Go Back
caldo de pollo recipe

Caldo de Pollo Recipe

Pinklady
Caldo de Pollo has its roots in traditional Mexican cuisine. Like many soups, it began as a humble dish designed to make use of simple, accessible ingredients. Over time, it evolved, incorporating regional flavors and seasonal vegetables. Today, it’s beloved in households across Mexico and beyond, often enjoyed with rice, tortillas, or a squeeze of lime for an extra kick.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Mexican

Equipment

  • Large stockpot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Mixing spoon
  • Ladle

Ingredients
  

For the Soup

  • 6 chicken drumsticks or thighs (skin-on for extra flavor)
  • 8 cups of water (or chicken broth for added richness)
  • 1 large onion, halved
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 zucchini, sliced
  • 3 ears of corn, cut into thirds
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 roma tomatoes, quartered
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Optional Garnishes

  • Lime wedges
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Avocado slices
  • Cooked rice

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Base
    Place the chicken, water (or broth), onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin in a large stockpot.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Skim off any foam that rises to the surface to ensure a clear broth.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  • Add the Vegetables
    Remove the onion and garlic from the broth (they’ve done their job flavoring the base).
  • Add the carrots, celery, tomatoes, potatoes, corn, and zucchini to the pot.
  • Simmer the soup for another 20–30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
  • Adjust and Finish
    Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cumin if needed.
  • Stir in fresh cilantro for an aromatic touch.
  • Serve and Enjoy
    Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a mix of chicken, vegetables, and broth.
  • Add optional garnishes like lime juice, fresh cilantro, or avocado slices.
  • Serve with warm tortillas or rice on the side.

Video

Keyword Caldo de Pollo Recipe