Name: Delicious Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: ¾ medium white or yellow onion, chopped; 2 celery sticks, chopped; 4 large carrots; 2 garlic cloves, whole or minced; 1 corn on the cob, cut into 5 pieces; 1 chayote, cut into 2 inch cubes; 2 large russet potatoes, cut into 2 inch cubes; 2 medium zucchinis, cut into 2 inch cubes; ¼ cup chopped cilantro; 2 large skinless boneless chicken breasts; 2 chicken legs bone-in (skin optional); 2 chicken flavour bouillon cubes; 9 cups water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce; 1 tablespoon kosher or sea salt (use half if using fine salt), or more to taste; ½ teaspoon black pepper, or more to taste; 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano; lime juice (for serving); hot sauce (for serving)

If you’re craving something hearty, wholesome, and just downright comforting, I’ve got a real treat for you—my Delicious Chicken Soup Recipe that’s bursting with flavor and warmth. This isn’t your everyday chicken soup; it’s a vibrant, veggie-packed caldo de pollo that warms the soul and satisfies every time. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it a regular in your kitchen rotation. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this fan-freaking-tastic soup.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Flavorful Broth: Slow simmering with chicken legs and breast builds the most comforting depth you’ll crave on a chilly day.
Veggies Done Right: Adding vegetables in stages ensures everything stays perfectly tender, never mushy.
Simple But Special: With humble ingredients like tomato sauce and Mexican oregano, this feels like a hug in a bowl.
Family Favorite: I discovered this recipe after trying to please picky eaters, and now my family goes crazy for it every time.

The image shows two white bowls filled with chicken soup placed on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has a rich broth with visible chunks of shredded chicken, bright orange carrot slices, green zucchini pieces, and a small yellow corn cob segment floating on top. On one bowl, a lime wedge is placed on the edge, garnished with sprigs of fresh parsley. A metal spoon rests inside the other bowl. To the left side on the surface, there is a small white bowl filled with reddish-orange rice and a whole lime halved beside it. A bottle of hot sauce with a red cap and colorful label sits nearby, along with additional lime wedges and parsley stems scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Delicious Chicken Soup, hearty chicken soup, healthy chicken soup recipe, veggie-packed chicken broth, comforting chicken soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this delicious chicken soup recipe lies in fresh, simple ingredients that marry perfectly to create layers of flavor. From aromatic veggies to tender chicken and starchy potatoes, each component brings the soup to life.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a quarter of a medium white onion roughly chopped, two bright green celery sticks chopped, four fresh large orange carrots whole, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant red tomato sauce, two raw skinless boneless chicken breasts, two raw bone-in chicken legs with skin, two golden chicken bouillon cubes, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl of dried Mexican oregano, a small mound of freshly chopped bright green cilantro, one fresh corn on the cob sliced into five pieces showing yellow kernels, one whole chayote cut into cubes, two large russet potatoes cut into cubes with skin off, two medium zucchinis cut into cubes with rich green skin visible, a small white ceramic bowl with fresh lime juice, a small white ceramic bowl with red hot sauce, all arranged symmetrically with realistic proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Delicious Chicken Soup, hearty chicken soup, healthy chicken soup recipe, veggie-packed chicken broth, comforting chicken soup

Olive oil: For sautéing veggies and adding a subtle richness.
White or yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened gently.
Celery sticks: Classic soup base flavor; chop them evenly for even cooking.
Large carrots: They lend sweetness and color that brightens the broth.
Garlic cloves: Whole or minced, they punch up the aroma beautifully.
Water: The base for your broth; I like using filtered for the cleanest taste.
Tomato sauce: Adds subtle acidity and richness, balancing the soup perfectly.
Chicken breast (skinless boneless): Lean protein that cooks nicely without overpowering the broth.
Chicken legs (bone-in): Bones amp up the flavor and help make the broth silky.
Chicken bouillon cubes: A quick punch of umami flavor to boost the stock.
Kosher or sea salt: Essential for seasoning—remember to adjust if you’re using fine salt.
Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and a little kick.
Dried Mexican oregano: I discovered this herb adds a unique, earthy twist that’s unforgettable.
Chopped cilantro: Stirred in at the end for a fresh, herbal finish.
Corn on the cob: Cut into sections; it adds sweetness and a bit of fun to the soup.
Chayote: A mild, crunchy vegetable that soaks up flavor beautifully.
Russet potatoes: Starchy and hearty, perfect for that comforting feel.
Zucchinis: Added last for a tender bite without falling apart.
Lime juice and hot sauce: For serving—these bright and spicy hits bring the whole dish alive.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the reasons I love this delicious chicken soup recipe is how versatile it is. Over time, I’ve played with different veggies, protein cuts, and seasonings to suit our mood or what’s in season—feel free to get creative and make it truly yours.

