Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe

If you’ve been craving something comforting, hearty, and full of flavor, you’re in for a real treat. This Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe is my go-to when I want a meal that feels like a warm hug – it’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. Once you try it, you’ll see why my family goes crazy for this pozole, and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with it too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together like old friends, making a bright, comforting pozole full of texture and warmth. Quality chicken and a good enchilada sauce really make this stew sing, so I recommend fresh or trusted pantry staples whenever possible.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Perfect for shredding tender meat that soaks up all those spicy, savory flavors.
• Chicken broth: The backbone of rich flavor; homemade or low-sodium store-bought works great.
• Authentic red enchilada sauce: I love this trick—using sauce instead of fresh chilies saves time but keeps it authentically tasty.
• Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and texture when finely diced.
• Garlic cloves: Minced for that punch of warmth and aroma.
• Chili powder: Brings smoky depth without overwhelming heat.
• Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and a hint of nuttiness to balance spices.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
• White hominy (canned): Gives pozole its signature chewy texture and mild corn flavor – just drain and rinse before using.
• Dried Mexican oregano: A fragrant herb that ties the dish to its Mexican roots perfectly.
• Toppings like shredded cabbage, cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, sliced radishes, and extra Mexican oregano: These fresh add-ons brighten and balance the hearty stew, so don’t skip them!

Variations

I’m all about making recipes your own, and this Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe lends itself beautifully to tweaks and twists. I like to swap toppings based on what’s fresh or what my family’s craving that week.

• Spicy Variation: When I want more heat, I add a chopped jalapeño while cooking and sprinkle cayenne on top with the garnishes—my husband adores that kick.
• Vegetarian Version: I’ve swapped chicken for jackfruit and used veggie broth instead—totally delicious and just as comforting.
• Slow Cooker to Instant Pot: On busy days, I use my Instant Pot and cut the cooking time almost in half, which is a lifesaver.

How to Make Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Your Slow Cooker

Start by tossing the chunked chicken breasts, chicken broth, your batch of authentic red enchilada sauce, diced onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and kosher salt into your slow cooker. Give it a good stir so everything starts mixing into one beautiful stew. I always find stirring well here helps distribute flavors evenly—no one wants a bland spoonful!

Step 2: Slow Cook for Tender Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for about 5 ½ hours or on HIGH for around 3 ½ hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fork-tender and infused with all those delicious spices and sauce. I usually opt for low and slow because it gives such rich depth, but both work beautifully.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken onto a plate or cutting board and shred it with two forks. I like using two forks because it feels almost therapeutic and results in perfectly shredded meat that soaks up the broth better.

Step 4: Add Hominy and Oregano, Then Cook a Bit More

Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, add the drained and rinsed white hominy and dried Mexican oregano, then give it a gentle stir. Cover again and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes so the hominy can soak up the flavors and soften just right.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish to Your Heart’s Content

Spoon the pozole into bowls and top with fresh lime juice, thinly shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, diced onions, cilantro leaves, and a sprinkle of Mexican oregano. I promise you, those garnishes take the dish to a whole new level of brightness and crunch.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe

Garnishes

For me, the garnishes are the soul of this pozole. I always pile on shredded cabbage for crunch, fresh diced onions for bite, radish slices for peppery snap, bright cilantro for freshness, and a generous squeeze of lime to cut through the richness. That little sprinkle of Mexican oregano on top is like the final note in a beautiful song.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this pozole with warm corn tortillas or crunchy tostadas to scoop up every last drop. Sometimes, I’ll serve a simple Mexican rice or a quick avocado salad on the side if I want to round things out even more.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I’ve served the pozole family-style in a big clay pot with all the garnishes arranged on a platter around it. It invites everyone to pile on their favorites just the way they like it, and the vibrant colors always get a lot of compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pozole in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and it actually tastes even better the next day because the flavors have had more time to meld. Just make sure to keep the toppings separate until you’re ready to serve.

Freezing

This pozole freezes beautifully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s perfect for batch cooking and enjoying later with zero hassle.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to refresh the rich broth. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe has become such a comforting staple in my kitchen because it feels like both a celebration and a cozy night in all at once. I love how straightforward it is—no intimidating steps, just good ingredients coming together to create magic. If you’re looking for a dish that satisfies on every level and makes everyone at the table smile, give this a try. I’m confident once you do, it’ll become a favorite in your home too.

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