Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Posole for Cozy Meals

Whenever life gets hectic, finding that go-to meal that nourishes everyone without pulling your hair out feels like a small miracle. My first time making Slow Cooker Chicken Posole was one of those moments. I was knee-deep in school projects and after-school chaos, craving a meal that felt comforting but also gave my family solid nutrition. I stumbled upon this recipe after joining a Facebook group looking for slow cooker chicken pozole recipes, and it promised just what I needed: hearty, simple, and wholesome.

That first night, the slow cooked chicken posole verde filled our kitchen with cozy aromas that made everyone gather around the table without complaint. My kids, often picky eaters, devoured the chicken hominy stew, surprising me with how much they loved the flavors. What sealed it for me was realizing it offered great protein from the chicken, fiber and minerals from the hominy, plus vitamins from fresh herbs – a full plate of balanced nutrition without me standing over the stove for hours.

Since then, the slow cooker posole recipe has become a family staple that fits right into our busy routine. It’s one of those meals that supports my wellness goals as a mom by combining affordable ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store. Plus, it’s a perfect way to sneak in nourishing veggies without any fuss.

For fellow nutrition seekers who want to feed their families well without complicated recipes or stress, this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole could be that next dinnertime win. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll come back to it on those days when nourishing your family feels like a big task. And hey, if you’re curious about mixing things up, I’ve also experimented with several tasty variations you’ll want to explore.

Speaking of which, if you’re ever looking for more simple, homestyle slow cooker meals that pack nutrition without overwhelm, be sure to check out this slow cooker buffalo chicken dip and my slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe too. Both have been life-savers in my busy mom kitchen, just like this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole. Let’s get cooking together!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Posole laid out on kitchen counter

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Ready for a wholesome Slow Cooker Chicken Posole that won’t stress your grocery list? Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs tend to stay juicier in this slow cooker chicken posole)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) hominy, drained and rinsed (this hominy and chicken slow cooker combo gives you fiber and iron)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (opt for low sodium to keep things heart-healthy)
  • 1 can (7 oz) green chilies or 1 cup salsa verde (for a slow cooked chicken posole verde twist)
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for a mild kick)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

No worries if you don’t have green chilies or salsa verde on hand—I often swap in some fresh tomatillos blended with jalapeños for an extra nutrient boost. Your grocery store probably carries these basics—you don’t need specialty markets, making this slow cooker posole recipe super accessible and budget-friendly.

If you want to boost veggies even more, toss in some chopped carrots or zucchini during the last hour of cooking. My family gets extra nutrition when I add about a cup of chopped spinach just before serving—it wilts perfectly in the hot chicken hominy stew, adding a good dose of iron and vitamins.

Here’s a quick prep hack: Dice your onion and garlic the night before, and store in the fridge in a sealed container. It saves precious minutes after a long day. Hominy is also a pantry staple in our home—it’s shelf-stable, which means fewer grocery runs making this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole a winner for hectic weeks.

Trust me, this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! Plus, it proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive or exhausting to prepare.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Here’s my step-by-step Slow Cooker Chicken Posole routine that keeps my family well-fed and me sane:

  1. Grab your slow cooker and toss in the chicken thighs or breasts. No need to brown them first—slow cooking will do the work to keep the meat tender and juicy.
  2. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and drained hominy on top. This combination forms the tasty base for your chicken hominy stew.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in green chilies (or salsa verde), cumin, oregano, black pepper, and chili powder if you want that gentle heat. Give everything a good mix.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4. In my busy kitchen, this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole usually takes the low and slow route while I’m handling school drop-offs and work calls.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and season with salt if needed. If you want, add a handful of fresh chopped spinach or other quick-cooking veggies now for extra nutrients.
  6. When time’s up, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks. The meat melts into the broth creating that hearty hominy and chicken slow cooker classic we love.

As your Slow Cooker Chicken Posole simmers, your kitchen should smell nourishing and comforting — perfect for those chilly evenings or any day you want a cozy meal. Plus, while it’s cooking, it’s a perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch or check homework. Multitasking bliss for busy moms!

Don’t worry if your Slow Cooker Chicken Posole looks a little broth-heavy at first. The hominy soaks up a lot, especially as it rests. Leftovers thicken overnight, making subsequent meals even better.

I remember getting this slow cooker posole recipe from a couch conversation with other moms online and tweaking it based on nutrition needs and family taste. If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for the slow cooker buffalo chicken dip or slow cooker chicken korma recipe I shared recently — both are as simple and satisfying as this one.

How We Love to Eat This!

Our family digs into this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole in so many ways. Often, I ladle it into big bowls, topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime to brighten all those comforting flavors. The kids love it with a side of baked tortilla chips for dipping—crunch plus hearty soup equals dinnertime joy.

