How to make chicken foot soup

If you’ve never tried Caribbean chicken foot soup, you’re in for a treat. This rich and hearty soup is packed with bold flavors, nutritious root vegetables, and the ultimate ingredient for deep flavor—chicken feet. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it! 

In the Caribbean, Saturdays mean one thing—Soup Saturday. It’s a long-standing tradition where big pots of soup simmer on the stove, filling the air with delicious aromas.

This one-pot soup is a Saturday staple across the Caribbean, known for its comforting warmth and nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re making Jamaican chicken foot soup or a classic Trinidadian-style soup, this recipe brings all the flavors you love in a cozy, filling bowl.

From Trini corn soup to Jamaican red pea soup, every island has its favorite. And now, it’s time to add another must-try to your rotation—this rich and flavorful chicken foot soup.

I get it—eating chicken feet might not be at the top of your list. But let me tell you, once you try this Caribbean chicken foot soup with dumplings, you’ll see why it’s a staple in so many island kitchens.

In the Caribbean, nothing goes to waste, and that includes chicken feet, which add a rich depth of flavor to soups and stews. This recipe combines tender chicken feet, a medley of root vegetables, and fresh herbs, all simmered together in a seasoned broth to create a dish that’s both nourishing and deeply flavorful.

If you’re looking for a lighter soup, check out my butter bean soup recipe for another comforting option.

What does chicken foot taste like?

So, what does chicken feet taste like? On their own, chicken feet don’t have a strong flavor—they’re mostly cartilage, skin, and a bit of gelatin. But that’s exactly what makes them perfect for soups!

When simmered low and slow, chicken feet release collagen, creating a rich, velvety broth that’s packed with flavor. The real magic comes from the seasoned broth, where ingredients like fresh herbs, garlic, and allspice infuse the soup with bold Caribbean flavors.

Is chicken foot soup healthy?

Wondering if chicken foot soup is healthy? The answer is yes! While many people see chicken feet as just bony parts of the chicken, they are actually packed with collagen, an essential protein that offers several health benefits.

Health benefits of chicken feet:

• Great for joint health – The high collagen content supports healthy joints and may help with arthritis.
• Good for skin & hair – Collagen helps keep skin firm and promotes hair growth.
• Boosts bone strength – Supports bone density and helps prevent bone loss.
• Aids digestion – The gelatin in chicken feet broth can help with gut health.

So the next time you enjoy a warm bowl of Caribbean chicken foot soup, know that you’re not just getting a flavorful meal—you’re also nourishing your body!

What's in chicken foot soup?

One thing about Caribbean chicken foot soup—it’s always packed with bold flavors! This isn’t just a basic broth; we’re layering spices, fresh herbs, and hearty ground provisions to build a rich and comforting dish.

While some ingredients can be swapped based on what you have on hand, here are the essentials for an authentic chicken foot soup recipe:

The Star Ingredient:

• Chicken feet – This is what gives the soup its unique texture and deep, rich broth. Make sure to clean them well before cooking.

The Base & Flavor Builders:

• Pumpkin – Adds a natural sweetness and helps thicken the soup.
• Split peas – Gives the broth extra body and a mild, creamy texture.
• Onions, garlic, and green onions – The key aromatics that bring that signature Caribbean depth of flavor.
• Fresh thyme & allspice berries – Classic seasonings that add warmth to the broth.
• Scotch bonnet pepper – Brings just the right amount of heat (or more, if you like it spicy!).
• Black pepper & salt – For seasoning.
• Packet soup mix (optional) – Some people love adding pumpkin soup mix or cock soup mix for extra depth.

The Hearty Add-Ins:

• Potatoes (sweet or regular) – For that comforting, starchy goodness.
• Corn – A must-have in many Caribbean soups! Adds a subtle sweetness.
• Carrots & christophene (cho cho) – Extra veggies for flavor and texture.
• Yam or other ground provisions – Swap in what you have, like eddoes or green bananas.
• Flour dumplings – No Caribbean soup is complete without them!

Optional Additions:

• Pimento berries, celery, bell peppers – Extra aromatics if you want to enhance the flavor.
• A small piece of ginger – Some people like the subtle warmth it adds.

How do you make chicken foot soup?

