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A vibrant bowl of Mexican chicken soup garnished with cilantro, lime, and avocado.

Mexican Chicken Soup

Mexican Chicken Soup, or Caldo de Pollo, is a comforting and flavorful dish packed with fresh ingredients and traditional Mexican spices. Perfect for cold days or when you need a warm, nourishing meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Soup
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 bowls
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Ingredients
  

Soup Base

  • 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 3 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-2 jalapeños, sliced Adjust for spice preference

Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes, cubed
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 2 ears corn, cut into pieces Fresh or frozen

Seasoning & Garnish

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper To taste
  • 1 small bunch fresh cilantro For garnish
  • 2-3 limes, fresh For serving

Optional Toppings

  • avocado slices For serving
  • tortilla strips For serving
  • crumbled queso fresco For serving

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
  • Add chicken pieces to the pot and sear for a few minutes on each side to lock in flavor.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the top.
  • Add diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and salt. Reduce heat and let simmer for 25-30 minutes.
  • Add carrots, potatoes, and corn. Cook for another 10-15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  • Stir in zucchini and let simmer for 5-7 more minutes.
  • Taste the broth and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Optionally, top with avocado, tortilla strips, and queso fresco.

Notes

For extra spice, add a serrano chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for a faster preparation.
Keyword Chicken, Comfort Food, Healthy