If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl of Mexican goodness, green chicken pozole (pozole verde de pollo) is a perfect choice. This vibrant, tangy stew features tender chicken, hominy, and a flavorful green sauce made from tomatillos and green chiles. It’s a festive dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, even on a weeknight. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious green chicken pozole yourself!
What Is Green Chicken Pozole?
Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup or stew with roots in ancient Mesoamerican cuisine. It’s made with hominy (dried corn kernels treated to puff up), meat (usually pork or chicken), and a rich broth. The green version uses tomatillos and green chiles to create a tangy, fresh, and slightly spicy flavor profile. Chicken is a popular choice for a lighter, quicker-cooking pozole that still delivers on flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a typical ingredient list for green chicken pozole:
– Chicken thighs or breasts (thighs are juicier and more flavorful)
– Tomatillos (fresh preferred, but canned can work)
– Green chiles (jalapeños, poblanos, or serranos depending on heat preference)
– Onion and garlic
– Hominy (canned, drained and rinsed)
– Chicken broth
– Fresh cilantro
– Mexican oregano (or regular oregano if unavailable)
– Lime juice
– Salt and pepper
Optional garnishes include shredded cabbage or lettuce, sliced radishes, diced onions, avocado slices, and extra cilantro for freshness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Green Chicken Pozole
1. Cook the Chicken and Aromatics
Start by placing chicken thighs in a large pot or Dutch oven with peeled tomatillos, onion, garlic, jalapeños (or your choice of green chiles), oregano, salt, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for about 40 minutes until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
2. Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Set aside. Keep the broth and cooked vegetables in the pot for the next step.
3. Blend the Green Sauce
Transfer the cooked tomatillos, onions, garlic, and chiles to a blender. Add a cup of the cooking liquid and fresh cilantro, then blend until smooth. This green sauce is the heart of your pozole’s vibrant flavor.
4. Combine and Simmer
Return the shredded chicken, blended green sauce, and hominy to the pot. Stir well and simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Adjust salt and seasoning as needed.
5. Prepare Your Toppings
While the pozole simmers, prepare your toppings. Common choices include shredded cabbage or lettuce, sliced radishes, chopped onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado slices. These add crunch, brightness, and texture to your bowl.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the pozole into bowls, top with shredded chicken and your favorite garnishes. A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the flavors beautifully. Enjoy your comforting, homemade green chicken pozole!
Tips for the Best Green Chicken Pozole
– Use chicken thighs: They stay juicy and absorb the green chile flavors better than breasts.
– Fresh tomatillos are key: Look for firm, bright green tomatillos with papery husks for the best tang. If unavailable, canned tomatillos can substitute but add them directly to the blender instead of cooking with the chicken.
– Adjust your heat: Keep jalapeño seeds for more spice or swap for milder peppers like Anaheim if you prefer less heat. Serranos add a nice kick.
– Add pumpkin seeds for creaminess: Toasted pumpkin seeds blended into the sauce add a nutty flavor and smooth texture, a common addition in some recipes.
– Use Mexican oregano: It has a citrusy note that enhances the authentic flavor profile.
– Make extra green sauce: It freezes well and makes future meals easy.
Variations and Serving Ideas
– Some recipes add diced green bell peppers or corn for extra texture and sweetness.
– Greek yogurt or sour cream can be a creamy topping alternative.
– For a richer broth, use bone-in chicken thighs or add a bay leaf during cooking.
– Serve with warm corn tortillas or crispy tostadas on the side.
Green chicken pozole is a versatile dish that can be adapted to your taste and ingredient availability. It’s perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or anytime you want a bowl of comforting Mexican flavor.
Enjoy making and sharing this delicious green chicken pozole!
A bowl of green chicken pozole is a warm hug in a bowl—simple, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.