Savory Green Chicken Pozole Recipe (Perfect For Chilly Evenings)

by Julia
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July 10, 2023

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Embark on a flavorful fiesta with our Green Chicken Pozole, a vibrant stew that combines tender chicken, hominy, and a zingy green tomatillo sauce. Each spoonful is a burst of bold flavors, with fragrant cilantro and a hint of chili adding depth and spice. The hominy provides a hearty texture, while the lime and radish garnish offer a fresh, crisp contrast. This delightful dish is a celebration of Mexican cuisine, promising a lively dance of flavors and textures in every mouthwatering bite.

A comforting bowl of green chicken pozole recipes brings a symphony of flavors to the table, transporting you to the heart of Mexico with every bite. This vibrant stew, brimming with tender chicken, hearty hominy, and a medley of Mexican spices, is a treasured recipe nurtured over generations.

Pozole Verde is the perfect centerpiece for family dinners, festive occasions, or when your palate craves an adventure known for its comforting warmth and robust flavor profile.

Join us as we delve into this timeless culinary tradition. We’ll unveil the secrets of achieving that perfect blend of tangy, spicy, and earthy flavors. This harmony makes Green Chicken Pozole unforgettable.

Whether you’re an amateur cook wanting to explore Mexican cuisine, or an experienced chef looking for authenticity, our guide will equip you with the skills and knowledge to create this tantalizing Mexican staple at home. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey unlike any other. Welcome to the world of Green Chicken Pozole.

What Is Green Chicken Pozole?

Green Chicken Pozole, or Pozole Verde de Pollo, is a traditional Mexican stew rich in flavor and history. The main components of this dish are hominy (alkali-treated dried corn kernels), chicken, and a green sauce made from tomatillos, green chilies, and fresh herbs.

The name ‘pozole’ comes from the Nahuatl word ‘pozolli’, which means ‘foamy’ and refers to the white kernels of hominy that characterize the dish.

Like popcorn, these kernels puff up during the cooking process, giving the soup its hearty and satisfying texture.

The green sauce, which gives the dish its ‘verde’ or green designation, is typically made by blending tomatillos with a variety of green chilies, cilantro, garlic, and sometimes pumpkin seeds, adding a fresh, tangy, and spicy dimension to the dish.

The stew is garnished with radishes, lettuce, oregano, avocado, lime, and other toppings, creating a complex mix of flavors and textures.

Green Chicken Pozole is often served on special occasions and celebrations in Mexican culture. However, it’s also enjoyed as a comforting everyday meal. The recipe can vary from region to region and family, each adding its unique touch to this classic dish.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

You can make several variations of Green Chicken Pozole to accommodate different dietary requirements. Here are a few suggestions:

Keto The primary ingredient to replace a keto version would be hominy, which is high in carbs. You could use chunks of radish or cauliflower to provide a similar texture.
Paleo Similar to the keto version, you would need to replace the hominy. Cauliflower or other non-legume vegetables would work well. Also, ensure that your chicken broth is grain-free and that the green salsa doesn’t contain non-Paleo ingredients.
Gluten-Free Green Chicken Pozole is naturally gluten-free as all ingredients, like chicken broth and green salsa, are certified gluten-free. Always check labels to ensure they don’t contain gluten or have been processed in a facility with gluten-containing items.
Whole30 For a Whole30-compliant version, you must omit the hominy and substitute it with another vegetable, like zucchini or cauliflower. Ensure your chicken broth and green salsa don’t contain sugar, soy, or other non-compliant ingredients.
Vegetarian/Vegan Substitute the chicken with jackfruit or mushrooms for a meaty texture, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Ensure your green salsa doesn’t contain any animal products.

Recipe Directions

Start with a Dutch oven or a heavy stock pot. Place it on the stove and heat over medium flame.
Pour in 1 tablespoon of canola or vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Stir occasionally, allowing the onion to cook until it softens. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Stir 1 cup of bottled green salsa into the pot with the softened onion. Allow this mixture to cook for another 5 minutes.
Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth (either homemade or store-bought). Lower the heat and let the soup simmer, partially covered, for 10 minutes.
Now, it’s time for the protein and the heartiness. Stir in the shredded meat from 1 rotisserie chicken and 2 cans (15 oz each) of white hominy, rinsed and drained. Allow the soup to simmer until everything is heated through.
Have a taste of your soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add kosher salt or freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
Once satisfied with the taste, ladle the hot soup into individual bowls.
To add a fun and interactive element to your meal, set out bowls filled with various garnishes like sliced radishes, chopped cilantro, diced onion, lime wedges, shredded lettuce, and more. This allows each person to customize their bowl of pozole to their own liking.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Green Chicken Pozole is wonderfully adaptable, allowing numerous variations, add-ons, and toppings to cater to diverse tastes. Here are a few ideas:

Variations And Add-Ons

Protein: While chicken is traditional, you could use pork or even seafood. Vegetarian options could include jackfruit or hearty vegetables.
Spiciness: Adjust the heat level by using different types of chilies or salsa. You could also add a dash of hot sauce.
Vegetables: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.

Toppings

Fresh Herbs: Cilantro is classic, but you could also add chopped parsley or green onions.
Crunchy Vegetables: Sliced radishes, shredded lettuce, or diced white onion add a lovely crunch and freshness.
Citrus: Lime wedges for squeezing over the top are a must. The acid brightens the flavors beautifully.
Heat: Sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce can be used by those who want an extra kick.
Cheese: A sprinkle of cotija cheese or queso fresco can add a nice salty touch.
Creaminess: Diced avocado or a dollop of sour cream or crema can add a creamy element that contrasts well with the tangy and spicy flavors of the soup.
Extra Filling: For an even heartier dish, serve with tostadas, tortilla chips, or warm tortillas on the side.

