Brazil Nut Free Caldo de Pollo

Total time1 hr 30 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time1 hr 10 min

This soul-warming Mexican chicken soup is the kind of bowl that feels like a hug — deeply savory broth, tender pulled chicken, and a gorgeous lineup of vegetables that practically melt into the soup as it simmers. Bone-in chicken pieces are the secret here, building a rich, naturally flavorful broth without any packaged shortcuts or mystery additives. Carrots, zucchini, chayote, corn, and cabbage all go in at staggered intervals so every vegetable hits that perfect tender-but-not-mushy sweet spot. A handful of fresh cilantro and optional mint lift the whole pot with brightness, while smashed garlic and whole peppercorns quietly do their thing in the background. Every single ingredient in this recipe is straightforwardly whole and unprocessed, so there's zero guesswork about what's actually in your bowl — no label-reading required. Finish each serving with a squeeze of lime, a pinch of dried oregano, and a warm corn tortilla on the side, and you've got a complete, satisfying meal that's as nourishing as it is delicious.

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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
Fresh White Onion White Onions Organic White Onions Kroger® White Onions Bag White Onion
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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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