A quick, weekday version of the Mexican comfort food classic: Caldo de Pollo (Mexican Chicken Soup).
One of my favorite Mexican dishes of all time is caldo de pollo which literally translates to “chicken broth.” Traditionally made with whole chicken pieces, I decided to take another busy-mom short cut and use shredded rotisserie chicken.
Since I was born in Tucson on the Mexican border, I’ve been eating this soup since I was a baby. My father, fluent in Spanish, would often order our entire meal without using a single word from the English language.
What sets this soup apart from others is the bright pop of flavor from the garnishes: bright lime juice, fresh cilantro, minced onion and a hint of heat from spicy jalapeños. It will cure any cold, comfort any soul and warm any heart.
Naturally gluten free, it is commonly prepared with potato cubes or white rice so feel free to add either. If you can get your hand on homemade corn tortillas and a couple ripe avocados, I urge you to eat this soup with both.
Your spoon is waiting.
Slow Cooker Caldo de Pollo
Ingredients
- 8 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 12 ounces shredded chicken rotisserie works well
- 2 carrots diced
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 juice of lime
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- slices additional lime wedges minced cilantro and jalapeño - to serve
Instructions
- Place all ingredients (chicken broth through pepper) in a slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Heat on Low for 8 Hours or High for 4 Hours.
- Serve with lime wedges and garnish with plenty of minced cilantro and jalapeño slices.
Gah I just sent a question but accidentally clicked only one star! I haven’t tried it yet but can’t imagine it’s 1 star! It’s I. My crockpot now and smells amazing!
haha I saw that!!! :) I hope you love it!!
Excited to try this! Exactly how much would you say one serving is? 1 cup? For logging in the myfitnesspal app…
2 cups! Sorry about that! Enjoy!
I’ve been trying to find an authentic almost like the restaurant chicken and rice soup for ever!! I am making this tomorrow and I’m so excited!! If you’ve ever made this is with raw chicken did you use breasts or thighs and if so how many lbs!? Also, I wanted to add rice, do you know how many cups of the dry rice I should add and if so how much extra liquid!? Thanks so much!!!!
I would just cook white rice separately on the side and then dish the soup on top of it. Otherwise the soup can get too mushy. :) For chicken, I would do 1 pound raw. Enjoy!
Would this work with raw chicken or is that a terrible idea?
Yes of course!!
This soup is soooo amazing!!! I have made it a bunch of times and each time I change it up a little but is BY FAR one of my FAVORITES and not to mention so easy. Thanks so very much for this amazing recipe!! I switch it up by adding some celery and potatoes and also a packet of sazon for some extra spice but the recipe is great the way it is too!! Thanks again!!
Oh I am so so so glad to hear it!! Thank you so much!
This sounds amazing! It is also a lot simpler to prepare than I thought.
Embarrassingly easy to make!
Thanks so much for the recipe! Your pictures of the recipe are so colorful and enticing. I have this in the crockpot right now. So glad I found your site. Cheers!
Thank you so much Laura – enjoy!
as far as the chicken goes, if you are using rotisserie are you putting the cooked chicken in crock pot?
Yes exactly!
LOVE this healthy soup Liz!!
Thank you Marla!! Hope you’re doing well!
I would love a bowl of this gorgeous soup right now!
Thank you my friend – I wish I could send you a bowl!
Wow! What a great recipe! Since I live directly on the border with Mexico (El Paso) I’ve been getting acquainted with Mexican food and cooking a lot of it. This is definitely going on my list. And I’m going to have to break down and buy a slow cooker. Especially since I’m having to try to revive the brisket I did in the oven rather than in a slow cooker… This soup would make a great lunch with grilled queso sandwiches.
Oh how wonderful for you that you live so close!! I love real Mexican food!!
Did I know you are basically Mexican? ;) No wonder you love the tacos at DTMarketGR!! wink-wink
Love the sound of this soup!
hahah Exactly!!!! xoxo
I would love a mug of this for lunch!!
I wish I could give you one mama!
Wow, that looks *insanely* easy and delicious — and can I just comment on what a fantastic food background you come from?
Awww thank you so much. And yes, INSANELY easy!!!
I’ve got my slow cooker out for another recipe but now it looks like I’ll keep it out a little longer…This looks awesome!
Let me know if you try it Annie!
Love all the fresh garnishes on the top, so yummy, your right it totally does set it apart from other from others in the same category.
Totally didn’t realize that your dad speaks spanish and your were born on the Mexican border, crazy cool! My husband grew up in Venezuela and Ecuador so he is fluent too, comes in handy. :)
Oh that’s so awesome Krista!!
Yes – I love the bright pop of flavor and color from the garnishes here! Such a pretty soup!
I am obsessed with fresh herb garnishes!
Can wait to try this!! Quick question though,, do you think this would work the same by using frozen chicken instead of rotisserie in the crockpot?? Thx in advance! :)
Yes absolutely!! You just may need to add a bit more salt and pepper. :)
The perfect soup for the increasingly cooler days! Love all the Mexican garnishes!
It really has been so cold hasn’t it!!
Great fall dinner idea!
I want this for dinner tonight! It is rainy and cool and this would be amazing!
It’s cold and rainy here too!! Warm up friend!
Looks fabulous Liz. I’m going to whip up some crock pot meals this week, can’t wait.
It’s the best time of year for the slow cooker!!
This sounds like such a delicious soup! I’m all about Mexican flavors and soup, so naturally I’m loving this (as I do all your amazing recipes :) )
You’re so sweet Phi!