Caldo de pollo (Chicken soup)

Caldo de Pollo (Mexican Chicken Soup)

A comforting, flavorful Mexican chicken soup that’s packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and a deliciously seasoned broth. Caldo de Pollo is the ultimate feel-good dish, perfect for a chilly day or when you’re craving a warm, homemade meal.

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Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces or 4 bone-in chicken thighs)

• 10 cups water (or enough to cover the chicken)

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

• 1 medium onion, quartered

• 2 cloves garlic, smashed

• 1 zucchini, cut into half-moons (optional)

• 1 corn on the cob, cut into 2-3 pieces (optional, for extra flavor)

• 2-3 sprigs fresh cilantro

• 1-2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp ground cumin (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 lime (cut into wedges, for serving)

• 1 avocado (sliced, for serving)

• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Place the chicken pieces in a large pot and cover with water (about 10 cups or enough to fully submerge the chicken). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

2. Add the Vegetables:

   • Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Skim any impurities or foam from the surface of the broth.

   • Add the carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, bay leaves, cumin (optional), and cilantro sprigs to the pot. Simmer the soup for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

3. Shred the Chicken:

   • Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot. Shred the chicken meat off the bones, discarding the skin and bones (or save the bones for making stock).

   • Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

4. Add the Zucchini and Corn (Optional):

   • Add the zucchini and corn (if using) to the pot. Continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the corn is cooked through.

5. Season and Adjust:

   • Taste the broth and add salt and pepper to your preference. If you’d like a richer flavor, you can add a little more cumin or a pinch of oregano.

6. Serve:

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to include plenty of chicken and vegetables.

   • Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and a wedge of lime on the side.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with warm tortillas or rice on the side for a complete meal.

• For a little extra kick, drizzle some hot sauce or add sliced jalapeños to the bowl.

Enjoy your Caldo de Pollo! This comforting soup is nourishing, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, from a cold day to a cozy family meal.

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Let me know if you need any variations or substitutions! This one is pretty flexible depending on your tastes.