Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole

Introduction

Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole is a hearty and flavorful Mexican stew that combines tender chicken, hominy, and a zesty salsa verde in a slow-cooked, comforting dish. The crockpot method makes this recipe easy and hands-off, allowing all the ingredients to meld together to create a rich, savory broth with just the right amount of heat.

What I love most about this pozole is how versatile it is. You can top it with fresh garnishes like chopped onions, cilantro, radishes, and a squeeze of lime to add extra brightness and texture. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or a special occasion. Whether you serve it on a chilly evening or at a festive gathering, this pozole will warm you from the inside out and leave everyone asking for seconds!

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Family gatherings
• Holiday meals
• Comfort food lovers
• Fans of spicy and savory stews

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole

Here’s why Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole will become a staple in your recipe collection:

• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work for you, leaving you with minimal prep and cleanup.
• Savory and Flavorful: The salsa verde adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor, perfectly complementing the chicken and hominy.
• Tender Chicken: Cooking the chicken in the slow cooker ensures it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, perfect for shredding.
• Customizable Toppings: The pozole is delicious on its own but can be customized with toppings like fresh cilantro, radishes, lime, and tortillas for added texture and flavor.
• Comforting and Hearty: This dish is filling, nourishing, and perfect for a cool evening or a special gathering.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 6-7 hours (slow cooking)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-7 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 6g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 cups salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans (15 oz each) hominy, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Radishes, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• Sliced lime (for garnish)
• Tortilla chips or tortillas (for serving)

Ingredient Highlights

• Salsa Verde: The tangy, slightly spicy salsa verde is the star of this dish, providing depth of flavor and a perfect contrast to the rich chicken and hominy.
• Chicken: The chicken breasts or thighs become incredibly tender in the slow cooker, making it easy to shred and mix into the pozole for a satisfying bite.
• Hominy: This classic pozole ingredient adds texture and a mild corn flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory broth.
• Spices: Cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika give the pozole a complex, warm flavor, while oregano adds an earthy touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole:

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Prepare the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, you can leave them whole, or if using thighs, remove the skin. There’s no need to cut the chicken into pieces as it will shred easily during cooking.
2. Add to the Crockpot: Place the chicken into the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the salsa verde, chicken broth, hominy, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir to combine.
3. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a little extra tang, you can also add lime juice at this stage.

Slow Cook the Pozole:

4. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily. Alternatively, cook on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time.
5. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the soup.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the pozole and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired.

Serve the Pozole:

7. Serve: Ladle the pozole into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, and a squeeze of lime juice. You can also serve it with tortilla chips or warm tortillas on the side for added texture.

How to Serve Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole

Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole is delicious on its own but can be served in a variety of ways to enhance the experience:

• With a Side of Tortillas: Serve the pozole with warm corn or flour tortillas for dipping.
• Topped with Fresh Garnishes: Cilantro, radishes, lime wedges, and even a dollop of sour cream make perfect toppings to customize the flavor.
• As Part of a Mexican Feast: Serve alongside other Mexican-inspired dishes like guacamole, salsa, and chips for a full meal.
• With a Cold Beverage: Pair with a cold Mexican beer, margarita, or a refreshing agua fresca for a complete meal.

Additional Tips for Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole

Here are some tips to ensure your Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole is perfect every time:

• Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor: If you prefer even more depth of flavor, you can use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. The bones will add richness to the broth.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a spicier pozole, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder or choose a mild salsa verde.
• Use Homemade Salsa Verde: For a more authentic flavor, you can use homemade salsa verde made with roasted tomatillos, onions, garlic, and chilies.
• Keep the Toppings Simple: Traditional toppings for pozole include cilantro, radishes, lime, and shredded cabbage. However, you can experiment with other toppings like avocado, diced onions, or crumbled queso fresco.
• Freeze Leftovers: Pozole freezes wonderfully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

Recipe Variations for Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole:

• Pork Salsa Verde Pozole: Replace the chicken with pork shoulder or pork loin for a classic pozole flavor.
• Vegetarian Salsa Verde Pozole: Skip the meat and add more vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms, along with extra hominy for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Beef Salsa Verde Pozole: Substitute the chicken with beef chuck or stew meat for a rich, beefy pozole.
• Spicy Salsa Verde Pozole: Add extra jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to give the pozole a more intense kick.
• Roasted Salsa Verde Pozole: Use roasted tomatillos and peppers to make your own salsa verde for an extra smoky flavor.
• Green Chile Salsa Verde Pozole: Add roasted green chilies to the mix for a mild but flavorful variation.
• Lemon Zest Salsa Verde Pozole: Swap the lime juice for a little lemon zest for a fresh citrus twist.
• Chicken and Shrimp Salsa Verde Pozole: Add shrimp along with the chicken for a surf-and-turf version of pozole.
• Vegan Pozole: Use vegetable broth and substitute the chicken with tofu or jackfruit for a vegan-friendly pozole.
• Cheesy Pozole: Stir in some shredded cheese (like Monterey Jack or cheddar) just before serving for a creamy, cheesy twist.

Freezing and Storage for Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole

• Freezing: Pozole freezes well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat on the stove until warmed through.
• Storage: Store leftover pozole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors will continue to deepen as it sits.

Special Equipment for Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole easier:

• Slow Cooker: A slow cooker (crockpot) is essential for this recipe to allow the chicken to cook low and slow and absorb all the flavors.
• Meat Thermometer: If you’re using bone-in chicken, a meat thermometer will help you ensure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will make chopping the onion, garlic, and any other vegetables a breeze.
• Tongs or Forks: Use tongs or two forks to shred the chicken once it’s done cooking.
• Ladle: A ladle makes serving the pozole into bowls much easier.
• Storage Containers: Airtight containers for storing leftovers and freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time.
2. Can I use hominy from scratch?
   While canned hominy is convenient, you can cook dried hominy from scratch if you prefer. It will take longer, so plan for extra cooking time.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the pozole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will intensify overnight.
4. Can I make this pozole spicy?
   Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more chili peppers, hot sauce, or jalapeños to suit your taste.
5. Can I use a different type of meat?
   Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with pork, beef, or even add shrimp for a seafood twist.

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Conclusion

Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole is a rich, comforting stew that brings together the best of Mexican cuisine with minimal effort. The tender, slow-cooked chicken simmers in a tangy salsa verde broth, blending perfectly with the hearty hominy to create a satisfying, flavorful dish. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out, making it ideal for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or cozy nights in.

What makes this pozole so great is its versatility. You can adjust the heat, add your favorite toppings like radishes, cilantro, or lime, and even try different variations with additional ingredients. This recipe will quickly become a crowd favorite that’s perfect for any occasion.

I’d love to see how your Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy!