Chicken Pozole

The warmth and soul of Mexican cuisine come alive in every bowl of Chicken Pozole Blanco. This traditional dish is a celebration of hominy, shredded chicken, and a rich, savory broth that gets even better with each layer of garnish — from crunchy radishes to creamy avocado. Every spoonful brings comfort and culture straight to your table.

Whether you’re curing a hangover or simply craving something satisfying and wholesome, this pozole recipe has you covered. It’s easy to prepare in batches, making it perfect for sharing on a cozy night in or as a festive centerpiece for a family gathering. Don’t forget to serve it with tostadas or tortilla chips to scoop up every last drop of goodness.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 (4.5 to 5.5-pound) whole chicken, cut into parts

• Kosher salt

• 1 red onion, sliced in half

• 1 (105-ounce) can hominy, drained and rinsed, divided

• 4 large cloves garlic, peeled

• 1 to 2 tablespoons dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)

Garnishes:

• 1/4 whole cabbage, thinly sliced

• 1 tomato, cored and chopped

• 1 avocado, peeled and chopped

• 1 red onion, peeled and chopped

• 1 large bunch cilantro, chopped

• 1 large bunch watercress, chopped

• Queso Fresco, sliced

• Several red radishes, thinly sliced

• 2 limes, cut into wedges

• Chopped seeded jalapeño or serrano chilies

• Tostadas or tortilla chips

Directions:

1. Place chicken pieces in a large pot and cover with about 3 quarts of water. Add the halved red onion and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

2. Remove chicken from the pot and let it cool. Shred the meat and discard the skin. Return the bones to the pot and continue simmering for 30 more minutes.

3. Blend 4 cups of hominy with 2 cups of chicken stock and garlic cloves until smooth.

4. Skim off foam and fat from the stock, remove the bones, and add the blended hominy to the pot. Stir in the remaining whole hominy and oregano. Simmer for 20 minutes.

5. Prepare garnishes and arrange in bowls or on a platter.

6. Just before serving, return shredded chicken to the pot. Add salt to taste.

7. Serve hot in individual bowls and top with garnishes as desired. Pair with tostadas or tortilla chips.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Kcal: 1256 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

A Modern Take on a Classic Dish

The Chicken Pozole recipe remains true to its traditional roots while offering a modern and approachable preparation. Using chicken instead of pork not only shortens the cooking time but also produces a lighter broth that still carries bold flavors. The result is a nourishing soup that feels hearty yet clean, ideal for any time of year but especially comforting during cold seasons or when you need a warm, satisfying meal.

Hominy, the soul of this dish, plays a central role in both texture and flavor. These large, puffy kernels of corn, which have been dried and treated with an alkaline solution (a process known as nixtamalization), offer a chewy bite that soaks up all the savory goodness of the broth. Their mild taste makes them the perfect companion to the shredded chicken and fragrant herbs used in the recipe.

The Power of Garnishes

What truly elevates pozole from a simple soup to an extraordinary meal is its customizable toppings. A spread of garnishes turns every serving into a personal masterpiece, allowing diners to tailor their bowl to their liking. Traditional options include thinly sliced cabbage, diced onions, radishes, chopped cilantro, avocado, queso fresco, lime wedges, and even spicy jalapeños or serranos for an added kick.

The contrast of temperatures and textures — the warm soup against the cold crunch of cabbage or the cool creaminess of avocado — creates a dynamic eating experience. The garnishes not only add flavor and freshness but also introduce vibrant colors, transforming each bowl into a festive and visually enticing dish.

Comfort Food That’s Good for You

Chicken Pozole isn’t just comforting to the palate; it’s also nourishing for the body. Chicken provides a lean source of protein, while hominy adds fiber and energy-sustaining carbohydrates. The broth is light yet rich, often made from scratch using the bones of the chicken, contributing collagen and nutrients to the soup. Add in all the vitamin-packed vegetables used as toppings, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.

It’s no wonder that pozole is often recommended as a restorative dish. Whether you’re under the weather, recovering from a long week, or simply in need of a warm hug in a bowl, Chicken Pozole offers physical and emotional nourishment that few dishes can rival.

The Cultural Significance of Pozole

Pozole isn’t just food — it’s an experience, a memory, a celebration. In Mexican households, it’s often served during major festivities such as Christmas, New Year’s, Independence Day, and birthdays. It brings people together, with each person customizing their bowl, reaching for lime wedges or extra radishes, passing the hot sauce around the table. It’s this communal aspect that makes pozole such a beloved dish.

Historically, the pork-based version of pozole was served during sacred Aztec rituals. When Spanish colonization introduced Catholicism and transformed indigenous food practices, the dish evolved into more of a communal meal for celebrations and feasts. Over time, regional variations emerged, leading to three major types: Pozole Blanco (white), Pozole Rojo (red), and Pozole Verde (green), each characterized by different chili blends and regional preferences. This chicken-based blanco version is especially popular in areas where lighter meals are favored, and it highlights the dish’s incredible adaptability.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Another reason for pozole’s enduring popularity is its practicality. It stores well, tastes even better the next day, and is easy to reheat. In fact, many fans of the dish claim that pozole is best after sitting overnight in the refrigerator, giving the flavors extra time to meld and deepen.

If you’re into meal prepping or need something you can cook once and eat for days, pozole is an ideal option. It can be made in large batches and frozen in portions for quick, comforting meals throughout the week. Add fresh garnishes each time you serve it, and you’ll have a dish that feels new and exciting every time.

Versatility Across the Board

Chicken Pozole also lends itself well to adaptation. Want a spicier version? Toss in more jalapeños or add a dollop of salsa verde. Prefer a vegetarian take? Substitute the chicken with mushrooms or jackfruit and use vegetable broth. You can even change the flavor profile by adding toasted dried chiles to the broth to create a red pozole version.

The base recipe provides a strong foundation for endless creativity. It’s a great dish to practice your culinary instincts with — balancing flavors, adjusting textures, and customizing your bowl to match your mood or dietary needs.

Why You Should Try Making It at Home

While pozole may seem complex due to its layers and garnishes, the process is surprisingly straightforward. The ingredients are accessible, the steps are logical, and the results are incredibly rewarding. Even if you’re not experienced in cooking Mexican food, this recipe is a fantastic entry point into the cuisine. It introduces you to authentic ingredients like hominy and Mexican oregano and familiarizes you with building broths from bones and aromatics.

Once you’ve made it once, you’ll likely find yourself returning to it again and again — not only because of how delicious it is, but also because of how much joy and comfort it brings to those who share it with you.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Soup

Chicken Pozole is much more than just a warm, flavorful dish — it’s a cultural emblem, a comfort food, and a culinary journey. Its roots in Mexican tradition, its flexibility in the kitchen, and its hearty yet nourishing character make it a staple for both everyday meals and special occasions. Whether you’re looking to expand your cooking repertoire, connect with cultural heritage, or simply enjoy a bowl of something truly satisfying, Chicken Pozole delivers on all fronts.

From its historical origins to its flavorful present-day variations, this dish encapsulates the warmth of family, the joy of shared meals, and the rich diversity of Mexican cuisine. Make it once, and it might just become your new favorite tradition.