Description
Aguadito de Pollo is a traditional Peruvian chicken soup made with chicken, rice, vegetables, and a vibrant cilantro-based broth. It’s comforting, nutritious, and perfect for chilly days or recovery meals.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 tbsp aji amarillo paste (or substitute with yellow chili or jalapeño)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup green peas
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the aji amarillo paste and cook for another minute.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
- In a blender, blend the cilantro with a small amount of water or broth until smooth. Add this mixture to the pot.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Add diced potatoes, carrots, peas, and corn. Continue simmering for another 10–15 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the cooked rice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the chicken, shred it if desired, then return it to the pot.
- Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty finish.
Notes
Bone-in chicken adds more flavor, but boneless pieces work too for a quicker cook time.The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.Adjust the spice level by adding more or less aji amarillo or using a milder substitute.For a thinner soup, add extra broth or water during reheating.Great for freezing—just cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 2 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg