What You’ll Need:

• A large pot (I use a Cuisinart, but any big boy works)

• Skillet

• Side bowl for seasoning

• Ladle

• Sharp knives

• Food processor or blender (for shredding)

• Your best judgment (I don’t measure)

Ingredients (a.k.a. The Cast):

• Chicken (white or dark – team thighs for flavor)

• Carrots

• Small yellow potatoes

• Corn stalks (halved)

• 1 whole bulb of garlic (5-7 cloves)

• 2 shallots

• 2 Hass avocados (for garnish & drama)

• Better Than Bouillon Organic Roasted Chicken Base

• Olive oil

• Salt (Maldon if you’re fancy)

• Pepper

• Fresh cilantro (unless you’re a cilantro hater, then… RIP to you)

• (OPTIONAL) Rice – if you’re trying to make this a skinny soup, opt-out. If you’re looking for a Latin soup, opt in.

Step 1: Build the Broth

Fill your pot halfway with water, medium heat. While it warms up, chop your veggies:

• Potatoes → halves

• Carrots → chunks

• Garlic → minced

• Shallots → diced

• Corn → halved

Toss them in the pot and let them start softening while you handle the chicken situation.

*This is also where you would add the rice for the base if you opted in. Definitely makes for a thicker soup!

Step 2: Chicken, But Make It Juicy

Cut your chicken into manageable pieces (we’re not on Food Network – just enough to blend later). In a side bowl, season with:

• Olive oil (light drizzle)

• Salt (light hand)

• Pepper (go off)

Sear in your skillet on medium-high heat until cooked but still juicy. No dry chicken energy here – remember, it’ll keep cooking in the soup.

Step 3: Broth Boost

Check the veggie pot. Add Better Than Bouillon – start with 1–2 heaping tablespoons and stir. I usually land at 2–3 for a big pot (serves 6–9), but taste as you go. (Soup is a relationship – it needs feedback.)
Lid on. Let flavors mingle.

Step 4: Shred, Don’t Pulverize

Remove chicken from skillet, toss it in the food processor/blender, and pulse gently. We’re shredding, not making chicken pâté.

Transfer shredded chicken + any delicious skillet juices into the pot. Stir it all together like you mean it.

Taste test. Need more bouillon? Add it. Too salty? Add water (unlikely, but possible).