I still remember the first time I made Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde for my family. It was one of those evenings when I was scrambling to put something wholesome on the table while chasing toddlers. I stumbled on this recipe during my hunt for a slow cooker chicken pozole verde that would pack nutrition without exhausting me. The moment the vibrant green chicken hominy stew simmered in the crockpot all day, my kitchen filled with an inviting aroma that promised comfort and health in one bowl.
What really brought me peace was knowing this Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde supported my family’s nutrition—loaded with lean protein from chicken, lots of fiber from hominy, and the vitamins packed in the green chilies and fresh herbs. My picky eater surprised me by asking for seconds, and my husband commented on feeling energized after dinner.
This was a big deal in our wellness journey. Finding meals that fuel their days and satisfy their taste buds while keeping my sanity was a win. No one’s perfect in the kitchen, but with recipes like this homemade green pozole recipe, I feel like I’m giving my family the best without the overwhelm.
If you’re a fellow nutrition-seeker juggling school lunches, after-school snacks, and meals that please everyone, stick around. I’m excited to share how to make your own authentic crockpot chicken pozole verde a delicious, simple nutrition solution for your family’s nourishing chaos. It’s worth every minute!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s the straightforward list for your Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde. Trust me, it’s simple because busy moms need nutrition without a mess of confusing ingredients!
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if you prefer leaner protein)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) hominy, drained and rinsed – the fiber in hominy keeps everyone full and happy
- 4 tomatillos, husked and rinsed – packed with vitamin C and a little tangy zip
- 2 poblano peppers, roasted and seeded – adds color, flavor, and important antioxidants
- 2 cloves garlic – natural immunity boosters
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (broth equals better hydration and flavor!)
- 1 jalapeño, seeded for less heat or left whole if your family can handle a spicy kick
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped – my family gets extra nutrition when I add fresh herbs for flavor and vitamins!
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin for warmth and digestive support
- Salt and pepper to taste
If you don’t have poblano peppers handy, no worries! I swap in green bell peppers and add a pinch more cumin for extra nutrients in my Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde.
You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store, usually near canned Mexican foods or fresh produce sections. This Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive—tomatillos and hominy are budget-friendly staples that stretch meals far.
For busy moms, here’s a prep shortcut: roast your peppers and tomatillos on a baking sheet while prepping other ingredients. It saves time and brings out flavors that make this homemade green pozole recipe sing.
That’s it! Simple, nourishing, and family-approved ingredients for your easy crockpot pozole verde.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to roll up your sleeves for a cozy, nutritious Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde? Here we go:
- First, roast your poblano peppers and tomatillos if you haven’t already. I do this under the broiler until the skins blacken slightly, about 5-7 minutes. The roasting brings out a smoky depth that’s a game-changer for flavor.
- In your blender, toss the roasted peppers, tomatillos, garlic, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, cumin, and a cup of chicken broth. Blend until smooth. This green sauce is the heart of your traditional Mexican pozole verde.
- Place chicken thighs at the bottom of your crockpot. Pour the green sauce over the chicken, then add the remaining chicken broth.
- Set your slow cooker on low for about 6-7 hours. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde usually takes about 6 hours. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch or catch up on that book.
- About 30 minutes before dinner, shred the chicken right in the crockpot with two forks. Stir in drained hominy.
- Continue cooking on low for another 20-30 minutes until hominy is heated through and all those nourishing flavors blend together. Your kitchen should smell comforting and fresh by now.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Don’t worry if your Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde looks a little thick; adding a splash of broth or water can loosen it up.
I used to struggle with keeping my homemade green pozole recipe from turning too watery or bland. But blending a well-seasoned green sauce and slow cooking chicken thigh meat added richness and nutrition that everyone loved. Family-tested and blessed with nourishing goodness!
If you want a quick peek at another wholesome slow cooker chicken recipe while your pozole cooks, check out this nutritious Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe.
How We Love to Eat This!
Our family devours this Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde just as it is, topped with classic garnishes like shredded cabbage, thinly sliced radishes, lime wedges, and a few crunchy tortilla chips for texture.
The kids especially love it with melted cheese and avocado slices on the side. These add healthy fats and calcium for their growing bones. Sometimes I serve it with a simple side salad—lettuce, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes dressed with a squeeze of lime. It’s a fresh counterpoint to the warm, hearty chicken hominy stew.
