“`html
If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that bursts with authentic, vibrant flavors, this Cuban Chicken Soup Recipe will become your new go-to. Warm, hearty, and packed with wholesome ingredients like tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs, this soup isn’t just nourishing—it’s a celebration of Cuban home cooking. Each spoonful offers a beautiful balance of savory broth, gentle spice from cumin and oregano, and a lovely twist from green plantain and corn that adds both texture and subtle sweetness. Let’s dive into making this soul-soothing dish that feels like a big hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Cuban Chicken Soup Recipe is wonderfully simple because the ingredients are humble but powerful, each bringing a unique element to the pot—richness, freshness, or earthiness. Together, they create that iconic layered flavor and inviting aroma you’ll love.
- Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks: Adds incredible depth and tenderness to the soup as they simmer.
- Chicken stock or water: The base of the broth provides a comforting, flavorful liquid to carry all ingredients.
- Onion: Builds natural sweetness and a savory foundation when sautéed.
- Green bell pepper: Lends a fresh, slightly grassy note that brightens the soup.
- Garlic: Essential for warmth and aromatic complexity.
- Potatoes: Adds heartiness and soft texture to balance the broth.
- Carrots: Infuses natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Corn: Brings bursts of sweetness and a tender crunch.
- Green plantain: A traditional Cuban twist that adds subtle earthiness and thickness.
- Tomato: Provides acidity and a touch of tanginess for balance.
- Fresh cilantro: Sprinkled at the end for a pop of freshness and color.
- Bay leaf: Imparts a gentle herbal aroma that rounds out the soup’s flavor.
- Ground cumin: Adds warm, slightly smoky notes characteristic of Cuban cuisine.
- Dried oregano: Offers a hint of Mediterranean earthiness.
- Olive oil: Used for browning and sautéing, bringing a smooth mouthfeel.
- Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all other flavors perfectly.
How to Make Cuban Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs or drumsticks generously with salt and pepper, then brown them on each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This step locks in flavor and creates a rich base for the soup. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sofrito
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until everything is softened and fragrant. Then add the diced tomato and cook for another couple of minutes. This combination, known as sofrito, forms the aromatic heart of the soup, layering in essential flavor and sweetness.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Spices
Pour in your chicken stock or water, stirring to lift any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—it’s flavor gold. Toss in the bay leaf, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Bring everything to a boil to start melding those flavors together.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken
Return the seared chicken to the pot. Once the broth is at a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and infuse the soup with its succulent flavor.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
With the chicken tender, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, corn kernels, and cubed green plantain to the pot. Continue simmering for another 20 to 25 minutes until the vegetables are soft but still hold their shape, creating a comforting medley of textures.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot. Strip away the bones and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot to mingle with the veggies and broth, ensuring every spoonful is loaded with goodness.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Finally, taste your soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Stir in a generous handful of fresh cilantro just before serving to add a bright, herbal pop that perfectly balances the savory richness.
How to Serve Cuban Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your bowl by adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a few slices of avocado for creaminess. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or even some thinly sliced scallions can brighten the presentation and taste, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Side Dishes
Serve this Cuban Chicken Soup Recipe alongside warm crusty bread or fluffy white rice to soak up the flavorful broth. A simple side salad with citrus vinaigrette complements the soup’s hearty profile beautifully, adding a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, ladle the soup into individual mugs or rustic bowls lined with plantain chips on the side for added texture and an authentic Cuban flair. You can also top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese to add creaminess and richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The flavors in this Cuban Chicken Soup Recipe only deepen after a day or two. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it the perfect make-ahead comfort food that’s ready when you are.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawed, it tastes just as delicious, making it a convenient meal prep option.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through to preserve the tender textures of the chicken and vegetables. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent overcooked veggies.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
While boneless chicken works in a pinch, bone-in pieces add much more flavor and richness to the broth. If you prefer boneless, consider adding chicken bones or a rich stock to maintain depth.
What can I substitute for green plantain?
If green plantain is hard to find, you can substitute with unripe banana or extra potatoes, but keep in mind the subtle earthiness and texture will differ slightly in the final soup.
Is this soup spicy?
This Cuban Chicken Soup Recipe is traditionally mild but packed with robust flavors from herbs and aromatics. You can always add a pinch of crushed red pepper or hot sauce to kick up the heat if you like.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms and use vegetable stock. Add some cooked beans for protein to keep it satisfying and nourishing.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
The prep time is about 15 minutes, with around 1 hour of cooking to tenderize the chicken and vegetables perfectly, making it a wonderfully manageable recipe for a flavorful weeknight meal.
Final Thoughts
This Cuban Chicken Soup Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an invitation to slow down and savor the soulful tastes of Cuban home cooking. It’s simple to make, deeply comforting, and versatile enough to enjoy any time of year. Trust me, once you try it, this soup will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So grab your pot, gather the ingredients, and let’s bring a little Cuban warmth to your table today!
“`
Print
Cuban Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cuban
Description
This hearty Cuban Chicken Soup combines tender bone-in chicken with a flavorful sofrito base, vibrant vegetables, and traditional Cuban spices for a comforting and nutritious meal. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this soup offers a delightful balance of savory broth, tender meat, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
Broth & Spices
- 8 cups chicken stock or water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sofrito
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
Vegetables
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 ear of corn, cut into 3–4 pieces
- 1 green plantain, peeled and diced
Finishing Touch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (about ¼ cup)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks with salt and pepper, then brown each side for 2-3 minutes until golden. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Prepare the Sofrito: In the same pot, sauté diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to develop rich flavor.
- Add the Broth and Spices: Pour in 8 cups of chicken stock or water, then add a bay leaf, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the seared chicken to the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes to infuse the flavors and cook the chicken through.
- Add Vegetables: Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, corn pieces, and diced green plantain to the pot. Continue simmering for another 20-25 minutes until all vegetables are tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken pieces from the soup and discard the bones. Shred the chicken meat using two forks or your hands, then return the shredded chicken back to the pot.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Stir in freshly chopped cilantro for a bright finish. Serve the soup hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- For a richer broth, consider using homemade chicken stock.
- Green plantain adds a unique texture; if unavailable, substitute with more potatoes.
- Searing the chicken helps lock in flavor and adds depth to the soup.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and spices according to your taste preference.
