🍲 Slow Cooker Chicken Posole Recipe: A Comforting Mexican Dish 🍲
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that’s simple to make, Slow Cooker Chicken Posole might just be the answer. This hearty Mexican soup combines tender chicken, hominy (processed corn), and a rich broth that’s spiced just right. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a dish for a cozy night in, this slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need comfort food with minimal effort.
🧑🍳 Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Posole 🍗
Here’s everything you need to make this mouthwatering dish. The ingredients are easy to find, and the slow cooker does all the work for you!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast (boneless) | 2 lbs (about 4 breasts) |
| Hominy (canned) | 2 cans (15 oz each) |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Onion (diced) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Green chilies (canned) | 1 can (4 oz) |
| Cumin | 1 tsp |
| Oregano | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Lime (for garnish) | 1 lime (sliced) |
| Fresh cilantro (for garnish) | 1/4 cup (chopped) |
| Radishes (for garnish) | 1/2 cup (sliced) |
⏳ Time & Servings ⏳
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (on low heat)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
🍴 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Posole 🍴
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. These will become beautifully tender during the cooking process.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Spices
Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. Add in garlic, diced onion, and the green chilies (for a bit of heat and flavor). Then, sprinkle in the cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, making sure the chicken is coated in all those delicious spices.
Step 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. This will allow the chicken to cook through and soak up all the flavors.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. It should fall apart easily. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.
Step 5: Add the Hominy
Drain and rinse the hominy, then stir it into the soup. Give everything a good mix. Let it cook for another 30 minutes to heat the hominy through.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the chicken posole into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime slices, and sliced radishes for a pop of freshness. If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add a few dashes of hot sauce.
📝 Recipe Notes 📝
- Hominy: This is a key ingredient in posole. If you don’t have canned hominy, you can use dried hominy, but you’ll need to soak it overnight and adjust the cooking time.
- Chicken: If you prefer dark meat, you can swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs. They’ll add a richer flavor.
- Spice Level: If you like your soup spicier, add more green chilies or some jalapeños.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions 🍽️
This dish is perfect on its own, but here are some great sides and drinks that pair well with Slow Cooker Chicken Posole:
- Side Dish: A fresh, crisp side salad with lime dressing is a great contrast to the rich soup.
- Drink: Pair it with a light margarita or a refreshing agua fresca for a complete Mexican meal.
- Bread: Serve with a warm tortilla or crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful broth.
If you love light and refreshing soups, you might also enjoy this delicious Coconut Lime Fish Soup Recipe – another perfect dish for cozy nights!
🧊 How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Chicken Posole 🧊
Storage:
Store any leftover posole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It keeps its flavors well!
Reheating:
To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat until hot. You can also microwave individual servings in a bowl for 2-3 minutes.
🍎 Health Benefits of Chicken Posole 🍎
This dish isn’t just tasty – it’s packed with nutritional benefits:
- Chicken: A great source of lean protein, which helps muscle repair and keeps you full longer.
- Hominy: Provides fiber and important vitamins like B vitamins and antioxidants.
- Chilies and Cilantro: Rich in vitamins C and A, they boost immunity and support digestion.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid 🚫
- Overcooking the Chicken: You want tender chicken, but cooking it for too long can make it dry. Make sure to shred it once it’s fully cooked.
- Not Rinsing the Hominy: Rinsing the hominy removes excess salt and makes the soup taste better.
- Not Adjusting the Seasoning: Taste your posole before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. You may want to add more spices for a richer flavor.
❓ FAQs About Slow Cooker Chicken Posole ❓
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This posole keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, so you can make it ahead of time and just reheat it when you’re ready. - Can I freeze chicken posole?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. - Can I use beef instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use beef for a different twist. Simply swap the chicken for beef stew meat or shredded beef and adjust the cooking time as needed. - Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe has a mild spice from the green chilies, but if you prefer more heat, feel free to add jalapeños or hot sauce. - Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker?
Yes! You can cook the chicken in a pressure cooker for 25 minutes, then proceed with the rest of the recipe.
✨ Final Thoughts ✨
Slow Cooker Chicken Posole is the perfect dish for any day when you need a comforting, flavorful meal. It’s easy to make, requires minimal hands-on time, and the results are absolutely delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it for a cozy dinner or serving it at a family gathering, this posole will leave everyone satisfied and asking for more.
