Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Posole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, wholesome hominy, and flavorful spices creates a rich, warming meal that is sure to please everyone. Not only is it easy to prepare, but cooking it in a slow cooker lets the flavors meld beautifully. Plus, you can customize it with various toppings for extra texture and taste.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Posole
Prepare the chicken and ingredients: Start by placing the chicken thighs into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add in the chicken stock, drained hominy, green chiles, diced onion, poblano pepper, minced garlic, cumin, and oregano. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let it cook for 6-8 hours, until the chicken is tender and flavorful.
Shred the chicken: After cooking, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Allow it to cool slightly before dicing it into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bones.
Add fresh ingredients: Return the diced chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in the diced tomatillos, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Serve the chicken posole immediately, topped with your choice of shredded cabbage, sliced radish, crumbled queso fresco, tortilla chips, and lime wedges for a burst of flavor and crunch.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 (25-ounce) can white hominy, drained
- 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 1 poblano pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 medium tomatillos, diced
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- For Serving: Shredded cabbage, sliced radish, crumbled queso fresco, tortilla chips, lime wedges
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Posole
Serve the chicken posole hot right from the slow cooker. It’s delicious on its own, but you can offer various toppings like shredded cabbage for crunch, sliced radishes for freshness, crumbled queso fresco for creaminess, tortilla chips for a crispy bite, and lime wedges for a zesty finish. Let everyone build their own bowls to personalize their servings.
How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Posole
To store leftover chicken posole, allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you’d like to store it for longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Posole
- Choose the right chicken: Bone-in skinless chicken thighs are great for this recipe because they remain juicy and tender during the slow cooking process.
- Spice it up: If you enjoy heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor at the end, but you can also try adding other fresh herbs like parsley for a different taste.
Variation
Feel free to try different proteins, such as pork or turkey, in place of chicken. You can also make it vegetarian by using vegetable stock, omitting the meat, and adding more beans or legumes for protein.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this posole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the posole in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months.
Q: What’s hominy, and can I substitute it?
A: Hominy is made from dried corn that has been treated with an alkali. It adds a unique texture to the dish. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with canned corn, but the flavor and texture will be different.
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be aware that they may dry out more easily during cooking. You may want to check them earlier to ensure they don’t overcook.