Name: Authentic Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; ¾ medium white or yellow onion, chopped; 2 celery sticks, chopped; 4 large carrots; 2 garlic cloves, whole or minced; 9 cups water; 1 (8 ounces) can tomato sauce; 2 chicken flavor bouillon cubes; 1 tablespoon kosher or sea salt (or ½ tablespoon fine salt, adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste); 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano; 2 large skinless boneless chicken breasts; 2 chicken legs, bone-in (skin optional); ¼ cup chopped cilantro; 1 ear of 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; Lime juice; Hot sauce

If you’re craving a soul-warming, hearty soup that tastes just like it came from a Mexican abuela’s kitchen, you’ve got to try this Authentic Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe. It’s packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and all the traditional flavors you love — and best of all, it’s surprisingly simple to make. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step, sharing the little tricks I’ve learned so you can nail it every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Flavor: This soup captures the comforting, fresh taste of traditional Mexican caldo de pollo.
Packed with Veggies: It’s a great way to enjoy a nourishing, well-balanced meal loaded with wholesome vegetables.
Simple and Straightforward: No complicated techniques here, just easy steps that any home cook can follow.
Family Favorite: My crew goes absolutely crazy for this soup — each bowl disappears fast!

The image shows two white bowls filled with chicken soup on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has a clear broth base with visible layers of shredded light brown chicken, bright orange carrot slices, green zucchini chunks, pale green pieces of other vegetables, and a bright yellow piece of corn on the cob. There are wedges of lime and sprigs of fresh green herbs placed near the bowls. On the left side, a small white bowl contains orange-red rice with herbs mixed in. A woman's hand holds a spoon inside one of the soup bowls, and a bottle of red hot sauce with a red cap is also nearby. The scene is bright and clean, with vibrant colors from the ingredients creating a fresh and inviting look, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Authentic Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe, I love using fresh, simple ingredients that bring out natural flavors. Here’s a quick rundown on what you’ll want to have on hand — plus some shopping tips to get the best results.

Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for a richer depth of flavor.
Onion: White or yellow onions both work well; chop finely so they soften nicely.
Celery sticks: Adds a subtle crunch and freshness to the broth.
Carrots: Large carrots bring a natural sweetness that balances the savory broth.
Garlic cloves: Whole or minced, garlic infuses the soup with its iconic aroma.
Water: The base for your broth — simple but essential!
Tomato sauce: Gives the broth a beautiful color and subtle tangy richness.
Chicken breast and legs: Skinless breasts and bone-in legs provide tenderness and depth.
Chicken bouillon cubes: Boost the savory chicken flavor without adding fuss.
Kosher or sea salt: I recommend kosher salt; it’s easier to control seasoning.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for the best punch.
Dried Mexican oregano: This herb adds a fragrant, earthy note central to Mexican cuisine.
Cilantro: Freshly chopped, it brightens up the soup beautifully just before serving.
Corn on the cob: Cut into pieces; it adds sweetness and a fun texture.
Chayote: A staple Mexican squash that soaks up flavors perfectly.
Russet potatoes: Chunky cubes that soften into hearty bites.
Zucchinis: Added last to keep a slight firmness and freshness.
Lime juice and hot sauce: For that final zesty kick and customizable heat.

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 thing I absolutely love about this Authentic Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe is how flexible it is. You can tweak it to your family’s tastes or based on what’s in season. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Spicy version: I like to throw in a few sliced jalapeños or chipotle peppers for extra heat — it’s a game changer!
Vegetarian twist: Swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms and vegetable broth; you still get all the cozy comfort.
Dairy addition: Some folks add a sprinkle of queso fresco or a dollop of sour cream on top for richness.
Seasonal veggies: Feel free to experiment with whatever veggies you have — green beans, squash blossoms, or even baby corn make wonderful additions.

How to Make Authentic Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Base Veggies for Flavor

Start by heating olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté for about 3 minutes until the onions begin to soften and everything smells amazing. Add the garlic and cook for just another minute so it doesn’t burn — this step builds the flavorful foundation of your broth, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Broth Ingredients and Simmer

Pour in the water and stir in the tomato sauce, then nestle in the chicken breasts and legs. Toss in the chicken bouillon cubes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring everything up to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes — you want the chicken to get tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Add Vegetables in Stages for Best Texture

Next, stir in the cilantro, corn on the cob pieces, chayote, and potatoes. Cook for 10 minutes, then add the zucchini cubes. Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Cover again and let everything simmer for another 10 minutes. When the cooking time’s up, turn off the heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes to deepen the flavors before serving.

Step 4: Serve with a Bright Kick

Ladle into bowls and finish with fresh lime juice and a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce — trust me, that final zing takes it from delicious to unforgettable.

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Pro Tips for Making Authentic Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe

Use Bone-In Chicken: The bones add extra flavor and richness to the broth that boneless alone can’t match.
Chop Veggies Uniformly: Cutting vegetables into similar sizes ensures even cooking and perfect texture.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the heat low to prevent cloudy broth and overcooked chicken.
Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit off the heat helps flavors meld and intensify beautifully.

How to Serve Authentic Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe

A deep terracotta bowl filled with clear broth soup layered with bright orange carrot slices, yellow corn on the cob piece, light green celery chunks, and dark green zucchini slices, with shredded light brown chicken pieces scattered throughout. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right. Garnished at the back edge with a fresh green cilantro sprig and a yellow lime wedge. The bowl sits on a light speckled white plate on a white marbled surface with a blurred white mug and sauce bottle in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always serve this soup with plenty of fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro right at the table so everyone can customize their bowl. A sprinkle of diced white onion or radishes adds a great crunch. And if you love heat, a few splashes of smoky chipotle hot sauce never go amiss — it’s the perfect balance!

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this chicken soup are warm corn tortillas or a crispy tostada if you want some texture contrast. Mexican rice or a fresh avocado salad also pair wonderfully if you’re making it a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving the soup in rustic clay bowls to bring that old-world Mexican vibe to the table. Adding colorful napkins and a small plate of lime wedges, radishes, and jalapeños on the side lets guests mix and match toppings — it turns dinner into an interactive, festive experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead!

Freezing

This Authentic Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe freezes like a dream. Just cool it completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for about 3 months — perfect for batch-cooking or busy weeknights.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the broth seems too thick after freezing, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up — it’ll taste fresh and just as comforting as the first day.

FAQs

Can I make this Authentic Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Start by sautéing the veggies on the stove as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the chicken, broth, and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender. Add delicate veggies like zucchini near the end to avoid overcooking.
What can I use if I can’t find chayote?

If chayote isn’t available, you can substitute with peeled and cubed zucchini or even green apple squash. The texture is mild, so look for something that cooks to tender but holds its shape.
Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Bone-in, skin-on thighs add fantastic flavor and remain juicy after cooking. Adjust cooking time slightly if using mostly thighs, as they can take a little longer to become tender.
How spicy is this soup normally?

The base recipe is mild but flavorful. Since everyone’s spice tolerance differs, I recommend adding hot sauce or sliced chilies at serving so each person can control their heat level.

Final Thoughts

This Authentic Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s more than just a soup — it’s a warm hug on a cool day and a celebration of simple, honest flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving something comforting, I promise this recipe will become one you return to again and again. Give it a shot — your taste buds will thank you!