This easy crockpot pozole verde is perfect for busy weeknights when nutrition can’t wait. It doubles well too, so we have leftovers for lunch boxes or the next day’s dinner.
Speaking of leftovers, I like reheating it gently on the stove and topping it with fresh cilantro again. It keeps the nutrients fresh and vibrant. When the seasons shift, adding diced zucchini or corn to the stew gives a fresh twist without extra fuss.
Friends and guests who try this traditional Mexican pozole verde always ask for the recipe. It’s a staple that makes sharing healthy meals feel like a celebration.
My kiddos even tell me it’s one of the few meals they want when they visit their cousins. That’s a mom win!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely. The lean protein from chicken fuels muscles, hominy adds fiber for digestion, and the fresh veggies bring vitamins A, C, and antioxidants. It’s a nourishing, balanced meal all in one bowl.
What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde?
Try serving it with familiar classics they love, like avocado slices, cheese, or tortilla chips. Sometimes letting kids build their bowl helps. I’ve learned that patience and small nudges get them tasting new flavors in no time.
Can I meal prep this Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde for busy weeks ahead?
For sure. It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well too. I portion leftovers into containers so I can grab wholesome meals fast during our busiest days.
Can I make this with chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! I use thighs for juiciness and extra nutrients, but breasts work fine if you prefer leaner protein.
How spicy is this homemade green pozole recipe?
Mild unless you leave the jalapeño seeds in. Feel free to adjust to your family’s heat level by removing seeds or skipping the jalapeño.
Can I add more vegetables to this easy crockpot pozole verde?
Definitely! I’ve added zucchini and corn for seasonal variations without losing the authentic taste.
Is it okay to substitute canned hominy with fresh or frozen?
Canned hominy saves time and tastes great, but if you find fresh or frozen, adjust cooking times accordingly.
If you’re curious for more inspiration, here’s an easy chicken pozole recipe that’s another nutritious option loved by busy moms.
Also, this Crockpot pozole verde de pollo recipe from a Facebook group helped me tweak spice levels perfectly.
For a mom seeking flavorful slow cooker ideas, the Tried the Pozole Verde Reddit discussion shows tons of support for this nourishing stew.
You might also like our cozy Filipino Chicken Adobo or warming Turmeric Chicken Soup for family nutrition wins.
Final Thoughts:
This Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde is a go-to for supporting my family’s nutrition goals with minimal effort. The combination of lean protein, fiber-rich hominy, and fresh greens keeps everyone energized and satisfied.
- Roasting the peppers and tomatillos intensifies flavor without added salt or fat.
- Shredding chicken in the crockpot saves time and keeps the stew rich and comforting.
- Adding fresh cilantro and lime at serving boosts vitamin C and freshens every bowl.
My family loves to switch up the recipe:
- My husband prefers it with extra jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Kids like it mild with plenty of cheese and avocado on the side.
- I add in corn or zucchini when I want a seasonal veggie boost.
Remember, this traditional Mexican pozole verde is flexible. Make it your own to fit your family’s tastes and nutrition needs.
I hope it brings you the same nourishing chaos relief it brought us. Feeding families well does not have to be complicated, honest!
Start your slow cooker chicken pozole verde adventure and watch your family enjoy meals that feed their bodies and souls. You’ve got this, fellow nutrition-seeker!
If you loved this, check out other simple nutrition ideas like this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing to keep your family well-fed without the hassle.
Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde
A comforting and flavorful Mexican stew made with tender chicken, hominy, and vibrant green tomatillo sauce, slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 (29 oz) can white hominy, drained and rinsed
- 1 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded (optional)
- 1 medium white onion, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges, diced radishes, shredded cabbage, and chopped onion for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place tomatillos, poblano peppers, jalapeño, half of the onion, and garlic cloves in a blender with 2 cups of chicken broth; blend until smooth.
- In the crockpot, add the chicken thighs, hominy, blended tomatillo mixture, remaining chicken broth, oregano, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the crockpot; shred the meat using two forks and discard bones.
- Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir in fresh cilantro and the remaining quartered onion.
- Simmer for an additional 15 minutes to blend flavors.
- Ladle pozole into bowls and serve with lime wedges, diced radishes, shredded cabbage, and chopped onion as garnishes.
Notes
For extra depth of flavor, toast the cumin and oregano lightly before adding to the crockpot. Serve with warm corn tortillas for a complete meal.