authentic chicken pozole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
authentic chicken pozole recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best authentic chicken pozole recipe

I’ve been making this authentic chicken pozole recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a traditional Mexican dish that’s hearty, comforting, and full of flavor.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, and the ingredients are likely already in your pantry. I love how the tender chicken, hominy, and vegetables all come together to create a rich and satisfying broth.

My kids adore helping me prepare the toppings, like shredded cabbage, radishes, and lime juice, which add a burst of freshness to each spoonful. This recipe is perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening when you want something warm and nourishing.

Plus, it’s incredibly healthy, with all the protein from the chicken and the fiber from the hominy. I often serve it for family gatherings or potlucks because everyone loves it.

The leftovers are just as delicious reheated for lunch the next day. I’ve even used it as a base for other soups or stews by adding different ingredients like diced carrots or sweet potatoes.

My family and I never get tired of this recipe because it’s always a treat.

Authentic Chicken Pozole

Authentic Chicken Pozole

4.9 from 724 votes

This traditional Mexican soup features tender chicken and hominy in a rich, flavorful broth made with dried chiles. Garnished with fresh cabbage, radishes, and lime, it is a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time1 hour 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pozole

2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
8 cups water
1 medium onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 teaspoons salt
2 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 (15-ounce) cans white hominy, drained and rinsed

For the Garnish

1 cup shredded green cabbage
1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 limes, cut into wedges
1/2 cup diced white onion
1 avocado, sliced (optional)
Tostadas or tortilla chips for serving

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the chicken, water, quartered onion, smashed garlic, and 2 teaspoons salt in a large stockpot.
2Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, skimming off any foam that rises, for 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
3While the chicken simmers, heat a medium skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes.
4Add the dried guajillo and ancho chiles and toast them for 30 seconds per side, until fragrant but not burned, then transfer them to a bowl and cover with hot water.
5Let them soak for 20 minutes until softened.
6Remove the soaked chiles from the water and place them in a blender along with 1 cup of the soaking liquid, the oregano, and cumin.
7Blend on high for 1 minute until completely smooth, then pour the chile puree through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing with a spoon to extract all the liquid.
8Once the chicken is cooked, use tongs to transfer it to a cutting board and let it cool for 5 minutes.
9Strain the cooking broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl, discarding the solids, then return the broth to the stockpot.
10Shred the chicken meat, discarding the bones and skin.
11Add the shredded chicken, chile puree, and drained hominy to the broth in the stockpot.
12Bring the pozole to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the hominy is tender.
13Taste the pozole and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
14Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately with bowls of shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, diced onion, and avocado on the side for each person to garnish their own portion.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot (at least 6 quarts)
Medium skillet
Blender
Fine-mesh strainer
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs
Ladle

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 6g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a spicier pozole, add one dried chile de arbol to the toasting step. The soup can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; the flavors will deepen overnight. Reheat gently over medium-low heat before serving.

Watch Video Of How Authentic Chicken Pozole Works

This authentic chicken pozole recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it is both comforting and impressive. It works well for family gatherings since you can set out all the toppings and let everyone customize their bowl.

I love that it makes enough for leftovers, which are even more flavorful the next day. To store leftovers, let the pozole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

It will keep in the fridge for up to four days, and you can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave with a little extra broth. For serving ideas, try it with warm corn tortillas or a side of Mexican rice.

You can also add a poached egg on top for a hearty breakfast version. This recipe is versatile and always a hit, whether it is for a casual dinner or a holiday celebration.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Pozole

What is pozole?

Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup made with hominy and meat or chicken. It’s often served on special occasions like holidays or celebrations.

Can I use store-bought hominy?

Yes, you can use store-bought hominy as a substitute for dried hominy in this recipe. However, keep in mind that it may affect the flavor and texture slightly.

How do I prepare the chicken?

To prepare the chicken for this recipe, you can either use pre-cooked shredded chicken or cook raw chicken breasts until they’re fully cooked and then shred them.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to make the soup more colorful and nutritious.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

Similar Posts