I find deep comfort in a warm bowl of something hearty, and this Pozole Recipe Homestyle Chicken Verde brings all that cozy feeling right to my kitchen. The aromatic steam of roasted tomatillos and simmering chicken broth fills the air, promising a truly satisfying meal. This easy family meal is perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. It’s a beloved family favorite, tried and tested for generations for its comforting taste. Here’s how to whip up this vibrant, delicious, and easy family meal.
Hearty Homestyle Chicken Verde Pozole Recipe: Easy Comfort in Every Bowl 9
Ingredient Highlights and Smart Alternatives
Crafting a delicious Pozole Recipe Homestyle Chicken Verde starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here are the essentials, along with some smart alternatives for your cooking style.
2 lbs (900g) Boneless, Skinless Chicken: Use breasts or thighs for tender, lean protein. Thighs offer richer flavor. (For a quick meal, shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully).
1.5 lbs (680g) Tomatillos: Husked and rinsed, these provide the signature bright, tangy base. Pick firm, bright green ones.
2-3 Poblano Peppers: For smoky depth and mild heat.
1-2 Serrano Peppers: For a pleasant kick. Adjust quantity to your spice preference.
1 large (150g) Yellow Onion: Roughly chopped for an aromatic foundation.
4-5 cloves Garlic: Minced, essential for robust flavor.
30 oz (850g) Canned Hominy: Drained and rinsed, offering that satisfying chew and traditional texture. (If fresh is available, use 1.5 lbs, cooked).
6 cups (1.4L) Chicken Broth: For the liquid base. Look for low-sodium options for a healthier recipe. (Vegetable broth is a good swap).
1 bunch Fresh Cilantro: Chopped for garnish and fresh herbaceous notes.
2-3 Limes: Juiced for brightness, served with wedges for garnish.
2 Tbsp Olive Oil: For sautéing aromatics.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
For a truly premium Pozole Recipe Homestyle Chicken Verde, consider using organic ingredients like free-range chicken and locally grown tomatillos when they are in season. For a high-protein meal, simply add more shredded chicken. If you’re aiming for a low-carb version, reduce the hominy and add extra shredded chicken or zucchini instead.
Easy Step-by-Step Method
Making this hearty, family-friendly Pozole Recipe Homestyle Chicken Verde is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a comforting bowl of goodness.
Roast Tomatillos and Peppers (15-20 min @ 400°F/200°C): Arrange husked tomatillos, poblanos, and serranos on alarge sheet pan. Roast until softened and slightly charred, about 15-20 minutes, which deepens their flavor and aroma.
Sauté Aromatics (5 min): In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, turning translucent.
Blend Verde Sauce (3 min): Once the roasted vegetables cool slightly, transfer them to a blender. Add minced garlic and 1 cup of chicken broth. Blend until smooth and vibrant green.
Combine and Simmer (30-40 min): Return the pot to medium heat. Pour in the remaining chicken broth and the hominy. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Add the chicken breasts or thighs. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreddable, about 20-30 minutes. If the broth starts to reduce too quickly, add a splash more chicken broth to maintain liquid.
Shred Chicken and Finish: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot. Shred it using two forks and return it to the pot. Stir in the blended verde sauce. Allow the Pozole Recipe Homestyle Chicken Verde to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, letting all the flavors meld and warm through. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed. For busy weeknights, I sometimes use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken; just shred and add it in step 5, simmering only long enough to warm through.
Inline suggestions for shortcuts or flavor twists:
For quicker prep, use pre-chopped onions and garlic found in the produce section.
Add a pinch of dried Mexican oregano or ground cumin to the broth in step 4 for extra warmth and a traditional twist.
Troubleshooting tips for common mistakes:
Pozole too thick? Add more chicken broth, 1/4 cup at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Not spicy enough? Stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce or an extra minced serrano pepper at the end.
Best Ways to Serve and Enjoy
Our Homestyle Chicken Verde Pozole Recipe is incredibly versatile for various meals.
Perfect for weeknight dinners as an easy family meal.
Cozy weekend lunches are a great fit.
Ideal for potlucks or family gatherings.
Excellent for healthy recipes for dinner meal prep throughout the week.
Serving Ideas
Classic toppings: Shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema.
Hearty sides: Warm corn tortillas or crusty bread.
Beverages: Agua fresca or sparkling water with lime.
Storage and Reheating
Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Everyday Benefits of Making Homestyle Chicken Verde Pozole
This vibrant pozole effortlessly supports busy lifestyles with its straightforward preparation.
Quick prep time makes it ideal for hectic weeknights.
It’s excellent for meal prep; the flavors deepen overnight, perfect for healthy eating.
A budget-friendly meal that feeds a crowd, supporting family-friendly budgets.
This hearty, healthy recipe for dinner is packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables.
One-pot cooking means easy cleanup for busy family meals.
Nutrition, Diet, and Lifestyle Notes
This Homestyle Chicken Verde Pozole Recipe offers significant health benefits.
