Almond Free Caldo de Pollo

Total time1 hr 30 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time1 hr 10 min

4.7

(29)

Few things are as deeply comforting as a big pot of Mexican chicken soup simmering away on the stove, filling the kitchen with the aroma of garlic, tomato, and fresh cilantro. This is the kind of broth-forward dish that feels like a warm hug — built entirely from whole, recognizable ingredients with zero need for packaged shortcuts or processed additions. Bone-in chicken pieces simmer low and slow with onion, garlic, and tomatoes to create a naturally rich, golden broth that you simply cannot fake. Hearty vegetables like chayote, carrots, zucchini, corn, and cabbage are added in stages so everything finishes perfectly tender without turning to mush. Because the recipe relies on nothing but fresh produce, chicken, and pantry staples, there are no hidden tree nut derivatives to worry about — just clean, wholesome flavor from start to finish. A squeeze of lime, a pinch of dried oregano, and a warm corn tortilla on the side take it completely over the top. This is the kind of meal that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.

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Ingredients

6 servings

3 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a mix)
10 cups water
1 medium white onion, quartered
6 garlic cloves, smashed
2 medium tomatoes, halved
1 tsp whole black peppercorns
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
4 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
3 medium zucchini, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 medium chayotes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
2 ears of corn, cut into 3 rounds each
½ small head of cabbage, cut into 3 wedges
4 sprigs fresh cilantro
2 sprigs fresh mint (optional)

For serving

lime wedges, for serving (optional)
warm corn tortillas, for serving (optional)
dried oregano, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1
Place the chicken pieces in a large pot (6-quart or larger) and cover with 10 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then use a ladle or spoon to skim off any gray foam that rises to the surface, about 3–4 minutes.
2
Add the quartered onion, smashed garlic, halved tomatoes, black peppercorns, and 1 tsp salt. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer for 30 minutes.

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