I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes: easy chicken posole. This traditional Mexican dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I just can’t get enough of its rich, comforting flavors. The first time I made it, I was blown away by how easy it was to prepare and how delicious it turned out.
My kids, who are notoriously picky eaters, devoured it in seconds and asked for seconds (and thirds, and fourths…) It’s become a regular in our weekly meal rotation, and I’m sure it will be in yours too once you try it out. So what makes this recipe so special?
For starters, the combination of tender chicken, hominy, and spices is absolutely divine. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make – even on a busy weeknight – thanks to the simplicity of the ingredients and the quick cooking time.
My husband loves that it’s a hearty, filling meal that warps up leftovers perfectly. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce your family to new flavors without feeling overwhelmed by complicated recipes. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – with lean protein from the chicken and plenty of fiber from the vegetables, this dish is a nutritional powerhouse.
My mom used to make it all the time when I was growing up, and now that I’m a mom myself, I love passing this tradition down to my own kids.
Easy Chicken Posole
4.7 from 1656 votes
A quick and comforting Mexican soup made with tender chicken, hominy, and a flavorful red chile broth. This simplified version uses rotisserie chicken and canned hominy for a hearty meal in under an hour.
3 cups shredded cooked chicken (from a rotisserie chicken)
Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish (optional)
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes
1 avocado, diced
1 lime, cut into wedges
Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cabbage
👨🍳Directions
1Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3Add the minced garlic, ancho chile powder, dried oregano, and ground cumin to the pot.
4Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent the spices from burning.
5Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then add the drained hominy.
6Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
7Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.
8The hominy should be tender and the broth a deep red color.
9Stir in the shredded chicken and continue to simmer for 5 more minutes until the chicken is heated through.
10Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
11Ladle the posole into bowls and serve hot with your choice of garnishes like fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, diced avocado, lime wedges, and crumbled queso fresco.
For a spicier posole, add a minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce along with the garlic. The soup thickens as it sits, so add extra broth when reheating if needed.
Watch Video Of How Easy Chicken Posole Works
This easy chicken posole is a recipe I come back to again and again because it is simple, satisfying, and always a hit with my family. It works for a quick dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or even for a small gathering with friends.
I love that I can make it ahead and it tastes even better the next day. For storage, let the soup cool completely and keep it in the fridge for up to four days.
To reheat, just warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened. You can also freeze it in portions for busy nights.
Serve it with warm tortillas or a side salad for a complete meal. This posole is a keeper and I hope your family loves it as much as mine does.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Posole
1. What is posole?
Posole is a traditional Mexican stew made with hominy (dried corn kernels that have been soaked in limewater) and various meats or vegetables. In this recipe, we’re using chicken as the main protein source.
2. What is hominy?
Hominy is simply dried corn kernels that have been soaked in limewater to remove the hulls and germ. It has a distinctive texture and flavor that’s essential to this recipe.
3. Can I use store-bought hominy instead of fresh?
Yes! If you can’t find fresh hominy at your local grocery store or prefer the convenience of store-bought options, you can definitely use canned or jarred hominy as a substitute.
4. How do I serve posole?
Traditionally, posole is served with shredded cabbage or radish leaves on top (don’t worry if you don’t have these ingredients – just skip them!). You can also add diced onions or tortilla chips on top for added crunch and flavor.
5. Can I make posole ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this recipe is how well it holds up to reheating – simply refrigerate or freeze leftovers for up to 3 days before reheating as needed.
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