Description
Caldo De Pollo is a traditional Mexican chicken soup packed with hearty vegetables and tender chicken simmered in a flavorful broth. This recipe combines aromatic vegetables, spices, and fresh ingredients, creating a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ medium white or yellow onion, chopped
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 4 large carrots
- 2 garlic cloves, whole or minced
- 1 corn on the cob, cut into 5 pieces
- 1 chayote, cut into 2 inch cubes
- 2 large russet potatoes, cut into 2 inch cubes
- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into 2 inch cubes
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Proteins and Liquids
- 2 large skinless boneless chicken breasts
- 2 chicken legs, bone-in (skin optional)
- 9 cups water
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
Seasonings
- 2 chicken flavour bouillon cubes
- 1 tablespoon kosher or sea salt (or half if using fine salt), or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
For Serving
- Lime juice
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the onions begin to soften, roughly 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrance.
- Add Liquids, Chicken, and Spices: Pour in the water and tomato sauce. Add the chicken breasts and legs along with chicken bouillon cubes, kosher salt, black pepper, and Mexican oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 30 minutes until the chicken starts to become tender.
- Add Vegetables in Stages: Stir in the cilantro, corn on the cob pieces, chayote, and potatoes. Cook for 10 minutes, then add the zucchini to the pot.
- Simmer and Finalize Seasoning: Taste the broth and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Cover and let simmer for another 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Serve: Ladle the caldo into bowls and drizzle with lime juice and hot sauce to taste. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Adding vegetables at different times ensures they cook perfectly without becoming mushy.
- Chicken legs with bone add more flavor, but skin can be omitted for a leaner soup.
- Adjust salt according to your preference, especially considering the bouillon cubes’ saltiness.
- Use fresh lime juice and preferred hot sauce for authentic flavor finishing touches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large bowl (approximately 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1045mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 47mg
