Name: Cuban Chicken Soup (Sopa De Pollo) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (500 g); ½ cup chopped onions; 1 cup cubed carrots (¼ inch cubes); 1 cup cubed potatoes (½ inch cubes); 1 piece corn, cut into 4 pieces; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 5 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon lime juice; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon cumin powder; ½ teaspoon turmeric powder; ½ teaspoon red chili powder; 1 whole bay leaf; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper powder; 2 ounces dried angel hair pasta noodles

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 73 reviews

If you’re craving something soul-soothing yet vibrant, the Cuban Chicken Soup (Sopa De Pollo) Recipe is your perfect answer. This beloved Cuban classic combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices that ignite every spoonful with warmth and brightness. It’s a dish that beautifully balances hearty comfort and lively flavors, transforming simple ingredients into a bowl of pure joy that feels like a hug from a close friend.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of an electric pressure cooker with three pieces of raw, pale pink chicken placed inside on the metal inner pot surface with a thin layer of oil. Around the cooker on a white marbled background are four yellow corn slices and four light brown bay leaves arranged neatly. The outer body of the cooker is black with handles on both sides. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to capturing the authentic spirit of this Cuban Chicken Soup. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to contribute depth, color, and texture to the dish, making it not just a soup but an experience.

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds a smooth richness and helps sauté the aromatics to develop flavor.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (500 g): The main protein source that becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers.
½ cup chopped onions: Provides a savory base with a touch of sweetness.
2 teaspoons minced garlic: Infuses the soup with a warm, fragrant punch.
1 cup cubed carrots (cut into ¼ inch cubes): Offers subtle sweetness and a vibrant orange color.
1 cup cubed potatoes (cut into ½ inch cubes): Adds heartiness and a creamy texture as they cook down.
1 piece corn (cut into 4): Brings a hint of natural sweetness and classic Cuban flair.
5 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that ties all ingredients together in one harmonious pot.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Introduces a touch of herbaceous warmth.
½ teaspoon cumin powder: Infuses an earthy, smoky undertone.
½ teaspoon turmeric powder: Gives a lovely golden color and subtle, unique aroma.
½ teaspoon red chili powder: Adds a gentle kick without overpowering.
1 whole bay leaf: Enhances depth by subtly elevating the savory notes.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances and intensifies all the flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper powder: Provides mild sharpness and heat.
2 ounces dried angel hair pasta noodles: Light, delicate noodles that soak up the broth beautifully.
1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds a fresh citrus brightness that finishes the soup perfectly.

How to Make Cuban Chicken Soup (Sopa De Pollo) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by warming the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them gently soften and become fragrant. This initial step wakes up the flavors and sets the stage for a soup that feels both cozy and vibrant.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Next, add the boneless chicken breasts to the pot. Sear them lightly until they develop a slight golden crust. Browning the chicken at this stage locks in the juices and infuses the broth with rich taste as it cooks down later.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Spices

Now, it’s time to pile in the cubed carrots, potatoes, and corn segments. Sprinkle the dried oregano, cumin powder, turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and black pepper powder over everything. Stir gently so these spices coat all ingredients, building layers of flavor that will mingle beautifully.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Simmer

Pour the chicken broth into the pot, then drop in the whole bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the potatoes are tender. This slow simmer draws all the flavors into a harmonious blend.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken and Add Noodles

Remove the chicken breasts and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then add the dried angel hair pasta. Continue simmering for another 5-7 minutes until the noodles are tender but still light and delicate.

Step 6: Finish with Lime Juice

Just before serving, stir in the fresh lime juice. This final touch brings a lively brightness that cuts through the richness and makes every spoonful sing with authentic Cuban zest.

How to Serve Cuban Chicken Soup (Sopa De Pollo) Recipe

A black electric pressure cooker filled with three layers of ingredients is shown from above. The bottom layer consists of small orange carrot cubes, above it are white potato chunks that cover most of the carrots, and the top layer has four pieces of yellow corn on the cob cut into small rounds. Around the cooker on a white marbled surface are several corn rounds and a few dried bay leaves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Classic garnishes like fresh chopped cilantro or parsley add a leafy freshness that complements the earthy spices. A few lime wedges on the side encourage guests to adjust acidity to their taste, making this soup an interactive comfort dish.

Side Dishes

Serve the Cuban Chicken Soup alongside warm, crusty bread or Cuban-style tostones (fried green plantains). These sides are perfect for dipping and add satisfying texture contrasts that turn a simple meal into a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern twist, try serving the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or over a bed of lightly sautéed greens. You can also sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco or a drizzle of spicy avocado crema on top for an unexpected treat that elevates the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling the soup to room temperature, transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making leftovers even better the next day.

Freezing

Cuban Chicken Soup freezes beautifully. Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen soup maintains its wonderful taste for up to 2 months, making it a convenient comfort meal to pull out anytime.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low to medium heat to preserve the delicate angel hair noodles from overcooking and becoming mushy. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the soup to your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and a richer flavor, making the Cuban Chicken Soup even more decadent. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are tender.

What if I don’t have angel hair pasta?

You can substitute with thin spaghetti or vermicelli noodles. Just keep an eye on cooking time to avoid mushiness, as these noodles cook quickly like angel hair.

Is this soup spicy?

This recipe has a gentle warmth from the red chili powder, but it’s certainly not overly spicy. Feel free to adjust the chili quantity based on your preferred heat level.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can replace chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead. The spices and lime juice ensure it stays full of flavor.

Why is lime juice added at the end?

Lime juice adds a fresh, bright acidity that can diminish if cooked too long. Adding it at the end preserves its vibrant taste, balancing the earthy spices and richness perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cuban Chicken Soup (Sopa De Pollo) Recipe is like inviting a little Cuban sunshine into your kitchen. It’s comfort food, soul food, and celebration all in one bowl. I encourage you to try it; it’s a heartwarming dish that feels like coming home, no matter where you are.