Chicken Posole Verde

I first encountered posole verde at a small family-run restaurant in New Mexico during a road trip, and it was love at first spoonful. The owner's grandmother had been making it for decades, and you could taste the tradition in every bite. What struck me most was the bright, tangy flavor – so different from the red posole I'd tried before. The green chile broth was vibrant and alive, with layers of flavor that revealed themselves slowly. There was the earthiness of the tomatillos, the subtle heat from the poblanos, and this wonderful aromatic quality from the cumin and oregano. The hominy added this amazing chewy texture that contrasted perfectly with the tender chicken. But what really made it special were the fresh toppings – the cool, creamy avocado against the hot broth, the crisp radishes adding a peppery crunch, and that burst of citrus from the lime. I knew I had to recreate it at home, and after several attempts, I developed this slow cooker version that captures all those flavors while fitting into my busy life. Every time I make it, I'm transported back to that little restaurant and the warmth of that experience.

Why I love this recipe

What I love most about this Chicken Posole Verde is how it manages to be both comforting and exciting at the same time. It's a complete meal in a bowl that never gets boring because every spoonful is a little different depending on what toppings you scoop up. I love how the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like it's been cooking all day (because it has!). The tomatillos break down and create this gorgeous green broth that's both tangy and savory, while the poblanos add just enough heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming. There's also something deeply satisfying about shredding that perfectly cooked chicken – it's so tender and juicy from the slow cooking process. But perhaps what I love most is how this recipe brings people together. It's interactive – everyone gets to customize their bowl with their favorite toppings. I've served this at gatherings where people have stood around the slow cooker, building their perfect bowl and talking about their favorite toppings. It's not just food; it's an experience. Plus, knowing that I can prep this in the morning and come home to a ready-made feast makes me feel like I've got my life together, even on the busiest days!

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless breasts and season lightly before adding to slow cooker
• Tomatillos: Remove husks and rinse off sticky coating, then quarter into chunks
• Poblano peppers: Seed and chop into bite-sized pieces for mild heat
• Hominy: Drain and rinse thoroughly from cans before adding to slow cooker
• White onion: Dice into small, even pieces for consistent flavor throughout
• Garlic: Mince fresh cloves for maximum aromatic impact
• Fresh cilantro: Chop just before serving to maintain bright color and fresh flavor
• Avocado: Dice ripe avocado at the last minute to prevent browning

Let's Make These Together

Prep Your Ingredients First

Before you start cooking, take time to prepare all your vegetables and aromatics. Husk and quarter your tomatillos, making sure to rinse off that sticky coating under cold water. Seed your poblano peppers and chop them into bite-sized pieces – they'll add a wonderful mild heat without overwhelming the dish. Dice your onion finely and mince the garlic so it distributes evenly throughout the broth. Drain and rinse your hominy well to remove any canned taste. Having everything prepped before you start makes the assembly process smooth and stress-free.

Layer for Maximum Flavor

The order in which you add ingredients to your slow cooker matters for developing the best flavor. Start by adding your tomatillos, peppers, onions, and garlic to the bottom where they'll be in direct contact with the heat. Pour in your chicken broth and stir in your spices so they're well distributed. Then nestle the chicken breasts on top of this aromatic base. Finally, scatter the hominy around and over the chicken. This layering technique ensures everything cooks evenly and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Low and Slow for Tender Results

Set your slow cooker to low and let time work its magic. Over the course of four hours, the chicken will become incredibly tender, the tomatillos will break down into the broth creating that gorgeous green color, and all the flavors will marry together into something greater than the sum of their parts. Resist the temptation to lift the lid and peek – every time you do, you release heat and add cooking time. Trust the process and let your slow cooker do what it does best.

Shred and Adjust Seasoning

When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. The meat should be so tender it practically falls apart. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it through the soup. This is the perfect time to taste and adjust your seasoning. Add salt and pepper as needed, and consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten all the flavors. The broth should be tangy, savory, and well-balanced.

