How many calories does caldo de pollo have? A comprehensive nutritional guide

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Muy Delish, a large bowl of homemade caldo de pollo can contain around 225 calories, but that number varies significantly based on preparation and ingredients. Understanding how many calories does caldo de pollo have requires a look at everything from the chicken cut to the vegetable selection.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for caldo de pollo is highly variable, influenced by chicken parts, added fat, and carb-rich ingredients like potatoes and rice. Learn how to estimate calories and make healthier choices.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: Caldo de pollo calories depend heavily on ingredients, ranging from under 100 kcal for canned versions to over 400 kcal for rich homemade recipes.
Chicken Choice Matters: Using lean, skinless chicken breast minimizes calories, while bone-in, skin-on dark meat increases fat and calorie content.
Starchy Veggies Increase Calories: Ingredients like potatoes, corn, and added rice will significantly raise the soup's carbohydrate and calorie count.
Toppings Add Up: Calorie-dense toppings like avocado, fried tortillas, and crema can add substantial fat and calories to your bowl.
Make it Low-Cal: For a lighter meal, opt for lean chicken, non-starchy vegetables, and skim any excess fat from the broth.
More than Calories: The soup offers excellent hydration, protein, fiber, and vitamins from its wholesome ingredients.

The Core Calorie Factors in Caldo de Pollo

Caldo de pollo, the beloved Mexican chicken soup, is more than just a simple broth; it's a hearty and nutritious meal. However, pinning down an exact calorie count is impossible without knowing the recipe, as ingredients and preparation methods differ greatly. The primary factors influencing the final calorie total are the chicken used, the vegetables included, and any additional ingredients like rice, tortillas, or avocado. A store-bought canned version can be as low as 90 calories per cup, while a hearty, restaurant-style bowl can easily exceed 400 calories.

How Chicken Selection Changes the Calorie Count

The most significant source of calories in caldo de pollo comes from the chicken itself. The cut of chicken and whether the skin is included are the major determinants. White meat chicken breast without the skin is the leanest option, providing high protein with fewer calories and fat. Bone-in, skin-on dark meat like thighs or drumsticks will significantly increase the fat and calorie content. Cooking with skin-on chicken and leaving the skin in the soup will lead to a higher fat content in the broth, boosting overall calories.

Leaner option: Skinless chicken breast provides a lower calorie, high-protein base.
Higher calorie option: Bone-in, skin-on dark meat adds more fat and calories to the broth.
Broth enrichment: Simmering with bones and skin adds fat, which can be skimmed off for a lighter soup.

The Role of Vegetables and Starch

The vegetables are a crucial part of a traditional caldo de pollo, adding flavor, fiber, and nutrients. While most vegetables like carrots, celery, and cabbage are relatively low in calories, starchy vegetables and additions can add up. Potatoes and corn are common ingredients that contribute more carbohydrates and calories than non-starchy alternatives like zucchini or chayote. Furthermore, many recipes include rice cooked directly in the soup or served on the side, which adds a substantial number of calories and carbs.

Toppings and Garnishes: Hidden Calories

What you add to your bowl after it's cooked can dramatically affect the calorie count. Popular garnishes often include:

Avocado slices: A single avocado can contain over 200 calories, and a few slices can add a significant amount of fat and calories.
Tortilla strips: Frying tortilla strips adds oil and calories, while baked strips offer a lighter alternative.
Cheese: For some regional variations, cheese is used as a topping, increasing fat and sodium.
Crema: A dollop of Mexican sour cream adds calories and fat.

Creating a Healthier, Lower-Calorie Caldo

For those watching their calorie intake, making a low-calorie caldo de pollo is simple by following a few steps:

Use lean meat: Opt for skinless, boneless chicken breast.
Skim the fat: After simmering, let the soup cool slightly and skim the fat that rises to the surface.
Choose non-starchy vegetables: Load up on low-calorie vegetables like zucchini, cabbage, carrots, and celery.
Limit starchy additions: Reduce or eliminate potatoes, corn, and rice.
Be mindful of toppings: Use lime juice, cilantro, and fresh onion for flavor instead of high-calorie options like avocado and fried tortilla strips.

Calorie and Macro Comparison Table


Recipe Type	Estimated Calories (per bowl)	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Key Ingredients/Notes
Muy Delish Recipe	225 kcal	18g	17g	10g	Large bowl, includes vegetables, balanced macros.
Homemade Low-Fat	~150-200 kcal	Low	High	Low	Lean chicken breast, non-starchy veggies, fat skimmed.
Homemade Rich/Classic	~300-450+ kcal	Variable	High	High	Bone-in chicken, skin on, potatoes, potential oil.
Burrito Beach (Bowl)	210 kcal	24g	16g	5g	Restaurant bowl, often includes rice, carefully controlled.
Progresso Canned	90 kcal	14g	5g	1.5g	Per cup, lower in calories, fat, and protein.

Caldo de Pollo's Nutritional Value Beyond Calories

While calories are a key metric, caldo de pollo offers a wealth of other nutritional benefits. The broth is a fantastic source of hydration, and when made with bone-in chicken, it contains gelatin and collagen, which are beneficial for joint health. The lean protein from the chicken is essential for muscle repair and immune function. The vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A from carrots and Vitamin C from a squeeze of fresh lime. A bowl of this soup is a nourishing, whole-food meal that can help you feel full and satisfied without a high-calorie count.

Yale Medicine's nutrition page offers additional insights into the health benefits of homemade chicken soup.

Conclusion: A Versatile Meal for Every Diet

In summary, the question of "how many calories does caldo de pollo have?" has no single answer. The calorie content is highly dependent on the recipe and ingredients used. A simple, lean, vegetable-heavy homemade version can be a light and healthy meal, while a richer recipe with fatty chicken and starchy add-ins will be more calorie-dense. The great thing about caldo de pollo is its versatility; you can easily customize it to fit your dietary needs, whether you're looking for a low-calorie comfort food or a hearty, nourishing meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, caldo de pollo is generally very healthy. It is packed with lean protein, vitamins, and minerals from the vegetables, and provides excellent hydration from the broth. It is often recommended as a remedy for colds and flu.

To reduce calories, use skinless chicken breast, skim any fat from the surface of the broth during cooking, and load up on low-calorie vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and cabbage instead of starchy ones like potatoes.

The calorie count for canned caldo de pollo varies by brand. Some brands, like Progresso, offer versions with as few as 90 calories per cup, but it is important to check the specific product label for accurate information.

Yes, adding starchy ingredients like rice and corn will increase the total calorie and carbohydrate content of the soup. If you are watching your calorie intake, it's best to use them sparingly or not at all.

Homemade caldo de pollo is typically healthier than store-bought options because you have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to use fresh vegetables, lean chicken, and less sodium. Many canned versions can be high in sodium.

Healthy toppings include a squeeze of fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, diced onion, or thinly sliced jalapeño. These add flavor without significantly increasing calories.

Yes, it is. Chicken thighs, especially with the skin on, contain more fat and calories than lean, skinless chicken breast. Using breast meat will result in a lower-calorie soup.