Green Chicken Pozole Stew
A flavorful green chicken pozole made with vibrant ingredients like tomatillos and cilantro.
Enjoy a traditional Mexican stew made with shredded chicken, hominy, and a vibrant green sauce made from tomatillos, cilantro, and chiles. This hearty dish is typically garnished with a variety of fresh toppings that add crunch and creaminess.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 6 to 8
Full Ingredient List
- 7 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
- 2 cups water
- 4 chicken breast halves on the bone, with skin
- 1 pound tomatillos, husked and halved
- 1 small onion, quartered, plus more for serving
- 2 poblano chiles, cored, seeded, and quartered
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and quartered
- 4 large garlic cloves, smashed
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon oregano leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 (15-ounce) cans of hominy, drained
- Iceberg lettuce, finely shredded, for serving
- Radish, sliced, for serving
- Onion, chopped, for serving
- Avocado, diced, for serving
- Sour cream, for serving
- Tortilla chips, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
Chicken Pozole Verde
Tools and Equipment
Ingredients
Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
---|---|---|---|
7 cups | chicken stock or low-sodium broth | ||
2 cups | water | ||
4 | chicken breast halves on the bone, with skin | ||
1 pound | tomatillos, husked and halved | ||
1, plus more for serving | small onion, quartered | ||
2 | poblano chiles, cored, seeded, and quartered | ||
2 | jalapeños, seeded and quartered | ||
4 | large garlic cloves, smashed | ||
1/2 cup | cilantro, chopped | ||
1 tablespoon | oregano leaves | ||
1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste | kosher salt | ||
1/4 teaspoon, plus more to taste | freshly ground black pepper | ||
1 tablespoon | vegetable oil | ||
3 (15-ounce) cans | hominy, drained |
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large enameled cast-iron casserole, bring chicken stock and water to a boil. (Tips: Ensure the stock is at a rolling boil before adding the chicken.)
- Step 2: Add chicken breasts skin side down, cover, and simmer over very low heat until tender and cooked through, about 25 minutes. (Tips: Do not let the liquid come to a boil to prevent toughening the chicken.)
- Step 3: Skim and discard any fat from the cooking liquid and set the liquid aside. (Tips: Use a slotted spoon or a fat separator for best results.)
- Step 4: Transfer chicken breasts to a cutting board. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat and discard bones and skin. (Tips: Use forks or your hands for easier shredding.)
- Step 5: In a blender, combine tomatillos, quartered onion, poblanos, jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, and oregano. Pulse until coarsely chopped, scraping down sides. (Tips: You may need to do this in batches depending on your blender size.)
- Step 6: With the blender on, add 1 cup of cooking liquid and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. (Tips: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.)
- Step 7: In a large deep skillet, heat vegetable oil until shimmering. Add tomatillo puree and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce turns a deep green, about 12 minutes. (Tips: Stir regularly to avoid sticking.)
- Step 8: Pour green sauce into the reserved cooking liquid in the casserole. Add hominy and bring to a simmer over moderate heat. Add shredded chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until heated through. (Tips: Adjust the thickness of the stew by adding more stock if needed.)
- Step 9: Serve in deep bowls with lettuce, radishes, onion, avocado, sour cream, tortilla chips, and lime wedges as optional garnishes. (Tips: Offer a variety of toppings for guests to customize their bowls.)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 5g
Additional Information
Notes: Using Mexican oregano provides a distinct citrus note that enhances the flavor. Prepare toppings generously as they add essential texture and taste to the dish.
Background: Pozole is a beloved traditional Mexican dish often served on special occasions and communal gatherings. It comes in various forms, with verde distinguished by its green sauce.
Geographic Region: Mexico
Seasonality: Winter
Occasion: Family dinner
Recommended Pairings
- un-oaked white wine
- sparkling water
Tags
Mexican stew chicken hominy pozole dinner comfort food gluten-free spicy