Chicken Albondigas recipe, or Mexican chicken meatball soup, is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings warmth to any table.

This hearty soup features tender chicken meatballs simmered in a rich tomato broth with fresh vegetables, making it a wholesome meal for any occasion.

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Can You Eat This Recipe Every Day?

Yes, you can enjoy chicken albondigas recipe every day—especially if you’re looking for a wholesome, balanced meal. I love it because it’s packed with lean protein, veggies, and just enough rice to keep me full without feeling heavy.

It’s not overly rich or greasy, and I can adjust the ingredients to suit my mood or health goals. Some days I skip the rice or load it up with extra vegetables.

As long as I’m rotating other meals throughout the week and keeping portions reasonable, this comforting soup fits beautifully into my daily routine.

How To Make Chicken Albondigas Recipe

🕒 Quick Overview

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Course: Main Course

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 6 servings

🧰 Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Sharp knife and cutting board
Large stockpot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet (optional)
Parchment paper (optional)

🧂 Ingredients For Chicken Albondigas Recipe

For the Meatballs:

2 lbs ground chicken
¾ cup uncooked white rice
2 large eggs
7 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers (optional, for binding)

For the Broth:

1 tablespoon corn oil
¼ onion, roughly chopped
1 garlic clove, whole
14.5 oz tomato sauce
6 cups chicken broth
2 carrots, diced
1 potato, peeled and diced

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, uncooked rice, eggs, mint, oregano, salt, pepper, diced onion, and minced garlic. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. If the mixture feels too loose, add breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers to help bind it.

Form the mixture into meatballs approximately 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate while preparing the broth.

2. Sauté Aromatics

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat corn oil over medium heat. Add the roughly chopped onion and whole garlic clove, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Build the Broth

Pour in the tomato sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Cook the Meatballs

Carefully add the prepared meatballs to the simmering broth one at a time. Allow them to cook for 5 minutes, ensuring they hold their shape.

5. Add Vegetables

Add the diced carrots and potatoes to the pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer over medium heat for 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the meatballs are cooked through.

6. Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous amount of meatballs and vegetables. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired. Serve hot with warm corn tortillas on the side.

🧾 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 405 kcal
Carbohydrates: 31 g
Protein: 33 g
Fat: 17 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Cholesterol: 189 mg
Sodium: 2048 mg
Potassium: 1387 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 7 g
Vitamin A: 4137 IU
Vitamin C: 12 mg
Calcium: 69 mg
Iron: 3 mg

Nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions For Chicken Albondigas Recipe

Chicken Albondigas soup is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides:

Warm Corn Tortillas: Perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
Mexican Rice: A hearty side that complements the soup’s flavors.
Fresh Lime Wedges: Adds a zesty brightness to each bite.
Avocado Slices: Provides a creamy texture contrast.
Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Enhances the soup’s freshness.

💡 Tips and Variations For Chicken Albondigas Recipe

Spice It Up: Add chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky heat.
Vegetable Variations: Incorporate zucchini, green beans, or spinach for added nutrition.
Rice Preparation: Rinse uncooked rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Meat Alternatives: Ground turkey or beef can be substituted for chicken if preferred.
Storage: Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.

🌿 Health Benefits For Chicken Albondigas Recipe

This Chicken Albondigas soup is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits:

High Protein: Ground chicken provides a lean source of protein essential for muscle repair.
Rich in Vitamins: Carrots and potatoes add vitamins A and C, supporting immune health.
Whole Grains: Rice contributes to daily fiber intake, aiding digestion.
Low in Saturated Fat: Using lean chicken helps maintain heart health.

🧊 How to Store Chicken Albondigas Rercipe

I always make a little extra when I cook chicken albondigas—this soup stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

🥶 Refrigerating

Once the soup cools down, I transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. When I’m ready to eat, I just reheat it gently on the stove over medium heat. If it thickens too much, I stir in a splash of chicken broth or water.

❄️ Freezing

If I want to freeze it, I let the soup cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. I leave a little room at the top for expansion. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 1 month.

When I need a quick meal, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove. The meatballs hold up really well, and the flavors stay just as bold.

📝 Note

For a smoother texture, ensure the meatballs are uniform in size. This promotes even cooking and a consistent mouthfeel. Additionally, allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes after cooking can enhance the melding of flavors.

🏁 Conclusion

Every time I make chicken albondigas recipe, I feel like I’m bringing a little comfort and tradition into my kitchen. The way those tender meatballs soak up the rich, tomato-infused broth gets me every time.

It’s hearty without being heavy, and packed with flavor in every spoonful. If you’re craving something simple, soulful, and nourishing, this recipe delivers.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family, it’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down and enjoy each bite. Try it once, and I promise—it’ll become a regular in your kitchen just like it did in mine.