Gut Friendly Caldo de Pollo

Total time1 hr 30 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time1 hr 10 min

4.7

(29)

Few things are as genuinely nourishing as a slow-simmered chicken and vegetable soup built from whole, recognizable ingredients. This version starts with bone-in chicken pieces, which release collagen and rich flavor into the broth as they cook — the kind of deeply savory base that's naturally easy on the digestive system. Aromatics like onion, garlic, tomatoes, and black peppercorns do the heavy lifting without any processed seasonings or additives that can irritate a sensitive gut. The vegetable lineup — carrots, zucchini, chayote, corn, and cabbage — simmers until genuinely tender, making everything easy to digest while still delivering real texture and sweetness in every spoonful. Fresh cilantro and optional mint add a bright herbal note that lifts the whole bowl without overwhelming it. A squeeze of lime at the table brings everything into focus, and warm corn tortillas on the side make it a complete, satisfying meal. It's the kind of recipe that feels like it's doing something good for you while you eat it — because it genuinely is.

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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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