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.
Nutrition Information:
Caitlin
May 21, 2018 at 5:34 pmGah 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!
Liz DellaCroce
May 21, 2018 at 5:42 pmhaha I saw that!!! :) I hope you love it!!
Caitlin
May 21, 2018 at 5:33 pmExcited to try this! Exactly how much would you say one serving is? 1 cup? For logging in the myfitnesspal app…
Liz DellaCroce
May 21, 2018 at 5:42 pm2 cups! Sorry about that! Enjoy!
Rae
December 26, 2016 at 2:50 pmI’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!!!!
Liz DellaCroce
December 28, 2016 at 1:25 pmI 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!
AB
February 2, 2016 at 4:31 pmWould this work with raw chicken or is that a terrible idea?
Liz DellaCroce
February 3, 2016 at 1:55 pmYes of course!!
Jennie
January 15, 2016 at 9:18 amThis 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!!
Liz DellaCroce
January 16, 2016 at 8:13 amOh I am so so so glad to hear it!! Thank you so much!
Fabiana
March 26, 2015 at 9:32 pmThis sounds amazing! It is also a lot simpler to prepare than I thought.
Liz DellaCroce
March 27, 2015 at 5:40 pmEmbarrassingly easy to make!
Laura Waarvick
February 8, 2015 at 3:28 pmThanks 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!
Liz DellaCroce
February 11, 2015 at 3:53 pmThank you so much Laura – enjoy!
jordan
November 8, 2014 at 8:15 pmas far as the chicken goes, if you are using rotisserie are you putting the cooked chicken in crock pot?
Liz DellaCroce
November 10, 2014 at 9:22 amYes exactly!
Marla Meridith
October 20, 2014 at 5:15 pmLOVE this healthy soup Liz!!
Liz DellaCroce
October 21, 2014 at 9:14 amThank you Marla!! Hope you’re doing well!
Amanda
October 14, 2014 at 10:08 pmI would love a bowl of this gorgeous soup right now!
Liz DellaCroce
October 15, 2014 at 8:09 amThank you my friend – I wish I could send you a bowl!
Susan
October 14, 2014 at 4:07 pmWow! 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.
Liz DellaCroce
October 15, 2014 at 8:09 amOh how wonderful for you that you live so close!! I love real Mexican food!!
Nikki @Seeded at the Table
October 14, 2014 at 2:42 pmDid I know you are basically Mexican? ;) No wonder you love the tacos at DTMarketGR!! wink-wink
Love the sound of this soup!
Liz DellaCroce
October 14, 2014 at 4:55 pmhahah Exactly!!!! xoxo
Alyssa (Everyday Maven)
October 14, 2014 at 1:54 pmI would love a mug of this for lunch!!
Liz DellaCroce
October 14, 2014 at 4:55 pmI wish I could give you one mama!
Sadye
October 14, 2014 at 1:46 pmWow, that looks *insanely* easy and delicious — and can I just comment on what a fantastic food background you come from?
Liz DellaCroce
October 14, 2014 at 4:55 pmAwww thank you so much. And yes, INSANELY easy!!!
Annie @ ciaochowbambina
October 14, 2014 at 11:03 amI’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!
Liz DellaCroce
October 14, 2014 at 4:56 pmLet me know if you try it Annie!
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats
October 14, 2014 at 8:57 amLove 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. :)
Liz DellaCroce
October 14, 2014 at 5:03 pmOh that’s so awesome Krista!!
Faith (An Edible Mosaic)
October 14, 2014 at 8:31 amYes – I love the bright pop of flavor and color from the garnishes here! Such a pretty soup!
Liz DellaCroce
October 14, 2014 at 5:03 pmI am obsessed with fresh herb garnishes!
Bri
October 14, 2014 at 7:49 amCan 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! :)
Liz DellaCroce
October 14, 2014 at 5:03 pmYes absolutely!! You just may need to add a bit more salt and pepper. :)
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps
October 13, 2014 at 11:38 pmThe perfect soup for the increasingly cooler days! Love all the Mexican garnishes!
Liz DellaCroce
October 14, 2014 at 5:03 pmIt really has been so cold hasn’t it!!
Gaby
October 13, 2014 at 2:12 pmGreat fall dinner idea!
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen
October 13, 2014 at 9:58 amI want this for dinner tonight! It is rainy and cool and this would be amazing!
Liz DellaCroce
October 13, 2014 at 4:25 pmIt’s cold and rainy here too!! Warm up friend!
Sandy @ Reluctant Entertainer
October 13, 2014 at 9:57 amLooks fabulous Liz. I’m going to whip up some crock pot meals this week, can’t wait.
Liz DellaCroce
October 13, 2014 at 4:25 pmIt’s the best time of year for the slow cooker!!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog
October 13, 2014 at 9:07 amThis 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 :) )
Liz DellaCroce
October 13, 2014 at 4:27 pmYou’re so sweet Phi!