicken broth or water
Vegetables
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 zucchinis, diced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh epazote leaves (or substitute parsley or oregano)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
To Serve
- Lime wedges
- Optional garnishes: sliced avocado, radishes, additional cilantro, Mexican crema, queso fresco
- Prepare the Chicken and Broth: Rinse and trim chicken pieces. Place them in a large pot with chicken broth or water and bring to a gentle boil. Skim off any foam that rises to keep the broth clear. Reduce heat to a simmer.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Once simmering, add chopped onions, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin to the pot. These ingredients build a warm, robust flavor base for the soup.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Add diced carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and chopped tomatoes to the simmering broth. Cook until vegetables are tender but still hold their shape, usually about 15-20 minutes.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Near the end of cooking, add freshly chopped cilantro and epazote leaves to preserve their bright flavor and aroma. Stir gently to combine.
- Final Touches and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing to add a refreshing, zesty finish.
Notes
- Choose bone-in chicken for a richer, more flavorful broth and tender meat.
- Slow simmering enhances flavor infusion and tenderizes ingredients.
- Add fresh cilantro and epazote last to preserve their vibrant flavors.
- Use homemade or low-sodium broth for maximum natural flavor and health benefits.
- Adjust the quantity and types of vegetables to customize texture and thickness.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with hearty vegetables and use vegetable broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Caldo De Pollo, Mexican chicken soup, comforting soup, bone-in chicken soup, traditional Mexican recipe, healthy chicken soup, gluten free soup