Ginger Free Caldo de Pollo

Total time1 hr 30 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time1 hr 10 min

4.7

(29)

This soul-warming Mexican chicken soup is built on a deeply savory broth that develops its complexity from slow-simmered bone-in chicken, charred tomatoes, smashed garlic, and whole black peppercorns — no shortcuts needed. The vegetables are the real showstopper: tender chayote, sweet corn rounds, soft zucchini, and cabbage wedges all cook together until everything is perfectly yielding and fragrant. Because the flavor comes entirely from aromatics like onion, garlic, and fresh cilantro, there is absolutely nothing here to worry about for anyone avoiding ginger — the broth is rich and layered without it. Many soups and broths rely on ginger as a background note, but this one proves you do not need it to achieve something deeply satisfying and complex. A squeeze of lime at the table brightens the whole bowl, and warm corn tortillas on the side make it a complete, comforting meal. It is the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and tastes like it has been simmering all day — because it basically has.

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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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