How Do You Say Chicken Broth in Spanish? A Complete Guide

Are you trying to follow a Spanish recipe but stuck on how to translate “chicken broth”? Maybe you’re traveling to a Spanish-speaking country and want to order your favorite soup. Whatever your reason, knowing how to say chicken broth in Spanish can be super helpful for cooking and communication!

I’ve been learning Spanish for years now and still sometimes get stuck on food terminology. Let’s dive into the different ways to say chicken broth in Spanish and when to use each term.

The Most Common Ways to Say Chicken Broth in Spanish

There are two primary translations that are widely used across Spanish-speaking countries

1. El caldo de pollo – This is the most common and widely recognized term
2. El caldo de gallina – Also frequently used, especially in certain regions

El caldo de pollo

“El caldo de pollo” is what you’ll hear most often Breaking it down

• Caldo = broth
• Pollo = chicken

You’ll see this term on food packaging, restaurant menus, and in recipes throughout the Spanish-speaking world

Examples:

• Si tienes caldo de pollo, puedes preparar una sopa deliciosa. (You can make a tasty soup if you have chicken broth.)
• Para darle más sabor al arroz, añade caldo de pollo. (To give the rice more flavor, add chicken broth.)

El caldo de gallina

“El caldo de gallina” literally means “hen broth.” In many Spanish-speaking countries, people don’t distinguish much between chicken and hen when cooking, so this term is also commonly used.

Example:

• Añade caldo de gallina al arroz si quieres que tenga más sabor. (Add chicken broth to the rice if you want it to have more flavor.)

Less Common Terms for Chicken Broth

While the above terms are the most frequent, you might also encounter these variations:

1. El consomé de pollo – This specifically refers to a clear chicken broth or consommé
2. El caldo de ave – A more general term meaning “poultry broth” (ave = bird)

These terms aren’t wrong, but they’re definitely used less frequently than “caldo de pollo” or “caldo de gallina” in everyday cooking conversations.

Regional Variations Across Spanish-Speaking Countries

Just like English has regional differences, Spanish has its own variations depending on the country:

So while “caldo de pollo” will be understood pretty much everywhere, being aware of these regional preferences can help you sound more like a local!

Grammar Tips When Using These Terms

When using these Spanish terms, remember:

• Caldo is a masculine noun, so use el caldo (not la caldo)
• Always use the preposition de to connect caldo with the type of broth
• Both pollo and gallina take masculine articles when referring to the birds
• Consomé is also masculine, so it’s el consomé de pollo

Is There a Difference Between Chicken Broth and Chicken Stock in Spanish?

In English, we sometimes distinguish between chicken broth and chicken stock, with stock typically being made with bones and broth usually made with meat.

However, according to the USDA Food Standards and Labeling, “No distinction has been made between ‘broth’ and ‘stock.’ These words can both refer to the liquid that is made when you simmer meat and/or bones in water with spices.”

In Spanish, this distinction isn’t typically made either. “Caldo de pollo” can refer to both what English speakers might call broth or stock.

Common Confusions and Clarifications

Sometimes people confuse “chicken broth” with “chicken soup” in Spanish:

• Chicken broth = caldo de pollo (the liquid)
• Chicken soup = sopa de pollo (the complete dish with vegetables, chicken pieces, etc.)

Though confusingly, in Mexico, “caldo de pollo” often refers to a chicken soup dish with large pieces of chicken and vegetables simmered in broth. Context matters!

Practical Uses for Knowing These Terms

Knowing how to say chicken broth in Spanish is super useful for:

1. Following Spanish recipes correctly
2. Shopping for ingredients in Spanish-speaking countries
3. Ordering at restaurants or asking about menu items
4. Understanding food labels on packaged products

Quick Reference Guide

For quick reference, here’s a summary of how to say chicken broth in Spanish:

• Most common: El caldo de pollo
• Also very common: El caldo de gallina
• Less common but correct: El consomé de pollo, el caldo de ave

Beyond Chicken: Other Broths in Spanish

Once you know how to say chicken broth, you can easily adapt the pattern for other broths:

• Beef broth = Caldo de res or caldo de carne
• Vegetable broth = Caldo de verduras or caldo de vegetales
• Fish broth = Caldo de pescado or fumet (in culinary contexts)

Cooking With Chicken Broth – Spanish Terms You Might Need

If you’re following a Spanish recipe that calls for chicken broth, you might encounter these related terms:

• Reducir el caldo = Reduce the broth
• Caldo casero = Homemade broth
• Cubitos de caldo = Bouillon cubes
• Caldo concentrado = Concentrated broth

My Personal Experience

I remember my first trip to Mexico where I tried to order chicken soup but kept saying “sopa de pollo” when what I really wanted was their traditional “caldo de pollo” with big chunks of chicken and vegetables. The waiter was confused because on their menu, “sopa de pollo” was a creamy chicken soup!

This experience taught me that understanding these nuances matters, especially when traveling or cooking authentic recipes.

Wrapping Up

Whether you’re cooking up a Spanish storm in your kitchen or traveling through Spanish-speaking countries, knowing how to say “chicken broth” in Spanish is a useful addition to your vocabulary.

To recap:

• El caldo de pollo is your go-to term in most situations
• El caldo de gallina is also widely understood
• Be aware of regional variations, especially in South America

Now you’re ready to confidently cook with chicken broth no matter where your culinary adventures take you!

¡Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal!)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is chicken broth the same as chicken stock in Spanish?
A: In Spanish, “caldo de pollo” typically covers both what English speakers might differentiate as broth or stock.

Q: What’s the difference between caldo de pollo and sopa de pollo?
A: Generally, “caldo de pollo” refers to the liquid (broth), while “sopa de pollo” refers to the complete soup dish. However, in some regions like Mexico, “caldo de pollo” can also refer to a soup dish with large pieces of chicken.

Q: How do you pronounce “caldo de pollo”?
A: It’s pronounced “KAHL-doh deh POH-yoh” with the “ll” making a “y” sound.