Making Caribbean chicken foot soup is easy once you get the hang of it. You can cook it on the stovetop, in a pressure cooker, or even in an Instant Pot, depending on how much time you have.

The most important step? Cleaning and prepping the chicken feet before cooking! Let’s walk through it:

Step 1: Cleaning & Prepping the Chicken Feet

Before cooking, you need to properly clean chicken feet to remove any unwanted bits:

1. Trim the claws – Use kitchen shears or a knife to cut off the sharp tips.
2. Remove any dark spots – Scrape them off with a knife.
3. Soak & rinse – Wash them in cold water with vinegar or lime juice for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

For a detailed cleaning guide, check out my chicken foot souse post!

Step 2: Building the Soup Base

No matter which cooking method you use, the first step is to create a rich, flavorful broth.

1. Add chicken feet, pumpkin, split peas, garlic, thyme, scallions, soup mix, onions, bell pepper, and black pepper to a large pot.
2. Pour in enough water or chicken stock to cover everything.
3. Boil for 25-30 minutes on the stovetop until the pumpkin is tender.
   Pressure Cooker Method: Cook for 8 minutes on the meat setting, then manually release. Stovetop Method: Simmer until the chicken feet soften.
4. Blend part of the soup for a thicker texture (use an immersion blender or blend a cup and return it to the pot).

Step 3: Adding the Vegetables & Dumplings

1. Add potatoes, christophene, yam, and corn, plus 2 more cups of water.
2. Drop in the dumplings and carrots, then let everything simmer for another 10-15 minutes until tender.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more salt, black pepper, or hot pepper as needed.

If the soup thickens too much, add a little more water and let it simmer to your desired consistency.

Final Touch: Adjust & Serve!

Once everything is tender, give the soup a final taste. If you like a thicker soup, let it sit a bit before serving. For a thinner broth, stir in some extra hot water and season as needed.

Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chicken foot soup!

How to store and reheat chicken foot soup

This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them properly!

Can You Freeze Chicken Foot Soup?

While you can freeze this soup, I personally don’t recommend freezing it with dumplings and ground provisions. These tend to break down and become mushy when reheated.

Best Freezing Tip:

• If you plan to freeze it, remove the dumplings and store them separately. When reheating, just make fresh dumplings and add them back in!

How to Freeze:

1. Let the soup cool completely.
2. Transfer it to airtight containers (I love using these soup containers).
3. Freeze for up to 5 months.

How to Store Leftovers in the Fridge

For short-term storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Storage Tip:

• Store soup in individual portions to make reheating easier.

Best Way to Reheat Chicken Foot Soup

Reheating soup the right way ensures it keeps its flavor and texture!

Stovetop Method (Best Way):

1. Pour the soup into a deep pot.
2. Add a splash of water if the soup has thickened too much.
3. Simmer on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until fully heated through.

Microwave Method (For Small Portions):

Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Then heat in 5-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to boil chicken feet for soup?

Chicken feet take about 25 to 30 minutes to become tender when boiled on the stovetop.

• If using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, they cook in about 8 minutes on the "Meat" setting.
• Simmering them with herbs and aromatics enhances their flavor from the start!

Tip: Want extra-soft chicken feet? Let them simmer for longer to release more collagen into the soup.

What does chicken foot soup taste like?

Chicken foot soup is rich, savory, and full of flavor. The chicken feet themselves don’t have much taste—they're mostly cartilage—but they help create a deep, velvety broth.

The flavor comes from pumpkin, fresh herbs, dumplings, and ground provisions, making it a hearty and comforting dish.

Can I make chicken foot soup ahead of time?

Yes, but it's best made on the same day for the freshest taste.

• If making ahead, let the soup simmer on low heat until ready to serve.
• Keep an eye on the water level—add more if it thickens too much.

Avoid refrigerating for too long, as dumplings and ground provisions get mushy.





This Caribbean chicken foot soup is a must-try if you love bold flavors, hearty soups, and traditional island cooking. Whether you’re making it for Soup Saturday or just craving a comforting meal, this dish brings warmth and nostalgia to every bite.

Now, I’d love to hear from you!

• Have you tried chicken foot soup?
• Do you add any special ingredients to yours?
• Drop a comment below and let me know!

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Other soups you will love to try:

• Fish soup
• Corn soup
• Conch soup
• Pigeon peas soup