Chicken Pozole Verde is a soul-warming traditional Mexican soup made with shredded chicken, hominy, and a rich tomatillo-based broth. The combination of roasted peppers, garlic, and cilantro creates a vibrant green sauce that gives this dish its signature color and depth of flavor. Topped with crisp garnishes like radishes, shredded cabbage, and a squeeze of lime, each spoonful delivers a balance of freshness and heat.
This dish isn’t just delicious, it’s also versatile and family-friendly. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer peppers, and the toppings can be customized to suit everyone’s taste. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or as the centerpiece of a festive gathering, Chicken Pozole Verde offers comfort, tradition, and flavor in every bowl. It’s a dish that brings people together around the table, celebrating the rich heritage of Mexican cuisine.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
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1 pound tomatillos, husked and rinsed
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2 poblano peppers, roasted and peeled
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2 jalapeño peppers, stemmed and seeded (for less heat, remove seeds)
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1 large white onion, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, peeled
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1 bunch fresh cilantro (stems and leaves)
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1 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican preferred)
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8 cups chicken broth
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2 cans (15 oz each) hominy, drained and rinsed
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
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Shredded cabbage
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Sliced radishes
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Diced avocado
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Fresh cilantro leaves
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Lime wedges
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Crispy tortilla strips
Directions:
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In a large pot, add chicken and cover with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked. Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and set aside. Reserve the broth.
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Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add tomatillos, onion, garlic, poblano peppers, and jalapeños. Sauté until softened and slightly charred, about 8–10 minutes.
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Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a blender. Add cilantro and oregano, then blend until smooth.
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Pour the green sauce into the reserved chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
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Add shredded chicken back into the pot along with the hominy. Simmer for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
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Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Serve hot with your favorite garnishes like cabbage, radishes, avocado, and lime.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Chicken Pozole Verde: A Flavorful Bowl of Mexican Comfort
When it comes to soul-warming meals that embody tradition, history, and bold flavors, Chicken Pozole Verde stands out as one of Mexico’s most beloved dishes. Known for its vibrant green broth made with tomatillos, green chilies, and fresh herbs, this hominy-based soup is as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether served on special occasions, holidays, or simply as a hearty weeknight dinner, pozole verde is a dish that never fails to satisfy both the appetite and the soul.
Unlike other soups that might feel like a light starter, pozole is a complete meal in a bowl. With tender shredded chicken, chewy kernels of hominy, and a robust broth layered with earthy, spicy, and tangy notes, it’s hearty enough to be the centerpiece of a feast. The garnishes—radishes, cabbage, lime, cilantro, avocado, and crispy tortilla strips, are not just optional add-ons; they are essential to the experience, bringing freshness, crunch, and brightness to every spoonful.
The History and Cultural Significance of Pozole
Pozole is deeply rooted in Mexican culture and history. The dish dates back centuries, even to the time of the Aztecs, who prepared a version of pozole for ceremonial purposes. Traditionally, it was made with pork, but as recipes evolved across different regions, variations emerged, such as pozole rojo (with a red chile base), pozole blanco (a more subtle, clear broth), and of course, pozole verde, with its vibrant tomatillo and green chili sauce.
Pozole verde is most commonly associated with the state of Guerrero, a coastal region of Mexico where fresh herbs, tomatillos, and peppers are widely used in cooking. Unlike the red and white versions, the green version brings a unique brightness and zest to the table, making it especially popular during celebrations and family gatherings. Today, it continues to hold cultural significance, often served at Christmas, birthdays, and Mexican Independence Day, but also enjoyed casually as a comforting meal any time of the year.
Key Ingredients That Make Pozole Verde Special
What sets pozole verde apart from other soups or stews is its incredible balance of flavors and textures. Let’s break down the key ingredients:
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Tomatillos: These green, husked fruits are the foundation of the verde sauce. They add a slightly tart, citrusy flavor that gives the broth its refreshing quality.
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Green Chiles: A mix of poblano and jalapeño peppers brings smoky, earthy heat to the dish. Poblanos are mild, while jalapeños add a sharper kick. For those who love spice, serrano peppers can also be added.
