Recipes

$7 Healing Caldo de Pollo (EBT-Friendly)

by StudioLink's Diet.
December 04, 2025
View the Studiolink

$7 Healing Caldo de Pollo (EBT-Friendly, Serves 6-8)

A soul-warming Mexican chicken soup that’s both medicine and meal. Packed with vegetables, tender chicken, and healing broth.

Total Cost of Ingredients Used: $6.50-$8.50

(Cost reflects only what’s used in the recipe, not full package prices)

Ingredients:

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  •   2 lbs chicken pieces ((thighs, legs, or a mix))
  •   10 cups water
  •   1 large onion
  •   4 garlic cloves (smashed)
  •   3 carrots (chopped)
  •   2 celery stalks (chopped)
  •   2 potatoes (chopped)
  •   1 zucchini (chopped)
  •   1 cup corn kernels ((fresh, frozen, or canned))
  •   .25 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)

Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.

Instructions

1

Start the broth: Place 2 lbs chicken pieces (thighs, legs, or whole cut-up chicken) in a large pot. Cover with 10 cups water. Add 1 onion (quartered), 4 garlic cloves (smashed), and 2 tsp salt. Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer.

2

Simmer chicken: Skim any foam that rises to the top. Cover and simmer gently for 45 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through. Remove chicken with tongs and set aside to cool slightly.

3

Add vegetables: To the simmering broth, add 3 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 2 chopped potatoes. Cook for 15 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.

4

Shred chicken & add final veggies: While vegetables cook, shred chicken meat, discarding skin and bones. Add shredded chicken back to pot along with 1 chopped zucchini and 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned).

5

Season & serve: Cook 10 more minutes until all vegetables are tender. Stir in ¼ cup chopped cilantro. Taste and add more salt if needed. Serve hot with lime wedges and warm tortillas if available.

Comfort in a bowl – nourishing chicken soup packed with vegetables and flavor.

This EBT-friendly Caldo de Pollo is traditional Mexican comfort food that feeds a crowd for very little money. Using bone-in chicken creates a rich, flavorful broth, while affordable root vegetables make it hearty and satisfying. It’s the perfect meal for cold days, when you’re feeling under the weather, or whenever you need a hug in a bowl.

Budget Grocery List + Cost Breakdown

All items EBT-eligible. Prices based on Walmart/ALDI/Mexican markets.

Protein

Used in recipe: 2 lbs chicken pieces (thighs/legs) ($3.50)

Package cost: $3.50-$4.00 (family pack)

Vegetables

Used in recipe: Onion ($0.35) + carrots ($0.50) + celery ($0.30) + potatoes ($0.60) + zucchini ($0.50) + corn ($0.40)

Package cost: $0.70 + $1.00 (bag) + $2.00 (bunch) + $1.20 (3lb) + $0.50 + $0.40 = $5.80 total

Aromatics & Seasonings

Used in recipe: Garlic ($0.10) + cilantro ($0.25) + salt ($0.02) + lime ($0.20)

Package cost: $0.50 (bulb) + $1.00 (bunch) + $1.00 + $0.50 (bag) = $3.00 total

Total Used in Recipe: $6.72-$8.72

Makes 8 generous bowls • Cost per serving: $0.84-$1.09

Note: This makes a large amount perfect for leftovers. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

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