Can I use boneless chicken breast instead of bone-in pieces?

Yes, boneless chicken breast will work, but bone-in pieces create a richer, more flavourful broth. If using boneless chicken, reduce the cooking time to 4–5 hours on Low or 2–3 hours on High to prevent the meat from becoming too tender and shredding

How can I adjust the soup's consistency?

If the soup is too thin, leave the lid off towards the end of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate. If it's too thick, add more water or chicken stock in 240 ml (8 fl oz) increments until you reach your preferred consistency

What can I serve alongside caldo de pollo?

Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas, fresh lime wedges, diced avocado, thinly sliced radishes, or a side of Mexican rice. Some enjoy adding a dollop of sour cream or crema mexicana for richness

Can I prepare the ingredients the night before?

Yes, you can chop all the vegetables and store them in the refrigerator overnight. However, it's best to add them to the slow cooker in the morning rather than placing them in the cooker overnight, as this can affect food safety and the texture of the vegetables

Slow Cooker CALDO DE POLLO | Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe

by Simply Mamá Cooks

Chicken

Published 7 May 2026Original video

Caldo de pollo is a traditional Mexican chicken soup that's both nourishing and deeply satisfying. This slow cooker adaptation makes it incredibly easy to prepare—simply add bone-in chicken pieces and fresh vegetables to your slow cooker, and let it cook low and slow until everything is tender and the broth is infused with wonderful flavours. The combination of chicken, potatoes, corn, carrots, cabbage, and aromatic vegetables creates a wholesome, comforting meal that's perfect for family dinners or when you want something warm and restorative. Serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an authentic finish

Video thumbnail: Slow Cooker CALDO DE POLLO | Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe

Watch: Slow Cooker CALDO DE POLLO | Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe

Original recipe video — click to play

Original video by Simply Mamá Cooks2k likes on YouTube

15 mins

Prep time

7 hrs

Slow cook (Low)

4 hrs

Slow cook (High)

Serves

7 hrs 15 mins

Total (Low)

Slow cooker setting:Low 7 hours or High 4 hours

Ingredients

Servings:

Units:

Main

1 ½ kg Bone-in chicken pieces
Thighs, drumsticks, and breasts work well. Browning first is recommended for enhanced flavour.

Seasoning

1 ½ tsp Salt
Plus additional to taste at the end
1 tsp Onion powder
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 ½ tbsp Tomato chicken bouillon powder

Vegetables

500 g Cabbage, roughly chopped
2 whole Russet potatoes, medium to large, peeled and cubed
2 ears Sweetcorn on the cob, cut into chunks
5 whole Carrots, small to medium, cut into chunks
1 ½ whole Mexican squash (courgette or zucchini)
, cut into chunks
Use 1 to 2, depending on size
1 whole Celery stick, cut into chunks

Aromatics

½ whole Onion, small, quartered
3 cloves Garlic cloves
, crushed or minced
2 to 3 cloves

Liquid

1.2 litres Water
Start with this amount; add more if a brothier consistency is preferred

Garnish

20 g Fresh cilantro
, chopped
Add just before serving to preserve colour and fresh flavour

Flavouring

1 whole Jalapeño, sliced or whole(optional)
Optional; add for extra heat

Method

1
If browning the chicken first for deeper flavour, heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Season the bone-in chicken pieces with salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. Brown the chicken in the pan for 3–4 minutes per side until golden, then transfer to your slow cooker.
~10 mins
Optional step
Tip: Browning is optional but recommended for enhanced flavour.
2
Add the cabbage, potatoes, sweetcorn, carrots, Mexican squash, celery, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker with the chicken.
~5 mins
3
Sprinkle the tomato chicken bouillon powder over the vegetables and chicken. Pour in the water.
~3 mins
4
Cover and cook on Low for 7 hours or on High for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and falls easily from the bone, and the vegetables are soft.
~7 hrs
Tip: Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
5
If using a jalapeño, add it now (either whole for subtle flavour or sliced for more heat). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
~3 mins
Optional step
6
Just before serving, stir in the fresh chopped cilantro. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
~5 mins
Tip: Serve with fresh lime wedges on the side if desired.

Nutrition

Detailed nutritional information is coming soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

: Yes, boneless chicken breast will work, but bone-in pieces create a richer, more flavourful broth. If using boneless chicken, reduce the cooking time to 4–5 hours on Low or 2–3 hours on High to prevent the meat from becoming too tender and shredding

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