Turkey Free Caldo de Pollo

Total time1 hr 30 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time1 hr 10 min

4.7

(29)

This soul-warming chicken soup is built on a rich, golden broth that comes together from bone-in chicken pieces simmered low and slow with onion, garlic, tomatoes, and black peppercorns — no shortcuts, just pure, honest flavor. The vegetable lineup is generous and colorful: tender carrots, zucchini, chayote, sweet corn rounds, and cabbage wedges all go into the pot, making every bowl feel like a complete, nourishing meal. Because the recipe calls entirely for chicken rather than any other poultry, it's a naturally straightforward pick for anyone avoiding turkey without having to swap a single ingredient. Skimming the foam early and simmering partially covered are the two small steps that keep the broth clear and clean-tasting, which makes a noticeable difference in the final bowl. A squeeze of lime, a pinch of dried oregano, and a warm corn tortilla on the side bring the whole thing to life at the table. It's the kind of recipe that feels like it came from someone's grandmother's kitchen — deeply comforting, endlessly adaptable, and impossible not to go back for seconds.

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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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