Pozole Chile Verde

This Pozole Chile Verde is a comforting and vibrant dish that brings together tender shredded chicken and hominy in a flavorful green chile broth. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, this hearty soup is packed with layers of taste from roasted green chiles, tomatillo salsa, and an array of spices.

The freshness of cilantro and the warmth of spices create a deliciously satisfying meal that’s sure to warm both your heart and your home. Enjoy this traditional Mexican dish as a celebration of flavors and a perfect way to feed a crowd!

Pozole Chile Verde

Ingredients:

1 whole rotisserie chicken, deboned and shredded.

2 quarts chicken stock

2-3 quarts water

1 #10 can hominy, drained

2 cups 505 roasted green chile

2 cans diced tomatoes

2 16 oz jars tomatillo salsa verde (HERDEZ)

Half bunch cilantro, use the stems also.

2 onions

8 garlic cloves

3 Tbsp Caldo de pollo

4 Tbsp onion powder

2 tsp garlic powder

3 bay leaves

1 1/2 tsp black pepper

1 Tbsp cumin and a little more

1 Tbsp coriander

1-2 Tbsp oregano

Instructions:

1. First skin and debone the rotisserie chicken.

2. In a large pot place the chicken carcass and add the water and chicken stock to it. Bring to a boil.

3. While that is heating, chop the onions, garlic cloves and the cilantro. Set aside.

4. Remove the bones from the broth and get as much meat off the bones as you can. Throw the bones away and put the meat into the broth.

5. To the pot, add the hominy and the veggies you chopped in step 3. And all the shredded chicken, Also add the spices, bay leaves, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, cumin, coriander and Knorr Caldo de pollo.

6. Add the cans of tomatoes and the 505 chile.

7. Let this simmer for an hour or more. Or you can
place this in a large crockpot. I like the hominy to get a little softer.

8. Add more spices if needed.

Notes:

Chicken Options: While rotisserie chicken is convenient, you can also use leftover chicken or cook your own. For added flavor, consider using chicken thighs or a mix of dark and white meat.

Hominy Alternatives: If you can’t find canned hominy, you can use dried hominy. Just be sure to soak and cook it beforehand, as it takes longer to prepare.

Green Chile Varieties: The 505 roasted green chile adds depth to the dish, but you can adjust the heat by choosing milder or spicier varieties based on your preference. Fresh roasted green chiles are also a great alternative if available.

Crockpot Method: For a hands-off approach, you can prepare this dish in a crockpot. Just combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Toppings: Enhance your pozole with traditional toppings like sliced radishes, diced avocado, chopped onions, fresh lime wedges, or additional cilantro for extra flavor and texture.

Storage: This pozole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes beautifully—just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker pozole, let it simmer longer to reduce the broth. If it’s too thick, add more chicken stock or water to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken.

Just ensure it’s fully cooked before shredding.

You can boil or slow-cook the chicken until tender, then shred it and add it to the pozole.

How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness of the pozole depends on the type of green chiles you use.

If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for mild roasted green chiles.

You can always add more spice later if desired.

What can I substitute for hominy?

If you can’t find hominy, you can use canned corn as a substitute.

Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be different, but it will still be delicious.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Just thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can make a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth, omitting the chicken, and adding more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

You can also use beans for added protein.

Do I have to use a whole rotisserie chicken?

No, you can use any cooked chicken you have on hand, such as leftover grilled chicken or chicken breasts.

Just ensure it’s shredded for even distribution in the soup.

Can I skip the tomatillo salsa verde?

While the tomatillo salsa verde adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with more diced tomatoes or additional green chiles if you prefer.

Just adjust the spices to maintain the flavor balance.

How can I make this dish more flavorful?

For enhanced flavor, consider toasting the spices in a dry pan before adding them to the pot.

This brings out their aromas and deepens the overall taste of the pozole.

What if I don’t have bay leaves?

If you don’t have bay leaves, you can omit them.

They add a subtle flavor, but the dish will still be delicious without them.

You can also use a pinch of dried thyme or oregano as an alternative.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the pozole a day ahead and let it sit in the fridge overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Just reheat it on the stove before serving.