Few dishes can capture the traditional flavors of Mexico like a homemade chicken pozole recipe. Pozole is a comforting and delicious stew that dates back to pre-Hispanic Mexico. It may have ancient origins, but this savory and satisfying chicken pozole recipe is perfect for the modern cooking enthusiast.
The beauty of this stew is that it can be made with a wide variety of meats, from pork to seafood to chicken. This particular recipe calls for chicken, and it is an approachable option for anyone who hasn’t made pozole before. Whether you’re looking for a fun and flavorful weekend meal, a crowd-pleasing dish for a dinner party, or a traditional Mexican potluck item, this pozole recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Pozole:
3–4 dried guajillo chiles
2–3 dried pasilla chiles
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 medium onion, peeled and quartered
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 (29 oz) can hominy, drained and rinsed
1 quart chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Chicken:
1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 medium onion, cut into quarters
2–3 cloves of garlic, peeled
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional toppings:
Shredded lettuce
Sliced radishes
Chopped cilantro
Lime wedges
Thinly sliced white onion
Tortilla chips
Directions
1. Prepare the guajillo and pasilla chiles. Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chiles, then place them in a saucepan with the quartered onion, the garlic, and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and let sit for 10 minutes to rehydrate.
2. Make the broth. In a large stock pot, combine the rehydrated chiles, onion, garlic, cumin, hominy, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow to simmer for 20 minutes, then remove from the heat. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to blend everything together until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
3. Prepare the chicken. In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces, onion, garlic, bay leaves, oregano, and enough water to cover the chicken. Place over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let cook for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and let cool slightly. Once cooled, shred the meat using your hands or a pair of forks.
4. Assemble the pozole. Return the blended broth to a simmer, then stir in the shredded chicken. Allow to heat through for a few minutes. Ladle the pozole into serving bowls and top with your desired toppings.
Why You Should Make This Chicken Pozole Recipe
Not only is this chicken pozole recipe delicious and authentic, but it is also incredibly easy to make. Plus, it is a healthy option that is packed with lean protein and good-for-you vitamins and minerals. It is a great dish to make in large quantities, as it stores well in the refrigerator and even freezes well. This means that you can have the comfort of a traditional Mexican stew on hand whenever you need a warming and satisfying meal.
Finally, this chicken pozole recipe is a great way to introduce your friends and family to the bold and complex flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine. The combination of sweet, smoky chiles, succulent chicken, and bright and refreshing toppings makes this soup an unforgettable experience. So, what are you waiting for? Get into the kitchen and make a batch of chicken pozole today!
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