Chicken Posole, a hearty and flavorful Mexican stew, is the perfect dish for a chilly evening or a festive gathering. This comforting soup boasts a rich broth infused with the smoky depth of hominy, tender chunks of chicken, and a vibrant array of spices. Unlike some posole recipes that require hours of simmering, this version offers a quicker, easier approach without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. You'll find the satisfying combination of textures and flavors incredibly rewarding. It’s a crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly simple to master.
Imagine a bowl brimming with tender chicken, plump hominy, and a medley of aromatic spices, all swimming in a deeply satisfying broth. This quick and easy Chicken Posole recipe delivers on all fronts, offering a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine without the usual lengthy preparation time. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide.
Tools Needed
- Stock pot
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Chicken broth
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
- Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- Diced yellow onion
- Ancho chili powder
- Smoked paprika
- Minced garlic
- Oregano
- Ground cumin
- Salt
- Hominy
- Green cabbage
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken and Broth
- Place chicken thighs (skin-side down) in a stock pot over medium-high heat.
- Add remaining chicken and some chicken broth. Cover and simmer until chicken is cooked (about 20 minutes).
- Remove cooked chicken, let cool, then shred the meat.
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics and Build Flavor
- While chicken cooks, sauté diced onions in olive oil in a frying pan for 20 minutes.
- Add garlic to the onions and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the stock pot.
- Add ancho chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and salt to taste.
- Add more chicken broth as needed.
Step 3. Simmer and Combine
- Add the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Simmer for 1-2 hours (longer is better).
- Add hominy and simmer for another 15 minutes.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with green cabbage, cilantro, lime wedges, and hot sauce (optional).
Read more: Creamy Caldo de Papa Recipe: Easy Mexican Potato Soup
Tips
- Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs helps keep the meat moist.
- Ancho chili powder provides a unique flavor compared to regular chili powder.
- Simmering the soup for a longer time enhances the flavors.
- Adjust seasonings (salt) to your preference.
- Add hot sauce to increase the heat level, if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 400-500
- Fat: 15-25g
- Carbs: 30-40g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use canned hominy instead of dried?
Yes! Canned hominy is a great time-saver. Just drain and rinse it before adding it to the pot.
2. What kind of chicken should I use?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are best for flavor and tenderness, but boneless, skinless breasts will work too. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Posole tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This quick and easy Chicken Posole recipe delivers a taste of authentic Mexican comfort food without the lengthy prep time. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and hearty warmth of this festive soup, perfect for any occasion. From now on, make this your go-to recipe for a delicious and satisfying meal.