Caldo De Pollo (Mexican Chicken Soup)

 Caldo de Pollo (Mexican Chicken Soup) – A Gut-Healing, Nourishing Bowl for the Whole Family!

Moms, if you’re looking for a nutrient-packed, gut-healing meal that your kids will actually enjoy, this Caldo de Pollo is a must-try! Made with homemade bone broth, fresh herbs, and fiber-rich veggies, this comforting soup is loaded with immune-boosting and gut-supporting ingredients. The slow cooking process extracts all the collagen and minerals from the chicken, helping soothe the digestive system while supporting brain development. Plus, the herbs and veggies add essential vitamins to keep little bellies happy and strong.

If you able to, buy all the veggies organic! Pesticides can disrupt the gut microbiome by killing beneficial bacteria, leading to inflammation and digestive issues. They also contain neurotoxic chemicals that may interfere with brain function, affecting memory, behavior, and cognitive development, especially in children.

Ingredients:

Broth

• 1 whole organic chicken, cut into pieces

• 1 whole onion, peeled

• Salt (to taste)

• 5 cloves garlic

• Fresh mint, oregano, and cilantro (to taste)

• 2 ears of corn, cut into chunks

Tomato sauce:

• 4 tomatoes, blended

• 4 raw garlic cloves

• 1 whole raw onion

Vegetables (add in this order to keep them firm & flavorful!):

• 1 chayote, chopped

• 4 large carrots, sliced

• 3 large potato, dice in big pieces

• 4 zucchini or Mexican squash, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

Instructions:

1. Make the Broth: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the chicken, whole onion, and garlic cloves. Let it boil for 15 minutes.

2. Add Herbs & Corn: Toss in mint, oregano, and cilantro. Add the corn when the chicken is about halfway cooked.

3. Make the Tomato Sauce: Blend tomatoes, raw garlic, and raw onion. Remove the cooked onion, garlic and cilantro from the soup and blend them into the sauce for extra flavor. Pour this mixture back into the pot and let it simmer.

4. Cook the Vegetables Carefully: Once the chicken is fully cooked, add the veggies in stages to prevent them from turning mushy:

• Add chayote first.

• 5 minutes later, add carrots.

• 3 minutes later, add potatoes (Cut the potato in half, then cut each half into four equal pieces. This will give you sturdy, bite-sized chunks that hold their shape while cooking)

• 4 minutes later, add zucchini.

• After 1 minute, turn off the heat and stir in celery. The residual heat will cook everything perfectly! Stir in more salt and oregano as needed. 

5. Let it Rest & Serve: Allow the soup to sit for 15 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors deepen while keeping the vegetables perfectly tender without getting mushy.

Serve this Caldo de Pollo with warm corn tortillas or GF Siete Tortillas, and a squeeze of lime for an extra kick of flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food that heals the gut, strengthens immunity, and nourishes growing bodies. Perfect for sick days, chilly nights, or anytime your little ones need a warm, healing meal!

Benefits:

✅ Chicken – Rich in collagen and amino acids, which help heal and strengthen the gut lining.
✅ Onion & Garlic – Natural prebiotics that feed good gut bacteria and support a strong immune system.
✅ Fresh Mint, Oregano & Cilantro – Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to support digestion and detoxification.
✅ Corn – A good source of fiber to aid digestion and keep the gut microbiome balanced.
✅ Tomatoes – High in lycopene, an antioxidant that supports brain health and reduces inflammation.
✅ Chayote – A gut-friendly vegetable rich in fiber and folate, great for digestion and brain function.
✅ Carrots – Full of beta-carotene and antioxidants that support immune health and brain development.
✅ Potatoes – A great source of resistant starch, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
✅ Squash – High in vitamins A and C, which boost immunity and support healthy digestion.
✅ Celery – Hydrating and anti-inflammatory, it helps soothe the digestive system and reduce bloating.