A protein-packed bowl of Mexican goodness!
Tender chicken, vibrant green sauce, and hearty hominy come together in one comforting, nourishing meal that’s perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings.
Quick Recipe Card
Servings: 6–8 bowls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Dietary Info: High-Protein • Dairy-Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stock
- Chicken drumsticks
- White onion
- Garlic
- Bay leaves
- Water
For the Green Sauce
- Poblano pepper
- Wormseed (epazote)
- Fresh cilantro
- Spinach
- Pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- Green tomatoes (tomatillos)
- Jalapeño peppers
- Onion
- Garlic cloves
- Dried oregano
- Chicken bouillon
- Salt
- Water
For the Hominy
- White hominy corn
Traditional Toppings (Optional)
- Shredded cabbage
- Sliced radishes
- Chopped onion
- Sliced avocado
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla chips or tostadas
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
Combine chicken, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, skimming off foam as it forms. Simmer until chicken is tender.
Roast the Poblano Pepper
Char poblano over an open flame or under the broiler. Steam in a covered bowl or plastic bag for 10 minutes, then peel, seed, and set aside.
Blend the Green Sauce
In a blender, combine roasted poblano, tomatillos, jalapeños, spinach, cilantro, epazote, pumpkin seeds, onion, garlic, oregano, chicken bouillon, salt, and water. Blend until smooth.
Add Hominy & Sauce
Drain and rinse hominy, add to the chicken stock, then stir in the green sauce. Bring to a gentle boil.
Simmer to Perfection
Lower heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes. The flavors will deepen and the broth will turn beautifully green.
Serve & Garnish
Ladle into bowls, then top with fresh garnishes — cabbage, radishes, onion, avocado, lime, or crunchy tortilla chips.
Recipe Notes
- Use fresh tomatillos for authentic tangy flavor.
- Chicken thighs can replace drumsticks if preferred.
- Adjust spice level by reducing jalapeños.
- Naturally high in protein from chicken and pepitas.
About This Dish
Pozole Verde is a traditional Mexican stew known for its vibrant color and hearty texture. The green sauce, made from tomatillos and herbs, adds a refreshing tang balanced by the rich chicken broth. It’s festive, filling, and packed with protein — a true comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredient Insights & Substitutions
- Chicken: Use bone-in pieces for a deeper broth flavor. Shredded rotisserie chicken works for quick prep.
- Hominy: If canned hominy isn’t available, substitute with cooked corn kernels for a lighter version.
- Epazote: Can be replaced with a mix of cilantro and parsley.
- Pepitas: Add creaminess and mild nuttiness; sunflower seeds make a nut-free swap.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crispy tostadas or warm corn tortillas.
Pair with agua fresca or lime soda for a refreshing balance.
Add a side of guacamole or a small salad for a full meal.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat — add a splash of broth or water if it thickens.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: ~30 | Protein: 28g | Carbs: 22g | Fat: 10g
Dietary Highlights: High-Protein | Gluten-Free | Nut-Free
FAQs
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes — replace chicken with white beans or tofu and use vegetable broth.
Q: How spicy is it?
Moderate — reduce jalapeños for mild flavor or add serrano peppers for extra heat.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Just add the shredded meat during the final 15 minutes of simmering.
Final Thoughts
Pozole Verde is more than just soup — it’s a celebration of color, texture, and tradition. Whether for family dinners or meal prep, this hearty, high-protein dish will quickly become your favorite Mexican comfort meal.