Serving of Slow Cooker Chicken Posole with cilantro and lime wedges

Pairing this chicken hominy stew with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies rounds out the meal with fiber and extra vitamins. On busy nights when time is even tighter, I serve it with quick avocado slices and whole-grain bread to add heart-healthy fats and fiber.

I often make this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole for our Sunday family dinners because it’s filling, nourishing, and feeds plenty without fuss. Guest friends always comment on how warm and wholesome it tastes, which makes me feel like I’m sharing simple nutrition the way I like it — no complicated ingredients, just good food.

Another tip: leftovers reheat beautifully for weekday lunches. I like stirring in a little fresh tomato salsa or chopped radishes to freshen things up, making your Slow Cooker Chicken Posole feel new even on day two (or three!). Seasonal tweaks? Adding a handful of frozen corn kernels in the last 30 minutes brings a sweet pop that the kids love in colder months.

The slow cooked chicken posole verde version has become a family favorite too—perfect when we want a bit more herbaceous flavor and a touch of tang from tomatillos.

If you want to try similar nourishing slow cooker meals, you’ll find this slow cooker buffalo chicken dip and slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe helpful for quick, balanced family dinners.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Is this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole really nutritious enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! The combination of lean chicken, fiber-rich hominy, and fresh veggies packs essential protein, vitamins, and minerals to support growing bodies without any added sugars or preservatives.

What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Posole?

Try serving it with familiar sides or toppings they love, like cheese or avocado slices. Sometimes letting kids sprinkle on their own garnishes like cilantro or lime juice helps them get curious and feel in control.

Can I meal prep this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole for busy weeks ahead?

Definitely! It stores well in the fridge up to 4 days and freezes beautifully. Portion out into containers for quick reheats during your hectic week.

What’s the best chicken to use for slow cooker posole recipe?

I prefer thighs since they stay juicy and tender after slow cooking, but breasts work too and some family members prefer the leaner option.

Do I have to soak hominy or cook it before adding?

Nope — canned hominy is ready to go. Just drain and rinse to reduce sodium, then add directly to your slow cooker. Saves tons of prep time!

Can I make a slow cooked chicken posole verde version?

Yes! Swap out regular green chilies for a cup of salsa verde or fresh tomatillos blended with jalapeños. This twist adds a pleasant tang and vibrant color.

Is it okay to add more veggies to this chicken hominy stew?

Perfectly fine! I add spinach or zucchini near the end, and some moms add carrots or corn. It’s a flexible recipe that welcomes your family’s favorite veggies for extra nutrition.

If you want more ideas and support for simple nutrition, check out these chicken hominy slow cooker meals: slow cooker buffalo chicken dip, slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe, and slow cooker chicken korma recipe.

Final Thoughts:

This Slow Cooker Chicken Posole is my go-to for keeping family nutrition goals on track amid the beautiful chaos of busy family life. Its simple ingredients, hearty protein, and fiber-filled hominy mean nourishment is served with minimal stress. Plus, it’s adaptable to many tastes and nutrition needs.

My Slow Cooker Chicken Posole Nutrition Hacks:

  • Add fresh spinach or kale just before serving to boost iron and vitamins.
  • Use bone-in chicken thighs occasionally for added collagen and flavor.
  • Swap in low-sodium chicken broth and canned hominy to keep sodium levels family-friendly.

For healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Posole variations, I love the slow cooked chicken posole verde for a vibrant twist, the classic chicken hominy stew when I want comfort food, and a spiced-up version with extra chili powder for my husband who loves heat. My kids usually prefer it milder, which I accommodate by serving toppings separately.

No matter how you make it your own, I hope this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole brings you many nourishing, stress-free family meals. Remember, simple nutrition is about progress, not perfection, and every wholesome choice counts.

If you’re looking to add this nutrient-packed dinner to your meal rotation, I’d love to hear how your family enjoys it! Until then, keep shining in that nourishing chaos and know you’ve got this.

For more family-friendly slow cooker meals that support your wellness journey, check out my recipes for slow cooker buffalo chicken dip, slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe, and slow cooker chicken korma recipe for fresh inspiration.

Helpful Links from Fellow Moms and Nutrition Enthusiasts:

Print

Slow Cooker Chicken Posole

This Slow Cooker Chicken Posole is a hearty and comforting Mexican stew featuring tender chicken, hominy, and vibrant spices, perfect for a satisfying family meal.

  • Author: Juliette
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white hominy, drained and rinsed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Diced avocado (optional, for serving)
  • Thinly sliced radishes (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, hominy, and diced green chilies on top.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and season with cumin, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  6. Add lime juice and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, and optional toppings like diced avocado and sliced radishes.

Notes

For extra depth of flavor, serve with warm corn tortillas and a drizzle of hot sauce. You can also swap chicken thighs for a richer taste.

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