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Authentic Mexican Caldo de Pollo: A Hearty Chicken Soup Recipe

Caldo de pollo is a soul-warming Mexican chicken soup that combines tender chicken pieces with fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth. This traditional soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it the perfect comfort food for cold days or when you're feeling under the weather.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 606
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 5 pounds chicken leg quarters
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large white onion quartered
  • 6 cloves garlic peeled and lightly crushed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 10 cups water
  • 4 large carrots peeled and cut into chunks
  • 4 medium potatoes peeled and quartered
  • 2 zucchini cut into thick rounds
  • 3 ears of corn cut into 2-inch pieces
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
  • 1 lime cut into wedges (for serving)
  • 2-3 jalapeños sliced (optional, for heat)
  • Warm corn tortillas for serving

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken leg quarters and brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  2. Once all chicken is browned, return all pieces to the pot. Add the quartered onion, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour in 10 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  4. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, remove skin if desired (for a less fatty soup) and return the chicken pieces to the pot.
  5. Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. Simmer for 15 minutes, then add the corn. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes.
  6. Add the zucchini and cook for a final 10 minutes, until all vegetables are tender but not mushy.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in fresh cilantro just before serving.
  9. Serve hot in large bowls with lime wedges on the side, sliced jalapeños for those who want extra heat, and warm corn tortillas.

Nutrition

Calories: 606kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 52gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 2080mgFiber: 7gSugar: 6g
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