Caldo de Pollo with Vegetables

Name: Caldo de Pollo with Vegetables
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces; 8 cups of water; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 2 medium potatoes, diced; 1 stalk of celery, chopped; 1 onion, quartered; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon of salt; 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper; 1 teaspoon of dried oregano; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro; Juice of 1 lime

Highlighted under: World Cuisine Creations

When I crave something comforting, I always turn to Caldo de Pollo with Vegetables. This hearty chicken soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, brimming with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables. I love making it on chilly evenings when I need a nourishing meal that’s easy to prepare. The burst of flavors from the herbs and spices makes every spoonful delightful. Plus, I can customize the vegetables based on what I have on hand, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.

Created by

Olivia

Last updated on 2026-01-20T14:22:28.493Z

Making Caldo de Pollo has become a cherished tradition in my kitchen. I remember the first time I experimented with different vegetables, discovering how potatoes and carrots really enhance the broth. By adding fresh herbs like cilantro and a squeeze of lime at the end, a simple chicken soup transforms into something vibrant and full of life. I often prepare a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, and trust me, it never lasts long!

This dish has a special place in my heart because it’s not just about eating; it’s about sharing. I often enjoy it with family and friends, and it always brings us together around the table. The beauty of Caldo de Pollo is its adaptability; I’ve tried adding zucchini and even corn for a twist. Each version reminds me of home and the comfort of a deep, fragrant broth.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Heartwarming flavors that remind you of home
Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables
Perfect for meal prep and cozy gatherings

Crafting the Perfect Broth

The foundation of any great Caldo de Pollo is the broth. When simmering the chicken, it's crucial to maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. This approach prevents the chicken from becoming tough and ensures a clear, flavorful broth free from impurities. Aim for a temperature that keeps it bubbling softly for about 30 minutes after the initial boil; the chicken should be fully cooked and tender, giving you a rich base for the soup.

As you prepare the broth, don’t skip on the aromatics. The onion and garlic add depth of flavor that elevates the dish. I often sauté the garlic before adding it to the pot, just until it's fragrant, to bring out its sweetness. This small step results in a more complex and delicious broth that will be the heart of your soup.

Vegetable Selection and Preparation

One of my favorite aspects of this Caldo de Pollo is its flexibility in vegetable use. While the recipe calls for carrots, potatoes, and celery, feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or green beans based on availability. Just keep in mind that harder vegetables like carrots and potatoes should be added earlier in the cooking process, while softer ones can be introduced later to avoid mushiness.

When chopping your vegetables, aim for uniform sizes; this ensures even cooking. For instance, cutting potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes will allow them to cook through in the allotted 30 minutes while maintaining their shape. If you prefer more texture in your soup, reserve some veggies to add halfway through cooking for a delightful contrast.

Serving and Storing Tips

Once your Caldo de Pollo is ready, serving it piping hot is key. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice not only brightens the flavor but also adds a refreshing finish to each bowl. I like to serve it with warm tortillas on the side, allowing guests to dip and enjoy the savory broth with a personal touch.

If you plan to make this soup ahead of time, it freezes exceptionally well. Portion it out in airtight containers after it cools, making it perfect for quick meals later. Just be cautious with the noodles or rice if you choose to add them; they tend to absorb broth when stored and lose their texture upon reheating. Instead, I recommend preparing them fresh to serve with thawed soup.

Ingredients

Start with fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

For the Soup

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
8 cups of water
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 stalk of celery, chopped
1 onion, quartered
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup of chopped cilantro
Juice of 1 lime

Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you have on hand!

Instructions

Gather all your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Prepare the Broth

In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces, water, onion, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the carrots, potatoes, celery, salt, pepper, oregano, and bay leaf. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

Finish and Serve

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred the meat. Discard the bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, add cilantro, and lime juice. Serve hot.

Enjoy your homemade Caldo de Pollo alone or with a side of warm tortillas!

Pro Tips

For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the garlic and onions before adding the chicken. This will give your broth a richer base.

Flavor Enhancements

To deepen the flavor profile of your Caldo de Pollo, consider adding a few bay leaves during cooking, as specified in the recipe. Bay leaves lend an aromatic quality that complements the soup nicely. Just remember to remove them before serving, as they can be tough to chew and don’t offer much in terms of flavor after steeping.

Additionally, if you enjoy a bit of heat, adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce will give your Caldo a delightful kick. This can be adjusted based on your spice tolerance; start with less and add more gradually as needed, ensuring that heat doesn’t overpower the comforting flavors of chicken and vegetables.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake when making Caldo de Pollo is not allowing enough time for the flavors to meld. After adding all your ingredients, it’s essential to let the soup simmer long enough—at least 30 minutes—so the chicken fully imparts its flavor to the broth. Rushing this step can result in a bland soup that doesn’t reflect the heartwarming dish you aim to create.

Another issue could be overcooking the vegetables, especially the softer ones. To avoid this, you can add heartier vegetables earlier in the cooking process while timing the softer ones to go in about halfway through. This method preserves their texture and creates a lovely contrast against the tender chicken.

Nutritional Information and Variations

Caldo de Pollo is naturally rich in protein, thanks to the chicken, and loaded with vitamins from the variety of vegetables. For those looking to increase nutritional content, consider adding leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. This not only enhances the soup's nutrition but also adds a lovely color and freshness.

For a low-carb version, you can swap the potatoes for cauliflower or turnips, which mimic the texture without the carbs. Both options hold up well in soups and absorb flavors beautifully, allowing you to enjoy the comforting experience without straying from dietary goals.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just ensure to add a little extra cooking time to ensure it's fully cooked through.

→ What other vegetables can I use?

Feel free to experiment with any seasonal vegetables like zucchini, corn, or green beans.

→ Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can also be frozen for longer storage.

→ How can I spice it up?

Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!