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Cilantro and Oregano: Fresh cilantro stems and leaves are blended into the sauce, enhancing the broth with herbal brightness. Mexican oregano adds a subtle citrusy, earthy flavor.
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Hominy: A crucial component of pozole, hominy is dried corn that has been treated with lime to create large, puffy kernels. Its chewy texture gives the dish heartiness and makes it distinctively Mexican.
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Chicken: While pork is traditional in some versions, chicken is a lighter, equally delicious alternative. Chicken thighs are often preferred for their juiciness, but breasts can also be used.
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Garnishes: Far from just decoration, garnishes like radishes, cabbage, avocado, and lime transform each bowl into a customizable experience, adding crunch, creaminess, or acidity depending on your choice.
Cooking Techniques That Enhance Flavor
Pozole verde is a straightforward dish, but the techniques used in preparing it make all the difference. For the best results:
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Roast or Char the Peppers and Tomatillos: This step deepens their flavor and gives the sauce a smoky complexity.
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Blend Fresh Herbs into the Sauce: Adding cilantro and oregano at the blending stage keeps the broth vibrant and green.
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Simmer Gently: Allowing the shredded chicken and hominy to simmer in the sauce-infused broth ensures the flavors meld beautifully over time.
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Taste as You Go: Pozole verde is highly customizable. Some prefer it tangy, others spicier. Adjust the seasoning with lime, salt, or extra peppers to suit your taste.
Variations of Chicken Pozole Verde
One of the reasons pozole verde has remained popular for generations is its adaptability. Here are a few variations you might try:
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Vegetarian Pozole Verde: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add hearty vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or jackfruit for texture.
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Pork Pozole Verde: For a richer, more traditional version, substitute chicken with pork shoulder or ribs.
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Spicy Pozole Verde: Increase the number of jalapeños or swap them for serrano or habanero peppers for an extra fiery kick.
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Creamy Pozole Verde: Stir in a spoonful of Mexican crema or sour cream for a creamier broth that softens the spice.
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Slow Cooker Version: Perfect for busy days, prepare the sauce in advance, then let the slow cooker do the work of melding flavors over several hours.
Serving Suggestions
Pozole verde is best served hot, straight from the pot, but the magic lies in how each person customizes their bowl. Lay out a variety of garnishes in small bowls and let everyone add their favorites.
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For crunch: shredded cabbage and sliced radishes.
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For creaminess: diced avocado or crema.
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For brightness: fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
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For extra indulgence: crispy tortilla strips or tostadas on the side.
Pairing pozole verde with a refreshing beverage completes the experience. Agua fresca, hibiscus tea, or even a cold Mexican beer balances the warmth of the soup perfectly.
Nutritional Benefits
Beyond being delicious, Chicken Pozole Verde is nourishing and wholesome. Chicken provides lean protein, while hominy offers fiber and carbohydrates that make the dish filling. Tomatillos and peppers add vitamins C and A, while garnishes like cabbage and radishes bring additional nutrients and freshness. This balance makes pozole verde both satisfying and relatively healthy compared to heavier comfort foods.
For those watching calories or sodium, the dish can be easily lightened by using skinless chicken breast, reducing oil, or making the broth from scratch without added salt. The versatility ensures that pozole verde can fit into a variety of diets without sacrificing its comforting appeal.
Why You Should Try Making Pozole Verde at Home
Cooking pozole verde at home might seem like a big undertaking at first glance, but it’s easier than you think and the payoff is incredible. Unlike store-bought soups, homemade pozole allows you to control every element: the level of spice, the richness of the broth, and the freshness of the garnishes. It’s also a dish that brings people together. The communal aspect of serving toppings and enjoying bowls side by side makes it a meal to share with loved ones.
Conclusion
Chicken Pozole Verde is much more than just a soup, it’s a culinary experience that combines tradition, nutrition, and incredible flavor. With its roots deep in Mexican culture, this dish carries centuries of history while remaining a staple of modern kitchens. The tangy tomatillo broth, tender chicken, hearty hominy, and vibrant garnishes make every bite an exploration of taste and texture.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a holiday celebration, or simply to bring warmth to a chilly evening, Chicken Pozole Verde delivers comfort and authenticity in every bowl. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this dish has stood the test of time and continues to be one of Mexico’s most cherished meals.