How to Make Authentic Cuban Chicken Soup (Sopa de Pollo)

Cuban chicken soup, also known as sopa de pollo, is a hearty and comforting soup that is a staple in Cuban cuisine. This soup is loaded with flavorful ingredients like chicken, potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, corn and noodles. Making authentic Cuban chicken soup from scratch may take some time, but it is well worth the effort. Follow this guide to learn how to make classic Cuban chicken soup at home.

Overview of Cuban Chicken Soup

Cuban chicken soup is a meal in itself meant to be served as a main course not as a starter soup. Some key features that make this soup uniquely Cuban are

• It starts with a homemade chicken broth made with chicken, onions carrots celery and garlic. This infuses the broth with tons of flavor.

• Starchy vegetables like potatoes, pumpkin, yuca and plantains are added to thicken the broth and make it more substantial.

• Fresh corn on the cob adds sweetness.

• Thin noodles like fideo or fidelini soak up the delicious broth.

• Fresh lemon juice right before serving adds brightness.

• Loads of fresh cilantro and green onions add aromatic flavor.

This soup really does have everything: a tasty homemade broth, soft chicken, potatoes, corn, noodles, and a bright lemon flavor. Let’s get cooking!.

Ingredients Needed

For the broth

• Whole chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings)
• Yellow onion
• Celery
• Carrots
• Garlic
• Bay leaf
• Oregano
• Cumin

For the soup:

• Cooked chicken pieces
• Potatoes
• Pumpkin or calabaza squash
• Corn on the cob
• Yuca (optional)
• Fideo noodles
• Lemon juice
• Green onions
• Cilantro
• Chicken bouillon or base
• Turmeric powder
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make authentic Cuban chicken soup at home:

Make the Chicken Broth

1. Place the chicken pieces, quartered onion, smashed garlic, bay leaf, celery, carrots, oregano and cumin in a large pot. Cover completely with water.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat. Then reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
3. Simmer for 90 minutes, skimming off any foam or fat from the top.
4. Remove the chicken pieces and set aside to cool. Strain the broth.

Prepare the Soup Ingredients

While the broth simmers:

1. Cut the remaining carrot and celery into bitesized pieces.
2. Peel and cube the pumpkin or calabaza.
3. Peel and cube the potatoes.
4. Cut the corn cob into rounds.
5. Cook the fideo noodles according to package directions.
6. Once cooled, shred the chicken meat off the bones.

Finish the Cuban Chicken Soup

1. Add the chicken base and turmeric to the strained broth and bring to a simmer.
2. Add the carrot, celery, pumpkin, potatoes and corn. Cook 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the shredded chicken and cooked noodles. Cook another 5-10 minutes.
4. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
5. Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro and green onions.

Now you know how to make the best and most authentic Cuban chicken soup in just a few easy steps. The next day, after all the flavors have mixed, this soup is even better. Enjoy this hearty Cuban comfort food!.

Tips for Making the Best Cuban Chicken Soup

Here are some additional tips to help you make the tastiest sopa de pollo:

• Use bone-in chicken pieces to make the broth for the most flavor. Mix drumsticks, thighs and wings.

• Allow the broth to cook slowly for at least 90 minutes. This extracts maximum flavor from the chicken and vegetables.

• Strain the broth in batches through a fine mesh sieve to remove any impurities.

• If you don’t want the noodles to get too soft, cook them separately and then add them to the soup right before you serve it.

• Add lemon juice just before eating to keep the bright, fresh flavor.

• Chop the cilantro at the last minute to prevent discoloration.

• Add chicken base, bouillon or seasoning to boost the broth flavor.

• Adjust salt and pepper until the soup tastes well-seasoned.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have one of the ingredients for Cuban chicken soup? Here are some easy substitutions:

• No pumpkin? Substitute with chopped calabaza squash.

• No yuca? Leave it out or use potatoes instead.

• No fideo noodles? Use vermicelli or angel hair pasta.

• No chicken base? Use 2 bouillon cubes or season the broth well.

• No turmeric? Leave it out or use a pinch of saffron instead.

The great thing about Cuban chicken soup is you can adapt it based on what you have on hand. Get creative with vegetables like chayote, cassava or cabbage too.

Variations

There are many ways to put your own spin on classic Cuban chicken soup:

• Add sliced chorizo or ham for extra flavor

• Use all thighs or drumsticks for a deeper chicken flavor

• Add peeled, diced tomatoes with the vegetables

• Stir in some cooked white rice along with the noodles

• Garnish with avocado slices or fried plantain chips

• Add a dash of hot sauce for some heat

• Float slices of lime instead of lemon

• Top with shredded queso fresco or jack cheese

Enjoying Cuban Chicken Soup

Cuban chicken soup is meant to be enjoyed family-style. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Allow guests to help themselves from a large pot placed on the table.

• Serve with slices of Cuban bread for dipping into the broth.

• Offer lime and lemon wedges for squeezing over the soup.

• Provide hot sauce like Tabasco for adding heat.

• Add some crunchy tostones (fried plantains) on the side.

• Chill any leftovers to enjoy as a cold soup the next day.

With its medley of flavors and textures, this soup really captures the essence of Cuban cuisine. Now you can recreate this timeless classic at home for your family. So grab your pot and get to simmering – authentic Cuban chicken soup awaits!

Yes, you can cook chicken before adding it to soup, and it’s a common practice for several reasons.