If you are craving a comforting meal that bursts with traditional Mexican flavors and melts together with ease, then this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, juicy chicken mingling with hearty hominy and a vibrant medley of spices, slow-cooked to perfection so that each spoonful brings warmth and satisfaction. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also delivers a rich, satisfying stew experience that feels like a warm embrace from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole Recipe is in its straightforward, carefully chosen ingredients that each add a unique layer of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender chicken thighs to the zesty lime juice and fresh garnishes, every component plays a vital role in making this dish come alive.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, flavorful meat that remains tender after slow cooking.
- 1 (25 oz) can white hominy (drained and rinsed): Adds a lovely chewy texture and authentic posole heartiness.
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced): Brings sweetness and depth to the broth as it cooks.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a rich, aromatic background flavor.
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles: Delivers a gentle kick and smoky undertones.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Introduces earthy warmth that’s essential in Mexican cooking.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a slightly minty, herbal note to balance spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Enhances mild heat and a subtle complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a spicier edge, it gives a lively punch.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Provides the savory liquid base that melds everything together.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens the stew with fresh acidity just before serving.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and elevating all the flavors.
- Chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, diced avocado, shredded cabbage, and lime wedges (for serving): These fresh garnishes contribute crunch, creaminess, and brightness to each bowl.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Posole Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Start by adding the chicken thighs, hominy, diced onion, minced garlic, diced green chiles, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper if you like it spicy, and chicken broth straight into your slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the spices and ingredients start to mingle from the get-go. This step sets the stage for the flavors to develop beautifully over several hours.
Step 2: Let It Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow, steady heat will break down the chicken into tender perfection while allowing the hominy and spices to infuse the broth with rich, bold flavor. There’s a real magic in letting the slow cooker do the work, turning simple ingredients into something soulful and delicious.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up and the chicken is fork-tender, remove the thighs from the slow cooker and shred the meat using two forks. Then, return the shredded chicken to the pot — this step ensures every bit of chicken is coated in that luscious broth, ready to be enjoyed.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Stir in the lime juice to introduce a fresh pop of brightness that balances the stew’s deep flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed to hit that perfect savory spot.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Posole Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes elevate this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole Recipe to an exceptional dining experience. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of herbal zest, add sliced radishes for a cool, peppery crunch, diced avocado for creamy richness, and shredded cabbage for fresh texture. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime wedge on each bowl to bring everything alive with citrusy brightness.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a self-contained meal, but pairing it with warm, crusty corn tortillas or a simple side of Mexican rice can round out the meal beautifully. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness and keeps the meal feeling fresh and light.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or add a creative twist, serve the posole in individual bowls topped with a variety of garnishes on the side, letting everyone customize their bowls. You can also use edible tortillas as “dippers” or transform leftovers into a flavorful filling for tacos or enchiladas, turning this classic soup into a versatile star.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Slow Cooker Chicken Posole Recipe leftovers store wonderfully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even more delicious. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
This posole freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the posole gently on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. If it seems thick, add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Avoid microwaving for extended times to maintain the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?
Absolutely, chicken breasts can be substituted; however, the thighs offer more fat and tenderness, which makes the stew richer and more flavorful. If you do use breasts, just keep an eye on cooking time to avoid drying out the meat.
Is it possible to make this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole Recipe spicy?
Yes! You can increase the cayenne pepper or use a spicier variety of diced green chiles. Adding fresh jalapeño slices while cooking also works great for an extra kick.
Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?
While the slow cooker makes it incredibly easy, you can make posole on the stovetop by simmering on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld nicely.
What is hominy, and can I substitute it?
Hominy is dried corn kernels treated to remove the hull, giving them a puffy, chewy texture essential to posole. While substituting isn’t recommended for authenticity, canned white or yellow corn kernels can work as a last resort, though the texture will differ.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To adapt it, swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or squash and use vegetable broth. You can add plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh and keep the seasonings the same to maintain that classic posole flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Posole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a gift after a long day—comforting, wholesome, and bursting with vibrant flavors. It’s easy enough to prep ahead, forgiving for busy cooks, and endlessly satisfying for family and friends gathered around the table. Give this recipe a try and let yourself fall in love with the cozy magic of hominy stew that warms both body and soul.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Posole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Posole is a comforting Mexican stew featuring tender shredded chicken thighs simmered with hominy, green chiles, and a blend of spices. Slow-cooked to perfection, this hearty dish offers a rich, flavorful broth and is garnished with fresh toppings like cilantro, radishes, avocado, cabbage, and lime wedges for a vibrant and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 (25 oz) can white hominy, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Finishing and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro (for serving)
- Sliced radishes (for serving)
- Diced avocado (for serving)
- Shredded cabbage (for serving)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken thighs, white hominy, diced onion, minced garlic, diced green chiles, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper if using, and low-sodium chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the mixture on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should become tender and easily shred when done.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken thighs carefully from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker pot.
- Final Seasoning: Stir in the lime juice well. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for your preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the posole hot in bowls. Top with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, diced avocado, shredded cabbage, and lime wedges for added texture, flavor, and freshness.
Notes
- For a deeper and richer flavor, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in a bit of oil before adding them to the slow cooker.
- You can use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs, but thighs provide more flavor and remain tender during slow cooking.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount according to your desired spice level or omit it for a milder dish.
