There’s something so comforting about a big bowl of pozole—warm, hearty, and packed with bold flavors. This Green Chile Chicken Pozole is a vibrant twist on the classic, featuring tender shredded chicken, smoky roasted green chiles, and hominy simmered in a rich, zesty broth. It’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights or whenever you need a little extra comfort.

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Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love Green Chile Chicken Pozole

Versatile

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions. It’s satisfying enough for a main meal but light enough to enjoy year-round.

Budget-Friendly

Made with affordable ingredients like chicken, canned hominy, and simple spices, this recipe proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients for incredible flavor.

Quick and Easy

Unlike traditional pozole, which can take hours, this version comes together in under an hour without sacrificing taste.

Customizable

You can tweak the spice level, add your favorite toppings, or even swap out ingredients to suit your preferences.

Crowd-Pleasing

It’s a hit with family and friends—serve it at gatherings, and watch it disappear fast!

Ingredients

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Chicken

Shredded, tender chicken makes this dish hearty and satisfying. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best texture.

Roasted Green Chiles

Smoky, slightly spicy, and packed with flavor—these are the key to that signature green pozole taste.

Hominy

This puffed corn adds a chewy texture and soaks up all the delicious broth flavors.

Onion & Garlic

Essential aromatics that create a deep, flavorful base for the broth.

Chicken Broth

The backbone of the soup—use a good-quality broth for the best results.

Cilantro & Lime

Fresh, bright flavors that enhance every spoonful.

Spices (Cumin, Oregano, Salt, Pepper)

Simple but essential seasonings that bring everything together.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.

Add the Green Chiles and Spices

Stir in the roasted green chiles, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook for a minute to enhance the flavors.

Pour in the Broth and Simmer

Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken into the pot, cover, and let it simmer until fully cooked and tender.

Shred the Chicken and Add Hominy

Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the pot along with the hominy. Let everything simmer together for another 10 minutes.

Finish with Fresh Lime and Cilantro

Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for a burst of bright flavor.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes!

How to Serve Green Chile Chicken Pozole

With Crunchy Toppings: Add sliced radishes, shredded cabbage, tortilla strips, or avocado.
With Warm Tortillas: A side of warm corn tortillas makes it extra satisfying.
With a Spicy Kick: Drizzle with hot sauce or add jalapeño slices.
As a Standalone Meal: It’s filling on its own, but a sprinkle of cheese or sour cream can add extra richness.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead

Roast your green chiles and shred your chicken in advance to save time.

Spice It Up

For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Dietary Adjustments

Swap chicken for pork, or use vegetable broth and jackfruit for a vegetarian version.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Freeze for Later

This soup freezes beautifully—just leave out the cilantro and lime until reheating.

FAQ

Can I use canned green chiles?

Yes! If fresh roasted chiles aren’t available, canned ones work great.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then shred the chicken and add hominy before serving.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking.

Can I substitute hominy?

If you can’t find hominy, use canned white beans or corn.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would be great additions.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes! Just double-check your broth to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! It’s a great shortcut to save time.

What’s the best way to freeze this?

Store in freezer-safe containers, leaving out lime and cilantro until reheating.

How do I reheat pozole?

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

If you love bold, comforting flavors, this Green Chile Chicken Pozole is a must-try. It’s warm, satisfying, and packed with incredible depth of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or feeding a crowd, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.