Cozy Caldo de Pollo: A Heartwarming Chicken Soup Recipe

Caldo de pollo is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want to be wrapped up in comfort. Imagine the aroma of tender chicken simmering with vibrant vegetables wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around. This classic dish has a way of turning any mundane day into a cozy feast that feels like home.

Whether it’s a family gathering or just a quiet night in, caldo de pollo brings people together. I still remember the first time my grandma made it for me; the laughter, the stories shared, and the way her smile lit up the room made every spoonful taste like magic. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that warms the soul. So grab your apron as we embark on this culinary adventure that promises a delightful flavor explosion!

My friends still rave about how they felt wrapped in warmth after tasting this dish at my last dinner party.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Whole Chicken: A whole chicken provides maximum flavor and richness for your caldo de pollo. Look for one that feels plump and fresh.

• Carrots: These sweet, crunchy delights add color and natural sweetness. Choose firm carrots for the best texture.

• Celery Stalks: Celery adds aromatic depth to the broth, enhancing overall flavor. Freshness is key here, so opt for crisp stalks.

• Onion: A large onion provides essential sweetness and depth to your caldo de pollo. Choose onions that are firm and dry.

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic gives an irresistible aroma and savory kick to the broth. Use whole cloves for better flavor extraction.

• Fresh Herbs (Cilantro & Bay Leaves): These herbs elevate the dish; cilantro adds freshness while bay leaves provide earthy notes.

• Salt & Pepper: Basic yet essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors in your soup. Use sea salt for cleaner flavor.

• Water: The base of your broth; use filtered water for the purest taste when simmering all those wonderful ingredients.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Chicken: Start by rinsing the whole chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. Remove any giblets from inside if applicable.

Sauté Your Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté chopped onions until they turn translucent and release their sweet aroma—about 4-5 minutes.

Add Vegetables & Chicken: Toss in chopped carrots and celery next, stirring them with onions until they soften slightly—around 3 minutes before adding the whole chicken back into the pot.

Pour in Water & Seasonings : Cover everything with about 10 cups of filtered water along with salt, pepper, bay leaves, and smashed garlic cloves.

Bring to a Simmer : Increase heat until it reaches a gentle boil then lower to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 1 hour or until chicken is tender.

Create Your Broth Magic : Once cooked, remove chicken carefully from pot; shred meat into bite-sized pieces after letting cool slightly while straining debris from broth if necessary.

Enjoy ladling this delicious caldo de pollo into bowls! You can garnish each serving with fresh cilantro for added brightness and serve alongside warm tortillas or rice if desired!

Now you’ve got yourself a comforting bowl of love! Enjoy every sip as you relish not just its flavors but also all those wonderful memories tied to this delightful dish!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add chicken and let it brown. Pour in water, toss in veggies, and simmer until everything is tender and flavorful.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences. Adding corn, peas, or even some spicy peppers can elevate your caldo de pollo game.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover caldo de pollo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Sometimes I make this dish just to watch my kids’ faces light up with joy—it’s pure magic when they ask for seconds!

FAQ

What is caldo de pollo?

Caldo de pollo is a traditional Mexican chicken soup packed with flavor and nutrients.

How long does it take to make caldo de pollo?

It typically takes about 1 hour from start to finish for a delicious caldo de pollo.

Can I freeze caldo de pollo?

Yes, you can freeze caldo de pollo for up to three months without losing flavor!

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Caldo de Pollo

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Caldo de pollo, a classic Mexican chicken soup, offers a hearty warmth that’s perfect for chilly evenings. With tender chicken simmered alongside vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs, this comforting dish is not just a meal but an experience that brings family and friends together. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with rice or warm tortillas for a truly satisfying feast.

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

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• 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs)
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• 10 cups filtered water

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Instructions

1. Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat dry. Remove any giblets.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onions until translucent (about 4-5 minutes).
3. Add diced carrots and celery; cook for another 3 minutes.
4. Place the whole chicken back into the pot and cover with filtered water.
5. Stir in salt, pepper, smashed garlic cloves, and bay leaves.
6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer for about 1 hour until chicken is tender.
7. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, and strain any debris from the broth if necessary.
8. Serve caldo de pollo in bowls garnished with fresh cilantro alongside warm tortillas or rice.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 90mg