Chicken Foot Soup Recipe

A Jamaican chicken foot soup recipe is almost identical to the more traditional chicken soup. Unfortunately, the main ingredient can be a little off-putting for some. Besides the obvious presence of a few chicken feet there is really no difference between chicken foot soup and a traditional Jamaican chicken soup. The fact that chicken feet are low in calories and fat is an added bonus. Chicken Foot soup is one of those take it or leave it dishes but, I can assure you that if you eat some good authentic chicken foot soup you will be hooked. A bowl of chicken foot soup also happens to be a hearty, low calories, nutrient laden meal.

chicken feet cleaned and cut up — Chicken feet generally come with the toenails still attached. Use a sharp knife to cut off the tips and discard them before cooking. Chicken feet can be cooked whole, but I suggest chopping each one into 2 pieces to make it easier to cook and eat. If you don’t own a chopper or you just don’t want to chop them; ask the butcher to chop them up for you. Even some large grocery stores will willingly chop them into smaller pieces if you request it.

ground provisions — Chicken feet generally come with the toenails still attached. Use a sharp knife to cut off the tips and discard them before cooking. Chicken feet can be cooked whole, but I suggest chopping each one into 2 pieces to make it easier to cook and eat. If you don’t own a chopper or you just don’t want to chop them; ask the butcher to chop them up for you. Even some large grocery stores will willingly chop them into smaller pieces if you request it.

Cutting your ingredients into small pieces not only helps them cook more quickly, it also produces a richer more flavorful soup.

DSC03432 chicken feet and ground provisions in the pot

Essential Ingredients

In recent years chicken feet has become easier to find. Showing up even in some upscale, large chain stores. Other ingredients like chayote that is traditionally used can usually be found where Caribbean and Spanish foods are sold. Zucchini makes an excellent substitute if you can’t find chayote. The other vegetables and ground provisions can be as substituted based on availability or to suit your personal taste. Essentially, all you need to create the chicken foot soup recipe below are a few root vegetables, chicken feet and pumpkin. Top it off with some fresh herbs and spices. Throw in a pack of Jamaican pumpkin noodle soup and you’ll be sipping sweet in no time.

Dumplings are a staple ingredient in most Jamaican soups but they are not required, although every Jamaican I know would disagree, and have little impact on the flavor. If you have dietary concerns or allergies like celiac disease, omit the dumplings and noodle pack. If you omit the noodles, use a chicken bouillon cube or a combination of allspice, garlic, thyme, lots of scallions and hot pepper to boost the flavor of your soup.