Slow Cooker Chicken Posole Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a big bowl of comfort: Slow Cooker Chicken Posole is the cozy, vibrant, and flavor-packed Mexican soup you’ll want to make again and again. This recipe uses ultra-tender chicken thighs, nutty hominy, and a lively blend of spices that make the slow-cooked broth come alive. Whether you’re gathering friends for dinner or just need something hearty to warm you up, Slow Cooker Chicken Posole brings true joy to your table with minimal effort. Every spoonful bursts with bright, fresh toppings and fragrant broth—it’s pure comfort food with a fun, customizable twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Slow Cooker Chicken Posole is in its incredibly simple yet vibrant ingredient list. Each item has a starring role, from the juicy chicken to the soul-satisfying hominy and colorful toppings that make every bowl feel special.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and shred effortlessly after their long slow cook.
- White hominy: These chewy corn kernels add that classic, subtle sweetness and a satisfyingly hearty texture.
- Diced tomatoes: Offer tang and color, balancing the richness of the chicken and broth.
- Onion: A diced small onion melts right into the base, infusing everything with gentle sweetness.
- Garlic: Three cloves, minced, for savory depth in every spoonful.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Four cups create a rich broth that doesn’t overpower the soup’s other flavors.
- Chili powder: Just one tablespoon gives warmth and a whisper of smokiness.
- Ground cumin: A full teaspoon adds an earthy, comforting backbone to the posole.
- Dried oregano: Half a teaspoon perfumes the whole pot with its herbal, ever-so-slightly citrusy notes.
- Smoked paprika: Only a quarter teaspoon needed to round out the smokiness and color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings—taste and adjust at the end for perfect balance.
- Lime juice: The juice of one lime wakes up the flavors and brings brightness just before serving.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: A generous sprinkle for herbaceous flair right at the end.
- Sliced radishes: Crisp and peppery, they offer crunch and vibrant color.
- Diced avocado: Creamy richness that pairs perfectly with the light spice of the soup.
- Lime wedges: The crowning touch, so everyone can finish their bowl just the way they like it.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Posole
Step 1: Layer and Combine the Ingredients
Start by placing your chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the drained hominy, diced tomatoes, onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so all the flavors start to mingle—this is where the magic of Slow Cooker Chicken Posole begins!
Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 7 hours (or high for 3 to 4 hours). Let time do the work! As it cooks, the chicken turns ultra-tender and the flavors become richer and deeper, infusing the broth and hominy with warmth and heart.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is perfectly tender, carefully remove the thighs from the slow cooker. Place them on a cutting board and shred them with two forks. Return all that succulent chicken right back into the pot—you’ll be amazed by how it transforms the soup’s texture and heartiness.
Step 4: Brighten and Adjust
Now’s the moment to add zing! Stir in the juice of one fresh lime, and give the posole a taste. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to make the flavors pop. This quick squeeze of citrus makes your Slow Cooker Chicken Posole shine.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot posole into big bowls and load up on toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, creamy diced avocado, and more lime wedges for the table. Every topping is a flavor booster and adds freshness with each bite.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Posole
Garnishes
The finishing touch for any Slow Cooker Chicken Posole is in the garnishes. Classic pickled red onions, dollops of sour cream, or crumbled cotija cheese can elevate every bowl. Most importantly, let everyone top theirs with plenty of cilantro, radishes, and a big squeeze of lime. Don’t skip the avocado—its creamy coolness brings all the flavors together.
Side Dishes
There’s no wrong way to round out this meal! Warm flour or corn tortillas are always a hit, perfect for dipping or wrapping around big spoonfuls. A simple Mexican slaw, grilled corn, or even a batch of cheesy quesadillas can transform this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole into a festive dinner spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Make it a build-your-own posole night! Set out an array of toppings and let guests customize their bowls—kids especially love this. Serve the soup in colorful bowls for added flair, or try ladling the posole over cooked rice or crispy tortilla strips for a fun and hearty twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Posole stores beautifully. Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate; the flavors actually deepen and become richer overnight. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches.
Freezing
This posole is a freezer hero! Let the soup cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers (leaving a little space for expansion). It freezes well for up to three months. Just remember to leave off the toppings until after reheating.
Reheating
Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Posole is as easy as can be. Gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. Give it a taste and consider an extra squeeze of lime or fresh cilantro right before serving to liven everything up again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a leaner alternative and will still shred nicely after slow cooking. Just be sure not to overcook, as breasts can dry out more easily than thighs.
How spicy is this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole?
The recipe has a mild kick from chili powder and smoked paprika, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you want more heat, you can add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce during cooking.
What is hominy, and can I substitute it?
Hominy is dried maize (corn) kernels that have been treated to become puffed and chewy—a key ingredient in traditional posole. If you can’t find it, you could substitute with canned corn, but you’ll miss some of that classic posole texture and flavor.
Can I make this posole ahead of time?
Slow Cooker Chicken Posole is perfect for making ahead. In fact, the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge. Just store and reheat as directed, adding fresh toppings just before serving.
Is Slow Cooker Chicken Posole gluten free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free, making it a fantastic option for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Just double check that your chicken broth and spices are gluten free as well.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about diving into a steaming bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Posole, especially when every bite is bursting with bold flavors and fresh toppings. I hope you’ll embrace its cozy comfort and versatility—try it soon, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a cherished regular at your table!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Posole Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Posole is a comforting and flavorful Mexican soup featuring tender chicken, hominy, and aromatic spices. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or to feed a crowd!
Ingredients
Chicken Posole:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 (25 oz) can white hominy, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
For Serving:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced radishes
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Add the chicken thighs, hominy, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to a slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender. Shred the chicken, return it to the slow cooker, and stir in lime juice.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning and serve hot, topped with cilantro, radishes, avocado, and lime.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño or hot sauce.
- This soup stores well and tastes better the next day.
- Chicken breast can be used as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