Fresh Toppings Make It Special

The final step is what transforms this from a good soup into an extraordinary meal. Set out bowls of diced avocado, thinly sliced radishes, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. Let everyone build their perfect bowl, adding toppings according to their preference. The cool, creamy avocado contrasts beautifully with the hot broth, the radishes add a peppery crunch, the cilantro provides freshness, and the lime juice adds that final bright note that ties everything together.

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Switch Things Up

The first time I made this posole verde, I was skeptical about using a slow cooker for such a traditional dish. I'd always associated posole with long, watchful simmering on the stovetop. But necessity is the mother of invention, and on a particularly busy Tuesday, I decided to give it a shot. I threw everything in the slow cooker before heading out for the day, and when I came home, I was greeted by the most incredible aroma. The chicken was so tender it practically fell apart when I touched it with a spoon. What really sold me was how the flavors had melded together during those slow cooking hours – the tomatillos had broken down into the broth, creating this gorgeous green color, and the poblanos had infused everything with their mild heat. Now, I actually prefer making it this way. There's something magical about knowing your dinner is cooking itself while you're out living your life. The only challenge is resisting the urge to lift the lid and peek!

Perfect Pairings

This Chicken Posole Verde pairs beautifully with warm corn tortillas or crispy tostadas on the side for dipping into that flavorful broth. A simple Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice makes an excellent companion, soaking up the delicious green chile liquid. For a complete feast, serve it alongside fresh guacamole and tortilla chips as a starter. A cold Mexican beer or a refreshing agua fresca (watermelon or hibiscus work particularly well) complements the soup's tangy, savory notes. If you're looking for dessert, keep it light with fresh fruit or churros with chocolate sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually an excellent choice for this recipe. They have more fat and connective tissue, which means they stay even more moist and flavorful during the long slow cooking process. You might need to add an extra 30 minutes to an hour to the cooking time to ensure they're fully tender and easy to shred. The darker meat also adds a richer, deeper flavor to the broth.

→ What if I cannot find fresh tomatillos?

If fresh tomatillos are not available in your area, you can substitute with jarred salsa verde or canned tomatillos. Use about 2 jars (12 oz each) of salsa verde or 2 cans (11 oz each) of tomatillos with their liquid. The flavor will be slightly different – a bit more processed and less bright – but it will still be delicious. You might need to reduce the amount of added salt since salsa verde can be quite salty.

→ How spicy is this posole verde?

This version is mild to medium in heat. Poblano peppers have a gentle warmth that adds flavor without overwhelming heat. If you prefer spicier food, you can add 1-2 jalapeño peppers (seeds and all) to the slow cooker, or serve the posole with hot sauce, sliced jalapeños, or dried chile flakes on the side. Conversely, if you want it even milder, you can use all bell peppers instead of poblanos.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This posole actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Keep the fresh toppings separate and prepare them just before serving so they maintain their texture and brightness. The posole can also be frozen for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ What is hominy and can I substitute it?

Hominy is dried corn kernels that have been treated with an alkali solution (usually lime water) in a process called nixtamalization. This gives them a unique, slightly chewy texture and distinctive flavor that is traditional in posole. While hominy is really what makes posole authentic, you can substitute with white beans, chickpeas, or regular corn kernels if you absolutely cannot find it. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be quite different from traditional posole.

→ How do I store leftover posole?

Store leftover posole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup may thicken as it sits because the hominy absorbs liquid – simply add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency. For best results, store the fresh toppings separately and add them only when serving. If you want to freeze the posole, it will keep for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken Posole Verde is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and the way it brings people together around the table. Whether you're serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this posole never fails to impress. The combination of the tangy green broth, tender chicken, and fresh toppings creates layers of flavor and texture that keep you coming back for more. Plus, with the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can enjoy all the rewards without spending hours in the kitchen.