Cuban-Inspired Chicken & Rice Soup (Sopa de Pollo)

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds), or 3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs
• 10 cups water
• 1 large yellow onion, halved
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 celery stalks, cut into large pieces
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into rounds
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 ears corn, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• Reserved shredded chicken
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (optional)
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Lemon or lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the chicken, water, onion, garlic, celery, bay...: Place the chicken, water, onion, garlic, celery, bay leaves, salt, and pepper into a large stockpot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

2. 2

   Skim off any foam that rises to the...: Skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Reduce the heat to low, partially cover, and simmer gently for about 1½ hours, or until the chicken is very tender.

3. 3

   Remove the chicken and allow it to cool...: Remove the chicken and allow it to cool enough to handle. Remove and discard the skin and bones, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

4. 4

   Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into...: Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot. Discard the vegetables and bay leaves.

5. 5

   Return the broth to a gentle boil. Add...: Return the broth to a gentle boil. Add the potatoes, carrots and corn and cook for about 15-20 minutes.

6. 6

   Stir in the rinsed rice and continue cooking...: Stir in the rinsed rice and continue cooking for another 15–18 minutes, or until both the rice and potatoes are tender.

7. 7

   Return the shredded chicken to the pot and...: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and simmer for 5 minutes to heat through.

8. 8

   Stir in the parsley (and cilantro, if using)....: Stir in the parsley (and cilantro, if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

9. 9

   Serve hot with lemon or lime wedges for...: Serve hot with lemon or lime wedges for squeezing over each bowl and plenty of crusty bread.