Authentic Caldo de Pollo
This Easy Authentic Caldo de Pollo recipe offers a warm, hearty, and comforting homemade chicken soup with simple fresh ingredients that yield a rich, flavorful broth and tender chicken. Perfect for soothing colds or enjoying a nourishing, wholesome meal any day of the week.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups and Stews
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1 whole chicken or 3–4 bone-in chicken pieces
Vegetables
- 3–4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2–3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium potatoes or 2 zucchinis, chopped
Herbs & Seasonings
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Liquids & Garnish
- 8 cups water or chicken broth
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Prep the Chicken and Vegetables: Begin by washing and cutting your chicken pieces into manageable sizes. Peel and chop carrots, celery, potatoes, and onion into chunks for even cooking. Mince the garlic to infuse the soup with aromatic goodness.
- Sear and Simmer: In a large pot, lightly brown the chicken to lock in juices. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Pour in water or chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Slow cooking extracts rich flavor and creates a clear broth.
- Add Vegetables and Season: Once simmering, add carrots, celery, and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste. Let cook uncovered until the chicken is tender and vegetables soften but remain intact.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and parsley over the soup. Serve with lime wedges on the side so everyone can add a bright, tangy splash to their bowl, enhancing the authentic flavor.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for a richer broth.
- Do not rush the slow simmer to maximize flavor.
- Skim foam from the broth surface for clarity.
- Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Caldo de Pollo, Mexican chicken soup, authentic chicken soup, easy chicken soup, comforting soup, traditional soup