Why Make This Recipe
Green Chicken Pozole is a comforting and vibrant dish that warms both the heart and the belly. This soup bursts with flavors from fresh vegetables and spices, all while being packed with wholesome ingredients like chicken and hominy. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you need a cozy dinner or a dish to share with friends and family. Plus, it offers a healthy twist on traditional pozole, making it a great go-to recipe for anyone looking to try something new!
How to Make Green Chicken Pozole
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound tomatillos, husked, rinsed, and quartered
- 8 cups chicken broth, divided
- 1 small bunch fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon (optional)
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 (15-ounce) cans hominy, drained and rinsed
Directions
Cook the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, jalapeño, and poblano peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes until onions soften. Stir in garlic and tomatillos. Continue cooking for 4–5 minutes until peppers are tender. Remove from heat.
Blend the Mixture: Add the cooked veggies to a blender. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and the cilantro. Blend until smooth. Add extra broth if the mixture is too thick.
Prepare the Broth: Return the blended mixture to the pot. Stir in the remaining chicken broth, oregano, cumin, coriander, bay leaf, and salt. Mix well.
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil over medium heat. Lower the heat, partially cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked and tender.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Place the shredded chicken back into the pot.
Add Hominy: Stir the hominy into the soup. Let it simmer uncovered over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Add chicken bouillon if desired. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and add your choice of toppings like radishes, avocado, lime, or tortilla chips for extra flavor.
How to Serve Green Chicken Pozole
Serve Green Chicken Pozole hot in bowls. You can top it with fresh ingredients like sliced radishes, creamy avocado, zesty lime wedges, or crunchy tortilla chips. These toppings not only enhance the flavor but also add color and texture to the dish!
How to Store Green Chicken Pozole
To store Green Chicken Pozole, let it cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to leave out any toppings before freezing.
Tips to Make Green Chicken Pozole
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
- Fresh tomatillos offer the best flavor, but canned tomatillos can also work in a pinch.
- You can use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, but thighs add more flavor and tenderness.
- For added depth, consider roasting the tomatillos and peppers before blending.
Variation
You can easily customize this pozole recipe by adding other vegetables or incorporating different proteins like pork or turkey. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
FAQs
Can I use canned hominy instead of dried?
Yes, canned hominy works perfectly well in this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse it before adding.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Prepare the vegetable mixture and blend it. Then, put everything in your slow cooker, including the chicken, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
What can I serve with Green Chicken Pozole?
Green Chicken Pozole pairs well with tortilla chips, cornbread, or a fresh green salad. You can also offer a variety of toppings to let everyone customize their bowls.