Savory Green Chicken Pozole
Experience the delightful flavors of Savory Green Chicken Pozole, a hearty, comforting soup that combines tender chicken and pork with rich green chili sauce and hominy. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish bursts with freshness from cilantro and zesty lime, offering a unique twist on traditional Mexican pozole. Serve it topped with fresh herbs and spices to elevate every bowl. Ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
15
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole chicken
1 (cleaned and rinsed)
chicken broth
32 ounces (canned)
white hominy
32 ounces (canned, drained)
onions
3 medium (chopped fine)
cilantro
1 bunch (chopped fine)
garlic cloves
6-7 (whole)
pork chops
2-3 (bone-in preferred)
salt and pepper
to taste
garlic salt
to taste
green chili sauce
2 (14 ounce) cans (Las Palmas or El Torito)
jalapeno chili sauce (optional)
1 (8 ounce) can (El Patio)
Menudo Spice Mix (optional)
to taste
oregano
to taste (crushed)
cilantro (for garnish)
to taste (chopped)
onion (for garnish)
to taste (chopped)
lemon
1 (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, add the whole chicken and pork chops. Cover with enough water to submerge the meat and bring to a boil.
2
Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 chopped onions and the whole garlic cloves. Allow to simmer for about 1 hour, skimming off any accumulated fat every 15-20 minutes.
3
Once the chicken and pork are cooked through, remove them from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Reserve the broth.
4
In a separate bowl, shred the chicken, discarding the skin and bones, and chop the pork into bite-sized pieces.
5
Add the Las Palmas or El Torito Green Chili Sauce (and optional El Patio jalapeno chili sauce for extra heat) to the reserved broth. Stir to combine and let it simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
6
After the chili has cooked, return the shredded chicken and chopped pork to the pot. Add the remaining chopped onion, cilantro, Menudo Spice Mix (if using), chicken broth, white hominy, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic salt to taste.
7
Continue to simmer the pozole for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
8
When serving, garnish each bowl with crushed oregano, chopped cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavors to your liking.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Green Chicken Pozole?
Savory Green Chicken Pozole is a hearty, comforting Mexican soup that combines tender chicken and pork with a rich green chili sauce and white hominy.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 15 people, making it ideal for large gatherings or meal prepping.
What types of meat are used in this green pozole?
The recipe uses one whole chicken (shredded) and 2-3 bone-in pork chops (chopped).
Which brands of green chili sauce are recommended?
The recipe suggests using two 14-ounce cans of either Las Palmas or El Torito Green Chili Sauce.
How can I make the pozole spicier?
You can add an optional 8-ounce can of El Patio jalapeno chili sauce for extra heat.
What kind of hominy is required for this dish?
The recipe calls for 32 ounces of canned white hominy, which should be drained before adding.
How long do the chicken and pork need to simmer initially?
The whole chicken and pork chops should simmer in water with onions and garlic for about 1 hour.
What is the total simmering time for the completed soup?
After all ingredients are combined, the pozole should simmer for at least an additional 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What garnishes should be used when serving?
Garnish each bowl with crushed oregano, chopped cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
How should the chicken be prepared after cooking?
The chicken should be shredded, and the skin and bones should be discarded.
How should the pork be prepared?
The pork chops should be chopped into bite-sized pieces after they have been cooked and cooled slightly.
Do I need to skim the broth while cooking?
Yes, you should skim off any accumulated fat from the pot every 15-20 minutes during the initial hour of simmering.
What seasonings are used in the soup?
The soup is seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic salt, and an optional Menudo Spice Mix.
How many onions are needed and how should they be prepped?
The recipe requires 3 medium onions that are chopped fine.
How many garlic cloves are used in the broth?
Use 6 to 7 whole garlic cloves when boiling the meat.
Is extra chicken broth added to the recipe?
Yes, in addition to the reserved cooking liquid, 32 ounces of canned chicken broth are added to the pot.
When should the cilantro be added to the pot?
Add one bunch of finely chopped cilantro when you return the meat and add the hominy to the pot for the final simmer.
What type of cuisine is this recipe?
This dish is a unique twist on traditional Mexican cuisine.
Can I use lemon or lime for the garnish?
While the description mentions zesty lime, the ingredient list specifically calls for a sliced lemon.
What kind of pot is best for this recipe?
A large pot is required to fit the whole chicken, pork chops, and 15 servings of soup.
Is the Menudo Spice Mix mandatory?
No, the Menudo Spice Mix is an optional ingredient used to taste.
How much cilantro is needed in total?
You will need one full bunch for the soup, plus extra for garnish.
What is the purpose of the initial boil?
The initial boil and simmer are used to cook the meats and create a flavorful base broth with onions and garlic.
How do you handle the green chili sauce?
Add it to the reserved broth and let it simmer for 15 minutes before returning the meat and adding other final ingredients.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
What should I do with the meat once it is cooked through?
Remove the meat from the pot, set it aside to cool slightly, then shred the chicken and chop the pork.
What provides the 'savory' flavor profile in this soup?
The combination of chicken and pork fats, green chili sauce, garlic, and slow-simmered broth provides the savory profile.
What preparation is needed for the chicken broth?
The canned chicken broth is used to supplement the natural broth created from boiling the meats.
Can I use ground pepper?
Yes, the recipe calls for salt and pepper to taste.
Is this a traditional red pozole?
No, this is a green pozole, characterized by the use of green chili sauce and fresh cilantro.