Spicy Kick: I sometimes add chopped jalapeños with the garlic for an extra spicy warmth that my family adores.
Vegetarian Adaptation: Using vegetable broth and omitting chicken keeps it light while still flavorful, perfect for meatless nights.
Hearty Add-ins: Once, I threw in some cooked rice or noodles in the final minutes; it gave a comforting, thickened feel that’s amazing.

How to Make Delicious Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. I use a 5-quart pot for enough room to let everything cook evenly. Toss in the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté these until the onions start to soften—about 3 minutes. This initial step builds the base flavor, so don’t rush it! Once those are fragrant, add the garlic and cook it for another minute. I’ve found that keeping the garlic whole mellows its flavor, but mincing it adds more punch—choose what suits your taste.

Step 2: Add Liquids, Chicken, and Spices

Pour in the water along with the can of tomato sauce. Add your chicken breasts and chicken legs to the pot, then crumble in the bouillon cubes and season with salt, pepper, and dried Mexican oregano. Bring everything to a full boil before reducing the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 30 minutes—this is when the chicken releases its flavors and starts tenderizing. When I first tried this, I made the mistake of rushing the simmer, but letting it settle really transforms the broth into something special.

Step 3: Add Vegetables in Stages

After the initial simmer, stir in the chopped cilantro, corn pieces, chayote, and potatoes. Let the soup cook uncovered for about 10 minutes before adding the zucchini cubes. This staggered addition is key—I learned the hard way that tossing all the veggies in at once turns the softer ones to mush. In these last 10 minutes, everything cooks to tender perfection but keeps its shape and texture.

Step 4: Final Seasoning and Rest

Taste your soup now—this is the time to adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Cover and let everything simmer quietly for another 10 minutes, then turn off the heat. I always let it rest covered for about 5 minutes before serving. This little wait helps the flavors meld even better, and your chicken soup will taste like it’s been simmering all day.

Pro Tips for Making Delicious Chicken Soup Recipe

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Pro Tips for Making Delicious Chicken Soup Recipe

Use Bone-In Chicken for Flavor: I always include chicken legs because the bones add richness to the broth that’s impossible to replicate.
Stagger Vegetable Additions: To avoid mushy veggies, add harder vegetables like potatoes first and delicate ones like zucchini later.
Low and Slow Simmer: Simmer gently without boiling vigorously to keep the chicken tender and the broth clear.
Rest the Soup Before Serving: Letting it sit a few minutes off the heat enhances the melding of all delicious flavors.

How to Serve Delicious Chicken Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I always serve this chicken soup with a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice and a drizzle of hot sauce on the side—the acidity and spice lift the whole bowl. If you like a little crunch, add some tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips on top. Fresh chopped cilantro sprinkled over the soup adds a bright herbal note that I find irresistible.

Side Dishes

My favorite pairing with this soup is a warm, crusty baguette or some soft corn tortillas—perfect for dipping and soaking up all that delicious broth. Sometimes I also like a simple avocado and tomato salad on the side, which adds freshness and rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or family dinners, I like to serve this soup in rustic bowls with a lime wedge perched on the rim and a small ramekin of hot sauce alongside. Adding a colorful sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs on top really makes it look and feel festive. I once even garnished it with a few edible flowers to wow my guests, and it was a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to keep it covered so it doesn’t absorb any fridge smells. The veggies soften a bit more overnight, but I actually like that cozy texture.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully—I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it keeps for up to 3 months. When thawing, I recommend defrosting overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen to preserve texture.

Reheating

When reheating, I heat the soup slowly on the stovetop with the lid partially off to avoid boiling hard again, which can toughen the chicken. If it looks a little thick, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. A fresh squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro after reheating bring it right back to life.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts and legs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs with bone and skin will work wonderfully and add a bit more richness and juiciness to your broth. Just adjust cooking times slightly if your thighs are larger or smaller.
What if I don’t have chayote—can I substitute it?

If chayote isn’t available, peeled and chopped zucchini or green squash are great substitutes. They add a similar mild flavor and texture to the soup.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?

This soup is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken bouillon cubes don’t contain gluten (always check labels). Serve it with gluten-free bread or tortillas for a safe, satisfying meal.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

You can! Start by sautéing the veggies first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker, adding liquids last. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and veggies are cooked.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this delicious chicken soup recipe brings people together. It’s cozy without being complicated, nourishing, and just packed with good vibes in every spoonful. When I first made it, it became an instant family classic—and I’m confident it’ll become one in your home too. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the magic of homemade comfort food at its best!