Hearty Mexican Chicken Soup (Caldo De Pollo)
This comforting Mexican Chicken Soup, or Caldo De Pollo, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal. The combination of tender chicken, colorful vegetables like carrots and zucchini, and the subtle heat from your choice of chilies creates a delightful balance that’s rich in taste without overwhelming the palate. Feel free to adjust the spiciness by selecting milder or hotter chilies, and don't forget to add a fresh twist with lime juice and cilantro. Perfect as a one-dish meal, it’s equally satisfying as a starter or shared among friends on a chilly evening.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Carrots
4 (cut lengthwise and then in 3-inch lengths)
Yellow zucchini
1 (cut into 1/4 inch round slices)
Chicken stock
6 cups (none)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced and browned on a dry skillet)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Cumin
1 pinch (none)
Whole chicken breasts
2 (about 2 lbs total)
Anaheim chilies
2 (or use chipotle chiles for more heat)
Fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Salt & Pepper
to taste (none)
Lime wedge
1 per serving (to garnish)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caldo De Pollo?
Caldo De Pollo is a traditional and comforting Mexican chicken soup that is both vibrant and flavorful.
What are the primary vegetables in this recipe?
The main vegetables included are carrots and yellow zucchini.
How much chicken stock is required for the soup?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of chicken stock.
How should I prepare the carrots?
The carrots should be cut lengthwise and then into 3-inch lengths.
What type of zucchini is recommended?
The recipe specifies using one yellow zucchini.
How do I prepare the garlic cloves?
You should mince four garlic cloves and brown them on a dry skillet before adding them to the soup.
Can I substitute the Anaheim chilies?
Yes, you can use chipotle chiles if you prefer more heat.
How much chicken is needed?
You will need two whole chicken breasts, totaling about 2 lbs.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with oregano, a pinch of cumin, salt, and pepper.
Is this Mexican chicken soup healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, nutrient-rich vegetable and protein soup.
How should the zucchini be sliced?
The yellow zucchini should be cut into 1/4 inch round slices.
What is the recommended garnish?
Garnish each serving with a lime wedge and chopped fresh cilantro.
How much oregano is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of oregano.
Can I make the soup spicier?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by selecting hotter chilies like chipotle.
How should the cilantro be prepared?
Use one tablespoon of fresh cilantro, finely chopped.
Is this soup a main dish or a starter?
It is versatile and can be served as a hearty one-dish meal or a satisfying starter.
How do I add a fresh twist to the soup?
Adding fresh lime juice and cilantro at the end provides a fresh twist to the flavor.
What is the weight of the chicken breasts?
The two whole chicken breasts should weigh approximately 2 lbs total.
How much cumin is added to the recipe?
The recipe calls for just one pinch of cumin.
Is this soup suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is a comforting dish specifically recommended for chilly evenings.
How many carrots are needed?
The recipe requires 4 carrots.
Does the garlic need to be browned?
Yes, the minced garlic should be browned on a dry skillet for better flavor.
What is the overall flavor profile?
It is rich in taste with a subtle heat and a balance of savory chicken and fresh vegetables.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick and easy recipe.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 4 garlic cloves.
When should I add salt and pepper?
Salt and pepper should be added to taste during the cooking process.
What kind of chicken parts are best?
The recipe specifically recommends using whole chicken breasts.
How many Anaheim chilies are included?
The recipe uses 2 Anaheim chilies.
Can I use milder chilies?
Yes, you can adjust the heat by choosing milder chili varieties.
What makes this soup 'hearty'?
The combination of 2 lbs of chicken and plenty of carrots and zucchini makes it a filling, hearty meal.