Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe

If you’re craving something comforting, hearty, and packed with flavor, this Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe is exactly what you need. I love this recipe because it brings together the vibrant tastes of traditional Mexican pozole without all the fuss, and I promise once you try it, you’ll be hooked—as my family did the very first time I made it. So grab your slow cooker, and let’s dive into a bowl of warm, spicy, and utterly satisfying pozole that’s simpler than it looks.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to deliver that classic pozole taste with minimal stress. When shopping, I recommend grabbing fresh garlic and onion, plus real canned hominy, because it really makes a difference.

• Chicken breasts: I like boneless skinless because they shred easily and stay tender, but thighs work well too if you prefer juicier meat.
• Chicken broth: Use good quality broth or homemade if you have it; it’s the flavor base for your soup.
• Red enchilada sauce: Homemade is the secret here—I tried store-bought once, and my family noticed the difference immediately.
• Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness; finely diced works best to blend in.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings that wonderful punch you want in pozole.
• Chili powder: Choose your favorite brand—this adds warmth and depth.
• Ground cumin: Essential for that earthy background flavor.
• Kosher salt: Season well but taste as you go!
• White hominy: The star ingredient—make sure to drain and rinse the cans well to avoid extra saltiness.
• Dried Mexican oregano: Adds a traditional herbal note that’s easy to miss but makes a big difference.
• For toppings: Think shredded cabbage, cilantro, diced onions, fresh lime wedges, radish slices, and a bit more oregano.

Variations

I love to change things up depending on what I have on hand and the season. Feel free to personalize this Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe—it’s pretty forgiving and easy to make your own.

• Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: I’ve used thighs many times for an even richer, moister texture.
• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne if you like heat; I add jalapeños for family gatherings and everyone loves the extra zip.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth for an equally comforting meal.
• Different Toppings: Play with radishes, avocado slices, or even crispy tortilla strips if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Make Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Your Slow Cooker

This is the best part: just put your chicken chunks, chicken broth, red enchilada sauce, diced onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt all together. I like giving everything a quick stir so the spices start mingling early. Then cover and cook for 5 ½ hours on LOW or 3 ½ hours on HIGH. I usually go low and slow—that way my chicken stays super tender.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

When your cooking time is up, carefully scoop the chicken out with a slotted spoon onto a big plate or board. Two forks will help you shred it nicely—no need to be perfect here; rustic shreds are the charm. Then toss the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Hominy and Oregano, Then Finish Cooking

After shredding, add your drained and rinsed hominy and the dried Mexican oregano back to the cooker. Give it a good stir, cover again, and let it cook for 30 more minutes. This short extra cooking melds the flavors together just right—and the hominy softens up beautifully without getting mushy.

Step 4: Serve with Toppings

This is the part where you get creative! Ladle the pozole into bowls, then pile on shredded cabbage, fresh cilantro, diced onions, radish slices, and a good squeeze of lime. I like a little extra oregano on top too—it brightens every bite.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe

Garnishes

I always go for the classic toppings: finely shredded cabbage for crunch, fresh cilantro for brightness, diced raw onions for that bite, and thinly sliced radishes that add a peppery snap. Don’t forget a generous squeeze of lime—it wakes up all the flavors. A sprinkle of extra Mexican oregano on top is my little signature touch that makes the bowl feel complete.

Side Dishes

We often serve this with warm corn tortillas on the side; they’re perfect for scooping every last bite. Sometimes I add a simple Mexican street corn salad or refried beans to round out the meal. It’s all about a balance of textures and flavors—you can’t go wrong with anything that’s fresh and a little tangy.

Creative Ways to Present

For small celebrations, I like to serve the pozole in individual bowls with separate small dishes of garnishes on the table, so guests can customize to their liking. Adding colorful bowls and spoons turns it into an inviting experience. Plus, it feels festive and lets everyone get involved—and bonus, less mess for me!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always keep leftover pozole in airtight containers in the fridge, and I find it holds up really well for about 5 to 7 days. Just make sure it cools before you pop it in the fridge to keep it fresh longer and avoid that weird “leftover” smell.

Freezing

Freezing pozole works great! Personally, I freeze it in meal-sized containers for up to three months. When I thaw it overnight in the fridge, the flavors come back beautifully without any loss in texture.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming it gently on the stove over medium heat with a little extra broth or water if it’s thickened too much. This keeps the chicken tender and the broth lively. Of course, microwaving is fine too if you’re in a hurry—just stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe turns out every single time. It’s my go-to for cozy dinners, especially when I want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich flavors, tender shredded chicken, and that perfect hominy bite create a bowl that feels like a warm hug. I’m pretty sure once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again, just like I do. Give it a try—and don’t forget to pile on those fresh toppings for maximum deliciousness!

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