Walnut 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 bone-in chicken, garden vegetables, and aromatics that do all the heavy lifting. Carrots, zucchini, chayote, corn, and cabbage make this a genuinely hearty one-pot meal, not just a light starter. The technique of skimming the foam early and simmering low and slow is what gives the broth that clean, golden depth you just can't get from a carton. Because everything here is whole, fresh, and straightforward, there's zero concern about hidden additives or cross-contact from processed ingredients — what you see in the pot is exactly what ends up in your bowl. A squeeze of lime, a pinch of dried oregano, and a warm corn tortilla on the side take it completely over the top. Whether you're feeding a crowd or stocking the fridge for the week, this is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your 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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