Oh, let me tell you about one of my favorite cozy meals—Chicken Pozole Verde Soup. It reminds me of rainy afternoons spent curled up on the couch with a bowl of warm soup and a good book. There’s something about the vibrant green color and the tantalizing combination of flavors that wraps around you like a warm blanket. This is the kind of dish that not only feeds your body but also nourishes your soul.

Imagine the pleasant aroma of roasted tomatillos and fresh herbs filling your kitchen. As the soup simmers, your home transforms into a cozy haven, inviting everyone to gather round. If you’re looking for a comforting 30-minute delight, this Chicken Pozole Verde Soup is just for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy—perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Budget-friendly with ingredients you may already have on hand.
Deliciously comforting with that perfect balance of flavors.
Full of nutrients, making it a wholesome meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this vibrant dish to life:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if you prefer)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered!)
6 cups chicken broth
1 pound tomatillos, husked and quartered
1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and chopped (adjust for your spice preference)
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
2 limes, juiced
2 (15-ounce) cans hominy, drained and rinsed
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: avocado, radishes, onion, lime wedges, or additional cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to dive into the cooking? Let’s get started!

Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper, then add it to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until browned. Don’t worry too much about cooking it through; we’ll finish cooking it later!
Add Aromatics: Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic next. Cook for about 2 minutes, until they’re fragrant and the onion turns translucent. You’ll love how your kitchen smells right now!
Blend the Tomatillos: While the onion and garlic are cooking, place the quartered tomatillos, chopped jalapeño, and half of the cilantro in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. If you like a little more heat, you could add in some of the jalapeño seeds!
Simmer the Soup: Pour the blended tomatillo mixture into the pot with the chicken, onion, and garlic. Stir it all together and then slowly pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Finish the Chicken: Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes. During this time, the chicken will finish cooking through. If you’re using thighs, you can shred them directly in the pot for that perfect bite-sized piece!
Add the Hominy: Stir in the drained and rinsed hominy along with the juice of one lime. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes. You can add more broth here if you like a soupier consistency!
Season to Taste: Finally, taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the remaining cilantro for a fresh kick just before serving. Yay, you’re almost there!

Pro Tips & Variations

Here are some of my favorite twists and practical tips to make this dish even more your own:

Spice it Up: For extra heat, try adding diced serrano peppers or a splash of hot sauce.
Make it Creamy: You can stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt when serving for a richer taste.
Herb Swap: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can use fresh parsley or even mint for a different flair.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for cooked chickpeas or crumbled tofu for a delightful vegetarian version.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Chicken Pozole Verde Soup, keep it cozy! I love to serve it in hearty bowls, with a sprinkle of avocado, radishes, and additional cilantro on top. Pair it with warm corn tortillas or crusty bread for dipping. You can even have a little side salad with lime vinaigrette to freshen things up. And don’t forget a cup of coffee or a crisp white wine to really complete the experience!

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which I highly encourage!), here’s how to store your pozole:

Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully! Just make sure to let it cool completely before pouring it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove over medium heat. You can add a little extra broth or water if it’s too thick for your liking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in the soup?

Yes, you can! If using frozen chicken, just make sure to cook it longer to ensure it’s fully cooked through. You could even throw it in whole at the beginning and shred it later on.

What if I can’t find tomatillos?

No worries! You can substitute with canned green enchilada sauce or fresh green tomatoes as a last resort. The flavors will be a little different, but still delicious!

Is pozole traditionally spicy?

It can be! The heat level varies based on personal preference and the type of peppers used. Feel free to adjust the jalapeño according to your taste!

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors often deepen the longer it sits. Just be mindful to store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

What are some good toppings for Chicken Pozole Verde?

You can’t go wrong with toppings! Avocado, sliced radishes, crumbled tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges are all fantastic options. Get creative with what you have on hand!

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to make Chicken Pozole Verde Soup! This dish isn’t just quick and easy; it carries a love in every bite that warms you from the inside out. I’d love to hear how yours turns out, or any fun twists you add yourself! Call up a friend, gather your family, and enjoy the delightful flavors together. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your favorite moments in the comments below!