Comforting Puerto Rican Chicken Soup You’ll Crave Daily

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Puerto Rican chicken soup is a dish that does more than nourish—it comforts, connects, and brings generations together over bowls of rich, aromatic broth. Whether you grew up with it or are discovering it for the first time, this traditional favorite—known as Asopao de Pollo—delivers the warmth and flavor of the Caribbean in every spoonful. With its combination of sofrito, tender chicken, rice, and root vegetables, it’s a meal you’ll find yourself turning to whenever your heart or stomach needs a little extra love.

Table of Contents

Why This Puerto Rican Chicken Soup Is So Special

There’s something unmistakably satisfying about a good bowl of Puerto Rican chicken soup. You’re not just making dinner—you’re creating a moment. Here’s what makes it special:

Aromatic Flavor Base: Built with homemade sofrito and sazón
Filling and Nutritious: Includes protein, vegetables, and rice
One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor
Highly Customizable: Easily adjusted for dietary preferences
Family Approved: Loved by kids and adults alike

It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your kitchen, no matter the season.

Ingredients Table: What You Need for Puerto Rican Chicken Soup

Ingredient	Purpose
Bone-in chicken thighs	Offer rich flavor and tender meat as they simmer
Sofrito	Combines onions, garlic, peppers, and herbs for a deep base
Sazón and adobo	Classic Puerto Rican seasoning blend
Chicken broth	Forms the heart of the savory, well-seasoned soup
Tomato sauce or paste	Adds color and umami-rich depth
Calabaza or pumpkin	Brings natural sweetness and body to the broth
Potatoes and carrots	Hearty additions that absorb flavor while thickening the soup
Green plantains	Give the soup a traditional Puerto Rican texture
Rice	Makes the dish hearty and filling
Cilantro and olives	Used to garnish and enhance taste

How to Make Puerto Rican Chicken Soup Step-by-Step

1. Season and Sear the Chicken

Begin by seasoning your chicken generously with adobo and sazón. Heat a large pot with a little oil and brown the chicken on both sides. This step locks in flavor and builds the base for your broth. Remove and set aside once golden.

2. Build the Flavor Base with Sofrito

In the same pot, sauté your homemade or store-bought sofrito until fragrant. Add tomato sauce and let it cook down for a few minutes to deepen the flavor. This combination creates the aromatic essence of the dish.

3. Simmer with Vegetables and Broth

Return the chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Add chopped carrots, potatoes, calabaza, and plantains. Cover and let it all simmer gently for about 25–30 minutes, until the chicken becomes fall-off-the-bone tender.

4. Add Rice and Finish Cooking

Stir in rice and let the soup continue simmering until the rice is cooked through but not mushy. Chill for 10 minutes to set once it’s done. This short resting period allows the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.

Serve hot with a handful of chopped cilantro and a few green olives for that unmistakable Puerto Rican flair.

Tips for Making the Best Puerto Rican Chicken Soup

Use bone-in chicken: It yields better flavor and texture
Sofrito is essential: Make a batch and freeze it in cubes for convenience
Balance the rice: Too much and it becomes stew; too little and it’s brothy
Simmer gently: A low heat helps everything cook evenly without breaking apart
Add acid at the end: A squeeze of lime brightens and lifts all the flavors

Variations of Puerto Rican Chicken Soup

You can always tailor this dish to suit your mood or pantry:

Shrimp or sausage: Swap chicken for shrimp or add smoky sausage
Vegetarian twist: Use vegetable broth and chickpeas instead of chicken
Extra heat: Toss in jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick
No rice: Substitute with pigeon peas, quinoa, or leave it brothy
Mofongo edition: Serve the soup over mashed plantain balls for added texture

What to Serve With Puerto Rican Chicken Soup

Pair your soup with simple, flavorful sides:

Tostones: Crispy plantains offer a salty, crunchy contrast
Avocado slices: Creamy and cooling with each bite
White rice or crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the broth
Simple salad: Light and fresh to balance the richness
Sweet fried plantains: A caramelized finish to a savory meal

FAQs About Puerto Rican Chicken Soup

What is chicken asopao?

Chicken asopao is a thick, comforting Puerto Rican rice soup made with chicken, sofrito, and vegetables. It’s heartier than traditional soup and loved for its stew-like consistency.

What are the ingredients for chicken soup?

Common ingredients include chicken, sofrito, sazón, broth, rice, calabaza, carrots, potatoes, plantains, and herbs like cilantro.

What is in mofongo soup?

Mofongo soup often contains a garlic broth base served with mashed green plantains and protein like shrimp or pork. It’s hearty, bold, and rich in flavor.

How to get depth of flavor in chicken soup?

Start with seared bone-in meat, build layers using sofrito and tomato paste, and simmer slowly with fresh herbs. Don’t forget to finish with acid and seasoning to taste.

There’s no substitute for the soulful comfort of Puerto Rican chicken soup. It’s more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition, a remedy, and a celebration all in one bowl. From the rich aromas of sofrito to the tender bites of chicken and rice, this dish delivers both flavor and feeling.

So whether you’re nursing a cold, feeding your family, or simply chasing the taste of home, this classic soup will always have a place at your table.