Pollo Encaldo Chicken Soup
A hearty Filipino chicken soup with tender chicken, pork, vegetables, and vermicelli, offering comforting flavors perfect for family gatherings and cold days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown cooked rice in 1 tablespoon butter, then add canned tomatoes and boiled and deboned chicken.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- In another pan, brown cubed pork meat and vegetables.
- Add the browned pork and vegetables to the rice and chicken mixture.
- Add vermicelli and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add water as needed to reach desired consistency.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or some fresh herbs while simmering the soup. If you don't have vermicelli, any small pasta can be a great substitute. For a lighter version, you can skip the pork or use turkey instead of chicken. This dish is reminiscent of Polish Bigos, which also combines meats and vegetables for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pollo Encaldo hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for an added zing. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. Consider serving it alongside rice or tortillas to soak up the delicious broth. This comforting soup can easily become a family favorite, just like other beloved chicken recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pollo Encaldo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pollo Encaldo Chicken Soup contains roughly 813 calories, with 10g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (135% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 642mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover chicken can save you time and still provide great flavor. Just ensure that the chicken is shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the pot, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
What vegetables can I add to make it healthier?
Feel free to add any vegetables you like or have on hand, such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. These additions not only boost the nutrition but also enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
To adjust the spiciness, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños while browning the pork. Alternatively, you can serve the soup with hot sauce on the side, allowing each person to customize their own bowl.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).