Crockpot Mexican Chicken Pozole Verde is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender shredded chicken, hominy, and a rich green broth made from tomatillos, green chiles, and spices. This slow-cooked Mexican classic is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or gatherings with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: Let the crockpot do the work with minimal hands-on cooking.
Bold and Authentic Flavors: Tomatillos, green chiles, and spices create a deliciously tangy and mildly spicy broth.
Great for Meal Prep: This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from hominy, it’s a satisfying meal.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts or thighs
Hominy (white or yellow)
Tomatillos
Green chiles (or poblano peppers)
Onion
Garlic
Chicken broth
Cilantro
Lime juice
Cumin
Oregano
Salt and pepper
Bay leaf
Avocado, radishes, shredded cabbage, and tortilla strips for garnish

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients: Husk and rinse the tomatillos. Chop the onion and garlic. Drain and rinse the hominy.
Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine tomatillos, green chiles, garlic, onion, cilantro, cumin, oregano, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
Slow Cook: Add chicken, hominy, blended sauce, bay leaf, and chicken broth to the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken, shred it with forks, and return it to the crockpot. Stir well.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with avocado, shredded cabbage, radishes, tortilla strips, and extra lime juice.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high

Variations

Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or serrano peppers to the blended sauce for extra heat.
Pork Pozole Verde: Swap chicken for pork shoulder for a richer flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with extra hominy and use vegetable broth.
Thicker Broth: Blend some of the hominy before adding it to the crockpot for a creamier texture.
Extra Tangy: Increase lime juice or add a splash of vinegar for more acidity.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

How do I make this pozole spicier?

Add jalapeños, serrano peppers, or extra green chiles when blending the sauce.

Can I use canned tomatillos instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh tomatillos provide the best flavor. If using canned, drain them before blending.

What kind of hominy should I use?

Both white and yellow hominy work well, but white hominy is more traditional.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?

Yes! Simmer everything in a large pot for about 1.5-2 hours until the chicken is tender.

What are the best toppings for pozole verde?

Avocado, radishes, shredded cabbage, tortilla strips, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro enhance the dish.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Add shredded rotisserie chicken in the last 30 minutes of cooking to absorb the flavors.

What can I serve with pozole verde?

Corn tortillas, Mexican rice, or a side of refried beans pair well with this dish.

Is pozole verde gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just check store-bought broth for additives.

Can I prepare the ingredients the night before?

Absolutely! Prep the sauce and store it in the fridge overnight, then pour it into the crockpot in the morning.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Zucchini, corn, or potatoes can be added for extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Crockpot Mexican Chicken Pozole Verde is an easy, flavorful, and nutritious meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you love traditional Mexican cuisine or are looking for a comforting dish, this pozole verde is sure to impress. Customize it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a bowl of warmth and deliciousness!