Provides balanced energy with lean protein and complex carbohydrates from hominy.
Rich in vitamins and fiber from fresh vegetables, contributing to a healthy lifestyle.
A heart-healthy meal when made with lean chicken and minimal added fats.
Adjustments for Diets
Paleo: Substitute hominy with cauliflower florets.
Keto/low-carb: Reduce hominy significantly, increase chicken, and add low-carb veggies like zucchini instead.
Diabetic-friendly: Monitor portion sizes, emphasizing lean protein and non-starchy vegetables.
Allergy and Sensitivity Swaps
Corn allergy: Replace hominy with riced cauliflower or extra shredded chicken for this Homestyle Chicken Verde Pozole Recipe.
Dairy allergy: Use a dairy-free sour cream alternative or simply omit the topping.
Hearty Homestyle Chicken Verde Pozole Recipe: Easy Comfort in Every Bowl 10
Cooking Tips, Flavor Boosts, and Variations
Elevate your cooking with a few simple techniques for this delicious dish.
Advanced Techniques
For a deeper flavor, char the tomatillos and peppers more intensely during roasting.
To thicken the broth slightly, simmer uncovered for an extra 10-15 minutes until it coats the spoon.
Spice and Seasoning Adjustments
Add a pinch of dried epazote for an authentic Mexican flavor profile.
Introduce a smoky note with a teaspoon of chipotle powder during the simmering stage.
Smart Storage and Freezing Hacks
Freeze cooled Homestyle Chicken Verde Pozole in single-serving portions in freezer-safe containers for quick, healthy lunches.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for an easy dinner idea.
FAQs
Can Homestyle Chicken Verde Pozole be part of a weekly meal prep plan?
Yes, this Homestyle Chicken Verde Pozole Recipe is perfect for meal prep, as its flavors meld and deepen overnight. It reheats beautifully, making it a great option for healthy recipes for dinner throughout the week.
What are the best ingredients to buy for a Homestyle Chicken Verde Pozole Recipe?
Prioritize fresh, firm, bright green tomatillos and good quality chicken, ideally organic. Canned hominy is perfectly fine and convenient for this Homestyle Chicken Verde Pozole Recipe.
Is Homestyle Chicken Verde Pozole suitable for gluten-free or low-carb diets?
This Pozole is naturally gluten-free. For a low-carb approach, you can reduce the hominy by half and add more shredded chicken or an equivalent amount of zucchini noodles or riced cauliflower instead.
How long does Homestyle Chicken Verde Pozole last in the fridge?
Store cooled Homestyle Chicken Verde Pozole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave in 2-minute intervals.
Can I make this Pozole less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of serrano peppers or omit them entirely if you prefer a mild flavor. You can always add a dash of mild green chiles for a subtle tang without the heat.
What are good toppings for Homestyle Chicken Verde Pozole?
Classic toppings like creamy avocado slices, crisp radishes, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime really complete this dish. Sometimes, I also add a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese for a salty touch.
Can I freeze Homestyle Chicken Verde Pozole?
Yes, you can freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Conclusion
This simple, hearty Homestyle Chicken Verde Pozole Recipe fills your kitchen with comforting aromas and satisfying flavors.
Save this recipe on Pinterest for a truly satisfying easy family meal!
This Homestyle Chicken Verde Pozole is a hearty and comforting Mexican stew featuring tender chicken, hominy, and a vibrant green sauce made from roasted tomatillos and peppers. It’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs)
1.5 lbs tomatillos, husked and rinsed
2–3 poblano peppers
1–2 serrano peppers (adjust to spice preference)
1 large yellow onion (150g), roughly chopped
4–5 cloves garlic, minced
30 oz canned hominy, drained and rinsed
6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
2–3 limes, juiced (with wedges for garnish)
2 Tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Instructions
Roast Vegetables: Arrange husked tomatillos, poblano peppers, and serrano peppers on a large sheet pan. Roast in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) until softened and slightly charred, about 15-20 minutes.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté until softened, fragrant, and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Blend Verde Sauce: Once the roasted vegetables cool slightly, transfer them to a blender. Add the minced garlic and 1 cup of chicken broth. Blend until the mixture is smooth and a vibrant green.
Simmer Chicken and Hominy: Return the pot to medium heat. Pour in the remaining chicken broth and the drained hominy. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Add the chicken breasts or thighs. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreddable, about 20-30 minutes. If the broth reduces too quickly, add a splash more broth.
Shred Chicken and Finish: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot. Shred it using two forks and return it to the pot. Stir in the blended verde sauce. Allow the pozole to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, letting all the flavors meld and warm through. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
For quicker prep, use pre-chopped onions and garlic or shredded rotisserie chicken (add in step 5). For extra warmth, add a pinch of dried Mexican oregano or ground cumin to the broth in step 4. If the pozole is too thick, add more chicken broth (1/4 cup at a time). For more spice, stir in hot sauce or an extra minced serrano pepper at the end.
