Name: Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into large chunks; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 batch authentic red enchilada sauce (about 2 cups); ½ small yellow onion, finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste; 2 (25-ounce) cans white hominy, drained and rinsed; 1 tablespoon dried Mexican oregano; Thinly shredded cabbage; Cilantro; Diced onions; Lime wedges; Sliced radishes; Mexican oregano

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of pozole, especially when it’s packed with tender chicken and rich flavors. This Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe is my go-to whenever I want a cozy, flavorful meal that feels like a big, delicious hug in a bowl.

A white bowl filled with a rich red soup with chunks of shredded chicken and white hominy spread evenly throughout. On the left side, there is a layer of thinly sliced cabbage and round radish slices arranged neatly, with small green cilantro leaves sprinkled on top. A bright green lime wedge rests on the right edge of the bowl, partially submerged in the soup. A black spoon is placed inside the bowl, leaning on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with lime wedges and cilantro leaves scattered around, alongside a small white plate holding more radish slices and a mustard yellow textured cloth near the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe countless times, and every time it delivers that perfect balance of comforting warmth and vibrant Mexican flavors. It’s approachable for cooks of all levels, yet the depth of taste will impress anyone you serve it to. I genuinely love how simple ingredients come together to make such a memorable meal!

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry, making this a stress-free meal prep.
Slow Cooker Magic: Toss it all in, then let it work its magic while you relax or take care of other things.
Flavorful & Authentic: The red chile broth combined with hominy and seasonings really hits that traditional pozole vibe.
Perfect for Gathering: It’s a crowd-pleaser that warms hearts and fills bellies—ideal for family dinners or friendly get-togethers.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe plays a role in building those classic layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy hominy to the smoky red enchilada sauce, here’s why I love each component and a few tips when picking them out.

Flat lay of large chunks of fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with rich red enchilada sauce, a small white bowl of golden chicken broth, half a small yellow onion finely diced on a white plate, four peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of chili powder, a small white bowl of ground cumin, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a white ceramic bowl with drained and rinsed white hominy kernels, a small pile of dried Mexican oregano leaves, thinly shredded fresh green cabbage arranged on a white plate, bright green cilantro sprigs, finely diced white onion on a small white dish, fresh lime wedges, and thinly sliced vibrant red radishes all arranged symmetrically and naturally on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: These shred beautifully and soak up the broth flavors without being too fatty.
Chicken Broth: A savory base that adds richness—homemade or store-bought works great here.
Authentic Red Enchilada Sauce: This is the heart of the soup, offering that smoky, slightly spicy chile taste.
Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked slowly in the broth.
Garlic: Minced garlic gives the pozole that aromatic punch we all love.
Chili Powder: For extra warmth and a bit of smoky heat that works beautifully with the broth.
Ground Cumin: This adds earthiness that rounds out the spice profile.
Kosher Salt: Essential for balancing all those flavors evenly.
White Hominy: The star texture component—creamy, slightly chewy, and classic in pozole.
Dried Mexican Oregano: A fragrant herb that pairs perfectly with the chile notes and chicken.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe is how easy it is to adapt it to your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to tweak the toppings or spice levels to make it truly yours.

Variation: I sometimes swap out chicken breasts for thighs when I want a richer, juicier texture, and it always turns out fantastic.
Spice Level: I usually add extra chili powder or serve with sliced jalapeños on the side to kick up the heat.
Vegetarian Twist: For a plant-based version, try substituting the chicken with mushrooms and veggie broth, plus extra hominy and beans.
Seasonal Change: In the summer, I love serving this with a cold margarita and fresh lime wedges to brighten it up.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a slow cooker filled with a rich, reddish-brown stew. It has several layers: tender shredded chicken pieces, smooth round white hominy kernels, all mixed in a thick, glossy sauce with herbs sprinkled on top. A black ladle is partially dipped into the stew on the right side. The slow cooker interior is black, and the background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Bring the Broth and Chicken to Life

First, toss the chicken chunks, chicken broth, red enchilada sauce, diced onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and kosher salt into your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir so the spices and sauce distribute evenly. This is where the magic begins—letting all those flavors meld over time.

