At ForksNRoots, we love bringing authentic flavors to your kitchen, and today, we’re diving into a classic Mexican comfort dish—Caldo de Pollo! 🥣 This isn’t just any chicken soup; it’s a deeply flavorful, heartwarming meal that will have your whole family asking for seconds!

🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✔️ Rich & comforting – a soul-soothing broth packed with flavor.
✔️ Made with real ingredients – fresh veggies and tender chicken.
✔️ Perfect for any day you need a cozy, nourishing meal.
✔️ Customizable – add more veggies, spice it up, or serve with warm tortillas!

🥘 Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the Soup Base:

✅ 5 chicken drumsticks (or any bone-in, skin-on pieces)
✅ 1 liter chicken broth
✅ 1 liter water
✅ 1 large onion, cut into chunks
✅ 4 garlic cloves, chopped
✅ 2 tomatoes, cut into pieces
✅ 2 bay leaves
✅ 1 tsp dried thyme
✅ 1 tsp dried oregano
✅ Salt & pepper, to taste

Vegetables & Fresh Ingredients:

🥕 3 carrots, sliced
🥔 2 potatoes, cubed
🌽 2 ears of corn, cut into pieces
🥒 1 zucchini, sliced
🌿 1 bunch fresh cilantro
🌿 1 bunch fresh parsley
🍋 Lime or lemon wedges, for serving
🔥 Valentina hot sauce (optional, for an extra kick!)

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Sauté for Maximum Flavor:

• Heat a little oil in a large pot.
• Sauté the onion, garlic, and tomatoes for about 5 minutes.
• Add the chicken and sear for a couple of minutes until slightly golden.
• Pour in the chicken broth & water, then add bay leaves, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Cover and simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes.

2️⃣ Add the Vegetables in Stages:

• After 20 minutes, add carrots and potatoes.
• Cook for 10 more minutes, then add the corn.

3️⃣ Shred the Chicken:

• Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly.
• Discard the skin & bones, then shred the meat and return it to the pot.

4️⃣ Fresh Final Touches:

• Stir in zucchini, fresh cilantro, and parsley.
• Cook for 5 more minutes, then adjust salt to taste.

5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:

• Serve hot with lime wedges and Valentina hot sauce.
• Enjoy with warm tortillas or white rice!

👉 This Caldo de Pollo is pure comfort in a bowl! Who’s craving a warm, flavorful soup? 🍲