Xanthan Gum Free Caldo de Pollo

Total time1 hr 30 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time1 hr 10 min

This soul-warming Mexican chicken soup is built entirely from whole, unprocessed ingredients — bone-in chicken, fresh vegetables, aromatics, and water — which means it's naturally free of any gums, stabilizers, or thickeners from the start. The rich, golden broth gets its body the old-fashioned way: a long, slow simmer with smashed garlic, tomatoes, onion, and black peppercorns that coax deep flavor out of the chicken bones without any additives whatsoever. Carrots, chayote, zucchini, corn, and cabbage all go into the pot in stages so every vegetable hits that perfect tender-but-not-mushy sweet spot. Skimming the foam early in the cook keeps the broth clean and clear, while the optional mint and cilantro sprigs add a bright herbal lift that makes the whole kitchen smell incredible. It's the kind of meal that feels restorative and generous — big enough to feed a crowd, simple enough to make on a weeknight. A squeeze of lime and a warm corn tortilla on the side are all you need to make it feel complete.

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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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