Chicken Caldo, a beloved Latin American soup, offers a comforting embrace on chilly days, and even better when paired with vibrant Mexican Red Rice. This hearty recipe delivers a flavorful broth brimming with tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and warming spices. Imagine the rich, savory essence of simmered chicken, perfectly complementing the earthy sweetness of the rice – a symphony of flavors that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. This comforting duo is surprisingly easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.
This recipe elevates the classic Chicken Caldo experience by adding the delightful complexity of Mexican Red Rice. We'll guide you through each step, from preparing the flavorful broth to perfectly cooking the tender chicken and vibrant rice. Ready to embark on a culinary journey that will warm your heart and soul? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide.
Tools Needed
- 5-6 quart pot
- Pan
Ingredients
- Split bone-in, skin-on chicken breast: 1
- Chicken broth: 6-7 cups
- Carrot: 1 medium
- Celery: 1/2 stick
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves
- Bay leaf: 1
- Onion: 1/2 medium, chopped
- Potatoes: 2-3 small/medium
- Cabbage: 1/2 small
- Zucchini: 1
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (to taste)
- Cracked black pepper: to taste
- Chayote (optional)
- Fresh corn on the cob (optional)
- Long grain rice: 1 cup
- Cooking oil: 1 1/2 tbsp
- Onion (for rice): a little bit, sliced
- Cumin seeds: 1/2 - 1 teaspoon, crushed/ground
- Black peppercorns: a pinch
- Chicken bouillon powder: 1 tbsp
- Tomato sauce: 8 oz
- Low sodium chicken broth (or water): 16 fl oz
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
- Lime (for garnish)
- Spicy salsa (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Broth and Chicken
- In a 5-6 quart pot, add 6-7 cups of chicken broth (add water if needed).
- Add chicken breast, carrot, onion, celery, and bay leaf. Bring to a rapid simmer over medium heat.
- Add an extra cup of water if needed.
- Continue simmering until chicken is cooked through.
- Cut the chicken into chunks.
Step 2. Cook the Vegetables
- Add potatoes, half a small cabbage, and one zucchini.
- Add remaining vegetables (potatoes, zucchini, cabbage). Season with salt and cracked black pepper.
- Add optional ingredients like chayote.
Step 3. Make the Mexican Red Rice
- Preheat a pan over medium-low heat. Add 1 1/2 tbsp cooking oil and toast 1 cup of pre-rinsed long grain rice until light golden.
- Sauté sliced onion in the pan.
- Add crushed cumin seeds and black peppercorns. Stir quickly.
- Add 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder and mix quickly.
- Add 8 oz tomato sauce. (Add fresh garlic before tomato sauce if desired).
- Add 16 fl oz of low-sodium chicken broth or water.
- Add garlic powder and onion powder. Gently mix.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 15-18 minutes.
- Let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes with the lid on.
Step 4. Season, Serve, and Garnish
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve chicken caldo with Mexican red rice, garnished with cilantro, parsley, lime, and spicy salsa (optional).
Read more: Creamy Caldo de Papa Recipe: Easy Mexican Potato Soup
Tips
- Be careful when handling hot vegetables.
- Don't burn the rice while toasting.
- Don't overwork the rice when mixing.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in or boneless chicken for this recipe?
Both work great! Bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the broth, but boneless cooks faster. Choose what best suits your time constraints.
2. What can I substitute if I don't have all the vegetables listed?
Feel free to substitute! Use what you have on hand. Carrots, celery, and onion are the core, but other vegetables like zucchini or corn can add deliciousness.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chicken Caldo tastes even better the next day. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.
This comforting Chicken Caldo recipe is the perfect remedy for a chilly evening or when you're feeling under the weather. Its nourishing broth and flavorful ingredients will leave you feeling warm and revitalized. Enjoy the deliciousness and the comforting warmth this soup provides!