De Pollo Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Chicken soup is comfort food at its finest. We always feel better after eating chicken soup, whether we’re sick or just want something warm and healthy. Chicken soup comes in many forms all over the world, but de pollo chicken soup is especially popular in Mexico and Latin America.

What is De Pollo Chicken Soup?

De pollo simply means “of chicken” in Spanish. Caldo de pollo refers to a hearty Mexican chicken soup made with vegetables and often rice or small pasta. It’s a close cousin to sopa de pollo, the Cuban style chicken soup with noodles.

While recipes vary, de pollo chicken soup often starts with a whole chicken cut into pieces. This infuses the broth with lots of rich chicken flavor. From there, large chunks of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, squash, and cabbage are added. Some versions have tomato for tanginess. And of course, it’s loaded with traditional Mexican herbs and spices.

The Benefits of Chicken Soup

There’s a reason chicken soup is considered “Jewish penicillin” – it really does have healing properties! The broth is hydrating, while the protein from the chicken and nutrients from the vegetables provide nourishment. Plus, compounds from the garlic, onions, and spices can help fight inflammation. No wonder this soup makes us feel so much better!

Beyond the feel-good factor, de pollo chicken soup offers some excellent health benefits:

• Properties that boost the immune system: Chicken soup has an amino acid called cysteine in it that works like cold medicines. The warmth also helps clear nasal congestion.

• Hydration: The broth helps the body replace lost fluids and electrolytes. This makes it a great way to stay hydrated when you’re sick.

• Anti-inflammatory effects: Compounds in garlic, onions, and spices can help reduce inflammation in the body.

• Rich in vitamins and minerals: Key nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium, and potassium abound in the veggies.

• Supports gut health: The broth contains gelatin from the chicken bones, which can improve digestion.

De Pollo Chicken Soup Regional Variations

While the basic concept of chicken soup with veggies remains the same, de pollo recipes take on the cultural flavors of different Latin American regions. Here are some of the key regional variations:

Mexico

• Uses white onions, garlic, cilantro
• Potatoes, carrots, zucchini, chayote squash, cabbage
• Small pasta or rice
• Tomato sometimes added
• Served with lime wedges, tortillas

Cuba

• Onions, oregano, cumin
• Potatoes, yuca, malanga, plantains
• Thin noodles like fideo
• Squeezed lime juice and crackers

Puerto Rico

• Sofrito base of cilantro, onions, green peppers
• Starchy vegetables like yautia, batata
• Small shapes pasta
• Lots of culantro herb

Dominican Republic

• Onions, garlic, oregano, cilantro
• Potatoes, yuca, pumpkin, bell peppers
• Small tubular pasta
• Avocado sometimes added

No matter where it originates, de pollo chicken soup always tastes like home.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making De Pollo Chicken Soup

If you’ve never made homemade de pollo chicken soup before, have no fear! It’s actually quite simple. Here is an overview of the basic steps:

1. Simmer the chicken
Place chicken pieces in a large pot with water or broth. Add seasonings like garlic, onion, salt, cumin, and oregano. Simmer until chicken is cooked through and tender.

2. Prepare the vegetables
While chicken simmers, peel and chop the vegetables into large chunks. Good veggies to include are potatoes, carrots, zucchini, chayote, cabbage.

3. Take out the chicken Add the vegetables and simmer until tender.

4. Shred chicken & return to pot
Shred or chop the chicken into bite-size pieces. Add it back into the vegetable broth.

5. Finish with noodles & herbs
Add any pasta, rice, or small grains if desired. Stir in fresh herbs like cilantro or culantro right before serving.

That’s all it takes to put together a hearty pot of de pollo chicken soup. Adjust any vegetables or seasonings to your taste.

Tips for the Best De Pollo Chicken Soup

• Use bone-in chicken pieces for richest flavor
• Simmer bones and vegetables in water before adding chicken for an enriched broth
• Cut vegetables into large, uniform chunks so they cook evenly
• Skim foam and fat from surface as it simmers for clearer broth
• Shred chicken off the bone once fully cooked
• Add tender veggies like leafy greens near the end so they don’t overcook
• Adjust seasonings once all ingredients are in the pot
• Finish with lots of fresh herbs and lime juice right before eating

Satisfying Ways to Serve De Pollo Chicken Soup

De pollo chicken soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own. But for a heartier feast, serve it with:

• Warm corn or flour tortillas
• Lime or avocado wedges
• Diced onions and cilantro
• Shredded Mexican cheeses like queso fresco or Oaxaca
• Chili peppers or hot sauce for heat
• Rice, beans, or plantains on the side
• Tortilla chips or tostadas on the side

With any of these accompaniments, de pollo chicken soup becomes a totally satisfying comfort food fiesta.

Storing and Freezing De Pollo Chicken Soup

Like many soups, de pollo tastes even better as leftovers once the flavors have had time to develop. Here are some tips for storing it:

• Let soup cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.
• Store in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
• Reheat gently over medium heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

You can also freeze this soup for longer storage:

• Cool soup completely before freezing.
• Pour into rigid freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace.
• Freeze up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

With proper storage, you can enjoy bowls of homemade de pollo chicken goodness all month long!

Frequently Asked Questions About De Pollo Chicken Soup

What cut of chicken is best? Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks have the most flavor. Breast meat can also be used.

Can I use a whole chicken? Yes, just increase cook times. Remove meat from bones when done.

What if I can’t find malanga or chayote? Substitute with zucchini, green beans, corn, or any favorite veggies.

Can I use bone broth instead of water? Yes, that will boost the flavor. You can also simmer the bones before adding chicken.

Should I salt before or after cooking? Taste and season after cooking so you can control saltiness.

What kind of noodles are used? Short pasta shapes or thin vermicelli style noodles are common. Rice can also be used.

How can I adjust spice level? Add chili peppers or hot sauce at the end. More garlic and cumin will also boost flavor.

De Pollo Chicken Soup Brings the Comfort

When you need a soothing, hearty soup that warms you from the inside out, de pollo chicken soup is just the ticket. With its tender chicken, nourishing vegetables, and rich broth, this soup transcends its humble ingredients to become a curative elixir for body and soul. This Mexican and Latin American specialty truly earns its reputation as comfort food at its finest. Whip up a batch using simple pantry ingredients and see for yourself just how restorative a bowl of homemade de pollo can be.