Aguadito de Pollo, also known as Peruvian Chicken Soup, is a vibrant, hearty dish famous for its comforting warmth and bright green color from fresh cilantro. This traditional soup is celebrated in Peru for its bold flavors and nourishing ingredients, making it a popular choice for family meals or post-celebration recovery dishes. It’s loved for being both wholesome and full of character.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ají amarillo paste (optional)

• 1 cup fresh cilantro, blended with ½ cup water

• 6 cups chicken stock or water

• 2 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks

• 1 cup white rice

• 1 cup green peas

• 1 cup diced carrots

• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Lime wedges, for serving

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

• Sauté onions and garlic until softened and fragrant.

• Stir in ají amarillo paste for a mild heat boost.

• Add blended cilantro mixture, cooking briefly to release its flavor.

• Pour in chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil.

• Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper.

• Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked.

• Remove chicken, shred it, and set aside.

• Stir rice, carrots, potatoes, and peas into the soup.

• Simmer until vegetables and rice are tender.

• Return shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to combine.

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Nutrients

• Calories: 310 kcal per serving

• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Protein: 20g

• Fat: 14g

• Fiber: 3g

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Aguadito de Pollo distinguishes itself with its vibrant green hue and bold herbal flavor from fresh cilantro, setting it apart from other traditional chicken soups. Unlike simpler broths, this Peruvian specialty includes blended herbs that not only add color but a distinctive taste profile unique to South American cuisine. The combination of rice, potatoes, and peas also makes it heartier than many soups, turning it into a complete meal rather than just a starter.

Additionally, the use of ají amarillo paste introduces a subtle, fruity heat without overwhelming the other ingredients. This balance of warmth, herbaceous notes, and nourishing elements makes Aguadito de Pollo both satisfying and memorable. It’s especially cherished in Peru as a restorative dish, often enjoyed after late-night celebrations.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

The ingredients in Aguadito de Pollo offer several health benefits while providing a rich, comforting flavor. Chicken provides high-quality protein, supporting muscle maintenance and immune health. Using bone-in cuts like thighs or drumsticks adds extra nutrients to the broth, including collagen and minerals.

Cilantro is a standout component, packed with antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and detoxifying properties. It gives the soup its characteristic green color while boosting nutritional value. Rice and potatoes add complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while peas and carrots contribute dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Ají amarillo paste, though optional, adds more than just heat. This Peruvian chili contains capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism and reduce inflammation. Olive oil provides healthy fats, and lime juice adds a dose of vitamin C while enhancing flavor.

Together, these ingredients create a dish that’s not only comforting but also supportive of overall wellness, especially during colder seasons or when recovery from illness is needed.

Cooking Tips

When preparing Aguadito de Pollo, a few key tips ensure the best results. Start by using fresh cilantro—frozen or dried won’t provide the same bright flavor or vibrant color. Blending cilantro with water helps integrate it smoothly into the soup, avoiding clumps or uneven texture.

For the chicken, bone-in pieces are recommended as they impart more flavor to the broth. Make sure to simmer the chicken gently rather than boiling it aggressively, which helps keep it tender and juicy.

If ají amarillo paste isn’t available, substitute with mild chili paste or a mix of bell pepper and a touch of hot sauce. Adjust the level of spice according to personal preference.

When adding rice, potatoes, and other vegetables, stir frequently to prevent sticking. The soup should remain slightly thick but still brothy, not overly dense. If it becomes too thick, simply add more stock or water.

For extra flavor, you can stir in a small amount of garlic or onion powder toward the end, or add bay leaves while simmering the broth. Removing the bay leaves before serving keeps the texture clean and enjoyable.

Serving Suggestions

Aguadito de Pollo is traditionally served hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. The lime brightens the dish, cutting through the richness of the broth and chicken. It’s ideal as a standalone meal because it combines protein, vegetables, and grains all in one bowl.

For a fuller dining experience, consider serving it alongside warm crusty bread or simple Peruvian sides like roasted corn or sweet potato slices. A side salad with avocado, tomato, and a light vinaigrette pairs nicely with the herbal notes of the soup.

When entertaining, serve Aguadito de Pollo in wide bowls with small dishes of garnishes like extra lime wedges, hot sauce, or chopped fresh herbs. This allows guests to customize their bowls to taste.

The soup also stores well. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the consistency.

Conclusion

Aguadito de Pollo is more than just a chicken soup—it’s a reflection of Peru’s rich culinary heritage and an embodiment of comfort food with character. From its vibrant green color to its robust, herbaceous flavor, this dish offers a refreshing alternative to more familiar chicken soups.

Its combination of wholesome ingredients—lean chicken, fresh cilantro, vegetables, and rice—provides both nourishment and satisfaction in every spoonful. It stands as a testament to how simple, everyday ingredients can be transformed into something special with thoughtful preparation.

The dish’s flexibility means it can be adapted for different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you keep it traditional with ají amarillo or opt for milder flavors, the soup remains flavorful and hearty.

Aguadito de Pollo’s enduring popularity in Peru and beyond highlights its universal appeal. It’s ideal for warming up on a cold day, recovering from a celebration, or simply enjoying a flavorful, nutritious meal. Bringing this Peruvian favorite into your home kitchen not only expands your culinary repertoire but also connects you with a tradition that values both taste and well-being.