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Slow Cooker Caldo de Pollo

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LIZ DELLA CROCE

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Loaded with plenty of flavor and very easy to make, my Slow Cooker Caldo de Pollo is a quick, weekday version of the Mexican comfort food classic.

Garnishing slow cooker caldo de pollo with lime juice.

One of my favorite Mexican dishes of all time is Caldo de Pollo. Filled with hearty vegetables, cubes of chicken, and a light lime-scented chicken broth, it’s a soup I’ll eat all the time, rain or shine! Since I was born in Tucson, Arizona just minutes from the Mexican border, I’ve been eating this soup since I was a baby. My father would often order our entire meal without using a single word of English. In fact, we would take frequent day trips to Mexico for lunch growing up.

Ingredients

  • Chicken broth: The perfect base to this Mexican chicken soup, it’s rich and flavorful.
  • Chicken: Traditionally made with whole chicken pieces, I decided to take another busy-mom short cut and use shredded rotisserie chicken.
  • Carrots: Adds some color and slightly sweet flavor.
  • Onion: I like to use a white or yellow onion to cook low and slow in the soup, and a fresh red onion for garnish.
  • Garlic: Aromatic, pungent, somewhat nutty flavor.
  • Lime: Bright, acidic, and fresh flavor added to the broth.
  • Toppings: Lime wedges, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeño all add wonderful flavor to the final dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Caldo de Pollo

person cutting an onion

Start your caldo de pollo by dicing your onion and slicing your carrots.

To save time, a hack of mine is I like to use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken, and shred that beforehand.

Then add the chicken, onion, and carrot to the bowl of your slow cooker, and pour in the chicken broth and lime juice.

Add your minced garlic, and season with some salt and black pepper. Stir to combine, then put on the lid and cook on low for 8 hours, or high for 4.

Slow Cooker Caldo de Pollo in a bowl

What sets this soup apart from others is the bright pop of flavor from the garnishes: bright lime juice, fresh cilantro, minced red onion, and a hint of heat from spicy jalapeños. Serve and enjoy your Slow Cooker Caldo de Pollo! Be sure to try my Mexican Chicken Pozole Soup if your looking for more recipes like this.

Change It Up

  • Add more veggies. You could treat this chicken soup a bit more like an American chicken soup by adding celery, or use up any other extra veggies in your fridge!

Frequently asked questions

What does caldo de pollo mean in English?

It’s chicken soup, or more literally translated, chicken broth.

Is caldo de pollo good for you?

Obviously it changes depending on what toppings you include or if you change out the ingredients, but yes! Caldo de pollo is a relatively healthy soup as it is fairly low in calories and carbs.

Can I make this caldo de pollo on the stove?

Yes! You’ll want to use a large stock pot, and bring all of the ingredients to a boil before covering and reducing to a simmer. Simmer until veggies are tender, then serve and enjoy!
Caldo de pollo.

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Liz eating slow cooker caldo de pollo.

It’s 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 of ripe avocados, I urge you to eat this Slow Cooker Caldo de Pollo with both.

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Slow Cooker Caldo de Pollo?

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Slow Cooker Caldo de Pollo in a bowl

Slow Cooker Caldo de Pollo

4.61 stars average
Liz Della Croce
Loaded with plenty of flavor and very easy to make, my Slow Cooker Caldo de Pollo is a quick, weekday version of the Mexican comfort food classic.
PREP: 10 minutes
COOK: 4 hours
TOTAL: 4 hours 10 minutes
Pin
Servings6

Equipment

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
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ 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.

Last Step:

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Liz’s Notes

Can you use roasted chicken in Caldo De Pollo?

Absolutely – feel free to roast any chicken you have on hand such as bone-in chicken breasts, thighs, wings or drumsticks.

Is Caldo de Pollo Freezer Friendly?

Absolutely! This soup can last up to three months stored in the freezer in an air-tight container.

Nutrition

Serving: 2cups | Calories: 133kcal | Carbohydrates: 7.4g | Protein: 19.5g | Fat: 2.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.5g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 490mg | Fiber: 1.1g | Sugar: 3.2g


4.61 from 33 votes (26 ratings without comment)

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51 responses to “Slow Cooker Caldo de Pollo”

  1. AB Avatar
    AB

    Would this work with raw chicken or is that a terrible idea?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Yes of course!!

  2. Jennie Avatar
    Jennie

    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!!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Oh I am so so so glad to hear it!! Thank you so much!

  3. Fabiana Avatar
    Fabiana

    This sounds amazing! It is also a lot simpler to prepare than I thought.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Embarrassingly easy to make!

  4. Laura Waarvick Avatar
    Laura Waarvick

    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!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thank you so much Laura – enjoy!

  5. jordan Avatar
    jordan

    as far as the chicken goes, if you are using rotisserie are you putting the cooked chicken in crock pot?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Yes exactly!

  6. Marla Meridith Avatar
    Marla Meridith

    LOVE this healthy soup Liz!!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thank you Marla!! Hope you’re doing well!

  7. Amanda Avatar
    Amanda

    I would love a bowl of this gorgeous soup right now!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thank you my friend – I wish I could send you a bowl!

  8. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    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.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Oh how wonderful for you that you live so close!! I love real Mexican food!!

  9. Nikki @Seeded at the Table Avatar
    Nikki @Seeded at the Table

    Did I know you are basically Mexican? ;) No wonder you love the tacos at DTMarketGR!! wink-wink

    Love the sound of this soup!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      hahah Exactly!!!! xoxo

  10. Alyssa (Everyday Maven) Avatar
    Alyssa (Everyday Maven)

    I would love a mug of this for lunch!!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I wish I could give you one mama!