Chicken Pozole Verde is a vibrant and hearty Mexican stew that combines tender chicken, hominy, and a flavorful green chile broth. The bright green color from tomatillos and cilantro gives the soup a fresh, inviting look, while the rich, comforting flavors make it an unforgettable meal. The addition of hominy provides a satisfying chew, perfectly complementing the tender chicken and the spicy, tangy broth that has a gentle kick without overwhelming the palate.
Full Recipe:
For the Pozole:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 can (15 oz) hominy, drained and rinsed
4 cups chicken broth
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Verde Sauce:
6–8 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
2–3 medium green chilies (e.g., jalapeños or serranos), stems removed
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon lime juice
Garnishes (Optional):
Shredded cabbage
Thinly sliced radishes
Chopped cilantro
Lime wedges
Crumbled tortilla chips or tostadas
Sliced avocado
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Make the Verde Sauce: In the same pot, add the tomatillos and chilies. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Let simmer for about 5–7 minutes until softened.
Blend the Sauce: Transfer the cooked tomatillos, chilies, and any remaining liquid into a blender. Add cilantro, cumin, oregano, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
Assemble the Pozole: Add the shredded chicken, hominy, and chicken broth to the pot. Pour in the verde sauce and stir well.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the pozole into bowls. Top with your choice of shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, crumbled tortilla chips or tostadas, and sliced avocado.
Calories: Approximately 300–350 kcal
Protein: Varies based on chicken cut used
Carbohydrates: Includes hominy and vegetables
Fat: From olive oil and chicken
Fiber: From hominy and vegetables
Sodium: Varies based on broth and added salt