Crockpot Mexican Chicken Pozole Verde

Crockpot Mexican Chicken Pozole Verde is a flavorful and comforting traditional Mexican soup made with tender chicken, hominy, and a zesty green broth. Using a slow cooker makes this dish incredibly easy to prepare while still delivering rich, authentic flavors. The verde sauce, made with tomatillos, green chiles, and fresh herbs, gives the pozole its vibrant green color and tangy taste. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this dish is sure to warm you up and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: The crockpot does all the work for you.
• Bursting with flavor: The verde sauce is fresh and zesty.
• Healthy and filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and vegetables.
• Great for meal prep: Leftovers taste even better the next day.
• Customizable toppings: Add your favorite garnishes for extra flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pozole

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 (15-ounce) cans hominy, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Verde Sauce

• 1 pound tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 lime, juiced

Toppings (Optional)

• Sliced radishes
• Shredded cabbage
• Diced avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Crumbled queso fresco
• Tortilla chips

Directions

this recipe

1. Prepare the Verde Sauce: Add tomatillos, poblano peppers, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, coriander, and lime juice to a blender. Blend until smooth.
2. Add Ingredients to Crockpot: Place chicken, chopped onion, chicken broth, hominy, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and the verde sauce into the crockpot. Stir to combine.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred with two forks, and return to the pot. Stir to combine with the broth and hominy.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt or lime juice if needed.
6. Serve: Ladle the pozole into bowls and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6-7 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Pork Pozole Verde: Substitute chicken with pork shoulder or pork loin.
• Vegetarian Pozole: Use vegetable broth and add beans or more vegetables like zucchini or potatoes.
• Spicy Pozole: Keep the jalapeño seeds or add hot sauce to the verde sauce.
• Roasted Verde Sauce: Roast the tomatillos, peppers, and garlic before blending for a deeper flavor.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup without toppings in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatillos instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned tomatillos. Just drain them before blending.

What is hominy, and where can I find it?

Hominy is dried corn kernels treated to remove the hull, giving them a soft, chewy texture. You can find it in the canned vegetable section of most grocery stores.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?

Yes, simmer the ingredients in a large pot for about 1-2 hours until the chicken is tender.

How do I make the soup thicker?

Let it simmer with the lid off for the last 30 minutes to reduce the broth slightly.

What type of chicken is best for pozole?

Chicken thighs are ideal for their flavor and tenderness, but chicken breasts work well too.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Yes, diced zucchini, corn, or spinach make great additions to pozole.

How do I make the pozole less spicy?

Skip the jalapeño or use only half of it. You can also add a bit of sugar to balance the heat.

Can I use store-bought verde sauce instead?

Yes, using store-bought salsa verde is a quick and convenient alternative.

What if my pozole is too tangy?

Add a bit of sugar or honey to balance the acidity of the tomatillos.

How long can I keep pozole in the fridge?

Pozole keeps well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors develop even more as it sits!

Conclusion

Crockpot Mexican Chicken Pozole Verde is a warm and comforting dish that’s packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. This slow-cooked soup is easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping for the week ahead. The fresh verde sauce, tender chicken, and hearty hominy come together to create a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Try it with all your favorite toppings for a customizable and delicious bowl of traditional Mexican comfort food!

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