Healing Chicken Soup - A Recipe for Self-Care

My family and I moved from Cabo San Lucas to the United States nine years ago. We love our home here, but, at times, I do miss it when my mother, who still lives in Mexico, would cook her delicious food for my family and me. Once we moved, my mother lovingly passed this healing chicken soup recipe on so that I can make it for my family here whenever someone needs it. This soup is a tradition in our family, as she got the recipe from her mother as well.

But this isn’t just any soup recipe. This chicken soup is absolute GOLD, if I do say so myself. Originally it was called “Caldo de Pollo”, but over time, we’ve come to refer to it as “Healing Chicken Soup”, due to its body and soul nourishing qualities. Each ingredient is carefully selected and combined, making it a truly remarkable healing food.

I’ll get to the health benefits of the specific components of the soup in a moment, but I want to note that the most vital ingredient in this dish is LOVE. As you make this soup, especially if you’re making it for someone who needs healing, pour love into every step of the process. Focus on love as you’re chopping the vegetables. Focus on love as you’re stirring the pot. Love is what makes any healing food that much more powerful.

But onto the benefits of the tangible ingredients… Starting with the star of the show, the chicken itself, it provides essential proteins that aid in tissue repair and muscle growth. The simmering process allows the chicken to release its nutrients into the broth, creating a rich and flavorful base. The broth, in turn, becomes a source of hydration and helps to boost the immune system.

Adding the vegetables, carrots, celery, bell peppers, and onions, enhances the healing power of the soup. Carrots are packed with antioxidants and vitamin A, which promote healthy vision and a strong immune system, while onions possess antibacterial and antiviral qualities, aiding in fighting infections.

Additionally, the aromatic herbs and spices I incorporate, like garlic, further contribute to the soup’s healing benefits. Garlic is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties!

The combination of these ingredients not only tastes great but it provides a soothing effect on the body. With each comforting sip, this chicken soup delivers a healing touch, promoting overall wellness and vitality. It’s a nourishing elixir that brings warmth to the soul and healing to the body, making it a truly remarkable recipe that my family has enjoyed over the years.

Serves 5-6 people

6 Organic Bone-In Chicken Breasts (skin removed)

4 Organic Bone-In Chicken Thighs (skin removed)

2 Organic Chicken Legs

½ large white onion (quartered)

1 large bell pepper

6-8 Chopped garlic cloves (measure with your heart)

1 medium bag baby carrots

1 bag baby potatoes

4 tbsp Knorr Chicken Bouillon

1 bunch Cilantro

Salt (to taste)

Pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

Fill a large pot with water and turn the heat on high. Add your chopped onions, bell peppers, baby carrots, and garlic to the pot. Add your chicken next along with the chicken bouillon. Make sure you’ve got bone-in chicken and that you’ve removed the skin. Season with salt and pepper and bring all of these ingredients to a boil. Once it has reached a boil, continue boiling for another 20 minutes.

At this point you will add the potatoes to the water. Bring the water to medium heat and leave the mixture for another 18-20 minutes. Once the potatoes are soft, add the cilantro, season with salt and pepper to taste. Turn off heat and let sit for 5-10 more minutes.