Can I Make Green Chicken Pozole Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

You can prepare Green Chicken Pozole in a slow cooker or Instant Pot with slight modifications to the cooking process.

Slow Cooker Method

Start by sautéing the onions in oil using a skillet on medium heat until they soften.
Add the green salsa to the onions and cook for a few more minutes.
Transfer this mixture to your slow cooker, then add the chicken broth, shredded chicken, and hominy.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve in individual bowls with a variety of garnishes.

Instant Pot Method

Using the sauté function on your Instant Pot, heat the oil. After adding, sauté the onions until they are tender.
Add the green salsa and simmer for an additional few minutes.
Add the chicken broth, shredded chicken, and hominy. Secure the lid and ensure the valve is set to the sealing position.
Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve in individual bowls with your choice of garnishes.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

You can use store-bought or homemade chicken broth in your Green Chicken Pozole Soup. Both options have their advantages:

Store-Bought Broth

This is a great option if you’re short on time or want to make the soup as effortlessly as possible. When shopping, opt for a low-sodium variety. This way, you have more control over the final salt content in your soup.

Also, consider organic options or ones that list chicken, vegetables, and herbs as the main ingredients to ensure a more natural flavor profile.

Homemade Broth

If you have the time and resources, making your chicken broth can truly elevate the flavor of your soup. Homemade broth often has a richer flavor that the store-bought version can’t quite match.

You can also control what goes into it, which is great if you monitor your intake of certain ingredients. It’s also a fantastic way to utilize leftover chicken bones.

How To Serve?

Serving Green Chicken Pozole Soup can be an experience with its vibrant colors and an array of garnishes. Here are some tips for serving it in the best way:

Individual Bowls: Pozole is traditionally served in separate bowls. This is not only practical (given it’s a soup) but also allows each person to customize their bowl with their preferred garnishes.
Garnish Station: One of the joys of eating pozole is personalizing it with various garnishes. Set out bowls of garnishes like shredded lettuce, sliced radishes, chopped onions, diced avocado, lime wedges, oregano, chopped cilantro, and tostadas or tortilla chips. This way, everyone can add what they like to their soup, adding layers of texture and flavor.
Serve Hot: Pozole should be served hot. If you’ve prepared it in advance, reheat it slowly on the stove.
Accompanying Dishes: While pozole is often hearty enough to be a meal on its own, you could serve it with some warm tortillas, a side salad, or a corn dish to make the meal more substantial.
Presentation: Consider using colorful bowls to contrast the green soup and the colorful garnishes. A sprig of fresh cilantro on top of each bowl just before serving can also add a nice visual touch.

Perfect Side Dishes

Tortillas: Fresh, warm corn tortillas are a classic accompaniment, perfect for scooping up the soup and adding a comforting, starchy component to your meal.
Mexican Rice: A side of Mexican-style red or green rice can complement the pozole flavors and provide a satisfying grain element.
Refried Beans: These can provide a rich, creamy contrast to the light, brothy soup.
Ensalada de Nopales: This salad made from prickly pear cactus paddles is a classic Mexican side dish that offers a unique, tangy contrast to the soup.
Chiles Rellenos: These stuffed, battered, and fried peppers can provide a flavorful and textural contrast to the soup, particularly if you want to create a more elaborate meal.
Guacamole and Chips: A bowl of fresh guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips can be a great appetizer or side, offering creamy, crunchy contrast to the soup.
Elote (Mexican Grilled Corn): The sweet, charred flavors of grilled corn, seasoned with chili, lime, and cotija cheese, can be a delightful complement to pozole.

Storage And Make Ahead

Storage: After preparing Green Chicken Pozole Soup, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot before serving.
Make Ahead: To save time, prepare the soup base (excluding toppings) in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for later use. When ready to serve, simply reheat the base and add fresh toppings for a quick and delicious meal.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

Leftover Green Chicken Pozole Soup is highly versatile and can be easily repurposed into other delicious meals. Here are a few ideas:

Pozole Tacos: Shred some extra chicken and heat it in the broth. Use a slotted spoon to scoop it onto soft taco shells, garnish as you like, and enjoy.
Pozole-stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with a mixture of pozole and rice, then bake until the peppers are tender.
Pozole Salad: Ladle cold pozole (without too much broth) over a bed of fresh lettuce and top with your favorite pozole garnishes for a unique salad.
Pozole Skillet: Stir fry leftover pozole with additional vegetables and serve it as a hearty hash. Top it with a fried egg for a satisfying brunch or dinner.

TIPS

Use Homemade Chicken Broth: If possible, make your own chicken broth from scratch using chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs. This will give your pozole soup a deeper, richer flavor compared to store-bought broth.
Toast Your Ingredients: Before blending the ingredients for the green sauce, toast the tomatillos, jalapeños, and garlic in a dry skillet over medium heat. This adds a smoky depth to the flavor profile of the sauce.
Experiment with Herbs: While cilantro is traditional in green pozole, you can also add other herbs like parsley, epazote, or even mint to the green sauce for added complexity.
Incorporate Roasted Vegetables: For extra depth of flavor, roast the tomatillos, jalapeños, and onions in the oven before blending them into the green sauce. This caramelizes the sugars in the vegetables and adds a smoky sweetness to the soup.