Name: Chicken Pozole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 130 min
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided (This helps achieve the perfect sear on the chicken and softens the aromatics.)); 2 ½ pounds skinless (boneless chicken breast halves (Opt for fresh chicken breast for the best flavor.)); 1 onion (chopped (A sweet or yellow onion works beautifully for depth.)); 3 garlic cloves (minced (Fresh garlic adds a fragrant punch.)); 2 ½ quarts chicken broth (Homemade or low-sodium for more control over seasoning.); 3 cups water (This balances the intensity of the broth.); 4 tablespoons chili powder (or to taste (Adjust based on your preferred spice level.)); 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste); 1 teaspoon dried oregano (crumbled (Release the flavor by crushing it between your palms.)); 3 cups white hominy (rinsed and drained (This is the soul of pozole; make sure to drain and rinse it well.)); 10 tostada shells (Crisp and perfect for serving alongside.)

I have to share a recipe that took me straight to comfort food heaven. After whipping up a batch of chicken pozole, I couldn’t stop talking about how vibrant, cozy, and satisfying it was. The smoky chili flavors, tender chicken, and hearty hominy make it a bowl of absolute perfection. What I love most is how customizable it is; everyone in my family got to garnish their bowls just the way they liked. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a regular in your kitchen!

Credit: somuchfoodblog

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavorful dish. Some ingredients come with a tip or explanation to ensure your pozole turns out perfectly.

4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided (This helps achieve the perfect sear on the chicken and softens the aromatics.)
2 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (Opt for fresh chicken breast for the best flavor.)
1 onion, chopped (A sweet or yellow onion works beautifully for depth.)
3 garlic cloves, minced (Fresh garlic adds a fragrant punch.)
2 ½ quarts chicken broth (Homemade or low-sodium for more control over seasoning.)
3 cups water (This balances the intensity of the broth.)
4 tablespoons chili powder, or to taste (Adjust based on your preferred spice level.)
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled (Release the flavor by crushing it between your palms.)
3 cups white hominy, rinsed and drained (This is the soul of pozole; make sure to drain and rinse it well.)
10 tostada shells (Crisp and perfect for serving alongside.)

Note: This recipe yields about 10 servings. Adjust ingredients accordingly based on your party size.

Variations

The beauty of chicken pozole is that it’s adaptable. Here are some variations to suit different diets and taste preferences:

Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, but keep any sour cream or cheese garnishes dairy-free too.
Flavor Kick: Add diced green chilies or a spoonful of red enchilada sauce to intensify the flavor.
Protein Swap: Use skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor or go with pork shoulder for a more traditional take.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with hearty veggies like zucchini and more hominy. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

For a smoky and spiced alternative, you might enjoy this Tandoori Chicken Recipe, which is equally satisfying.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long it’ll take to bring this comforting dish to life:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Gather these tools to make cooking hassle-free:

Deep skillet or large pot (For cooking chicken and simmering the pozole.)
Cutting board and knife (Chop your onion and garlic with ease.)
Wooden spoon (Ideal for stirring and combining.)
Measuring cups and spoons (Get the right quantities every time.)
Tongs (Useful for handling the chicken breasts.)

How to Make Chicken Pozole?

Making chicken pozole is simpler than it seems. Here’s a step-by-step guide to guide you through.

Prepare the Chicken

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a deep skillet. Add the chicken breasts and sear them on medium-high heat until no longer pink and the juices run clear. This takes about 20 minutes. Once they’re cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands.

Cook Aromatics

Take the same skillet and add the remaining vegetable oil. Heat it over medium-high heat, then toss in the chopped onions and garlic. Stir and cook them for about 5 minutes until softened and aromatic.

Build the Base

Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the cooked aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth, water, chili powder, salt, and oregano. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot, lower the heat, and let it cook for 90 minutes.

Add the Hominy

After simmering, add the rinsed and drained hominy to the skillet. Cook for another 15 minutes until the hominy is tender. Taste your pozole and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more chili powder for some kick or a pinch of salt if required.

Serve It Up

Ladle the pozole into bowls and serve it with a crisp tostada shell on the side. Garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, diced onions, radishes, and a wedge of lime for that final burst of freshness.

Credit: muybuenoblog

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

When I made this pozole, I learned a few tricks that you might find helpful:

Use fresh hominy if you can find it, although canned hominy works well too.
For an extra smoky flavor, toss in a canned chipotle in adobo sauce while the broth simmers.
Garnish generously. Don’t skimp on toppings like cabbage, radish, or a squeeze of lime; they brighten the whole dish.
Don’t rush the simmering process. The longer you simmer the broth, the more the flavors develop.

How to Serve Chicken Pozole?

Presentation is part of the joy of this dish! Serve it in deep bowls for a hearty, comforting serving. A sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro on top adds vibrant color. Arrange toppings like sliced radishes, shredded lettuce, and lime wedges in small bowls for a DIY garnish bar. Place a tostada or tortilla chips on the side for that satisfying crunch. You can also enjoy similar hearty dishes like Chicken Tinga Recipe with it for a flavorful twist.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 226
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 6g

Make Ahead and Storage

Chicken pozole is even better the next day! Here’s how to store it:

Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a bit of water or broth if it thickens up too much.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This chicken pozole recipe is a real winner, and here’s why:

Easy to Make: Straightforward steps and simple ingredients make it beginner-friendly.
Versatile: Adjust the heat, protein, and toppings to suit your preferences.
Crowd-Pleaser: This hearty soup is perfect for gatherings or meal preps.
Nutritious: Packed with protein and low in fat, it’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Authentic Feel: The bold, smoky flavors make every bite delightful.

Chicken pozole is a dish that warms your heart and feels like a celebration on the dinner table. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a treasured favorite in many homes. Happy cooking! For more inspiration, check out these Chicken Recipes to explore other delicious options.

Ash Tyrrell