Step 2: Slow Cook for Tenderness

Cover the slow cooker and cook for about 5 ½ hours on low or 3 ½ hours on high. I usually plan this on a lazy weekend day—I love coming back to the kitchen to a fragrant pot of pozole that’s ready to shred.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken with Love

Carefully remove the chicken chunks with a slotted spoon onto a plate or cutting board, then shred them with two forks. Don’t rush this—well-shredded chicken ensures every bite gets coated with that flavorful broth.

Step 4: Add Hominy and Oregano for Authentic Flavor

Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, add the drained and rinsed hominy along with the dried Mexican oregano, then cover and cook another 30 minutes. This step lets the hominy soak in the flavors without getting mushy.

Step 5: Serve with Your Favorite Toppings

Ladle the pozole into bowls and serve it up with lime wedges, sliced radishes, chopped cilantro, finely shredded cabbage, and a sprinkle of Mexican oregano. These toppings add texture, freshness, and a delicious crunch that makes each bite unforgettable.

Top Tip

From my experience cooking this Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe multiple times, controlling the cooking times and adding hominy at the right moment dramatically improves the overall texture and taste. These tips have saved me from soggy hominy and bland broth more than once!

Even Spice Distribution: Stir the broth ingredients before cooking well so the flavors blend evenly—especially important with chili powder and cumin.
Shredding Technique: Use two forks for shredding instead of a knife; it keeps the chicken tender and avoids a dry texture.
Add Hominy Late: Don’t add hominy too early in the cooking process, or it will become overly soft—adding it in the last 30 minutes works best.
Layer Your Toppings: Prepare toppings ahead of time to let everyone customize their bowls for maximum enjoyment.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe

Garnishes

I always pile on freshly shredded cabbage for crunch and brightness, sprinkle in lots of chopped cilantro and diced onion for that signature freshness, and finish with a squeeze of lime and thinly sliced radishes for bite. These toppings turn the soup into a vibrant feast every time.

Side Dishes

We usually serve pozole with warm corn tortillas or homemade tortilla chips. A simple avocado salad or Mexican street corn (elote) pairs perfectly for a more substantial meal that feels festive and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, I like setting up a pozole bar with all the garnishes in separate bowls so guests can create their perfect bowl. Another fun idea is serving the pozole in mini soup cauldrons or colorful mugs for a cozy, rustic vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and have found the flavors actually deepen overnight. Just keep the toppings separate until serving to maintain their crispness.

Freezing

This pozole freezes beautifully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers without any fresh toppings and reheat gently on the stove when ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If it looks too thick, I add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up and refresh the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just expect slightly richer broth and a bit more fat content. I sometimes swap and love how tender the meat turns out.

What is the best way to make homemade red enchilada sauce?

A good homemade red enchilada sauce uses dried chiles like ancho or guajillo soaked in hot water then blended with garlic, onion, tomato paste, and spices. It’s well worth the effort for a deeply authentic flavor in this pozole.

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

Yes! Brown the chicken in a large pot, then add all ingredients except hominy and simmer gently for about 1-2 hours until chicken is tender. Add hominy in the last 30 minutes, then shred the chicken and serve as usual.

What toppings are traditionally served with pozole?

Traditional pozole toppings include shredded cabbage, chopped onions, fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, lime wedges, and sometimes dried oregano. These add freshness, crunch, and layers of flavor that elevate every spoonful.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Pozole Recipe is absolutely one of those dishes that’s close to my heart. It’s straightforward enough for a weekday dinner, yet special enough for a weekend gathering. I promise you’ll love how it fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your table with smiles. Trust me, once you try making it, it’ll become one of those recipes you return to again and again—just like I do.