Slow Cooker Chicken Posole

Let me introduce you to a bowl of bold, soul-warming magic: Slow Cooker Chicken Posole. If you’ve never had posole (also spelled pozole), it’s a traditional Mexican soup that’s brimming with hominy, tender meat, and a rich, chili-infused broth. This slow cooker version is a total game-changer—it gives you all those deep, layered flavors with barely any effort. You toss everything in the pot, walk away, and come back to a hearty, spicy, and totally satisfying meal.

The smoky chiles, the chewy, slightly nutty hominy, and the juicy chicken all meld together into something truly crave-worthy. Top it with crunchy cabbage, fresh lime, radishes, or avocado, and you’ve got a customizable dish that feels like a celebration in a bowl. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll be making this on repeat.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Chicken Posole

Set It and Forget It: Just dump everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day.

Bold & Comforting: It’s the best of both worlds—spicy, smoky depth with the comforting warmth of a hearty stew.

Customizable: Make it as spicy or mild as you like, and load up your favorite toppings to suit your taste.

Meal Prep Friendly: Posole gets even better the next day, so make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week.

Naturally Gluten-Free: No special substitutions needed—this dish is naturally gluten-free and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients in Slow Cooker Chicken Posole

Here’s what goes into this flavorful, slow-simmered soup:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

They become ultra-tender and soak up all the rich, spicy flavors of the broth. Chicken breasts work too, but thighs are extra juicy.

Hominy

The star of posole! These chewy corn kernels add texture and that signature bite. Canned hominy makes prep super easy.

Onion

Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the broth.

Garlic

A must-have for depth and aroma. You can never go wrong with a little extra garlic here.

Dried Chiles (like ancho, guajillo, or pasilla)

They give the broth its smoky, earthy, slightly spicy kick. You’ll rehydrate and blend them into a paste or sauce.

Chicken Broth

Forms the base of the soup and infuses everything with savory richness.

Cumin

Warm, earthy, and essential for balancing the spice.

Oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)

Adds herbal depth that pairs beautifully with the bold chiles.

Bay Leaf

For that extra layer of flavor while everything simmers away.

Salt and Pepper

To round out and balance all the flavors.

(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s make this ridiculously flavorful soup, step by step:

Step 1: Prep the Dried Chiles

Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chiles. Place them in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for about 20 minutes until softened. Then blend with a little of the soaking liquid until smooth. This rich chile paste is the heart of the posole’s flavor.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

In your slow cooker, add the chicken thighs, hominy, chopped onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and then stir in your blended chile mixture.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fall-apart tender and the flavors are beautifully melded.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir everything together.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Give it a taste and adjust salt, spice, or broth as needed. If it’s too thick, add a bit more broth to loosen it up.

Step 6: Serve with Toppings

Ladle into bowls and let everyone go wild with toppings. Think shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, chopped onion, avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or a sprinkle of queso fresco.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~320 (depending on toppings and ingredients)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total Time: Up to 7 hours and 15 minutes

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Posole

Toppings Galore: The fun is in the toppings—shredded cabbage, radishes, lime wedges, avocado, cilantro, and hot sauce make it totally customizable.

Side of Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips or warm tortillas on the side? Always a yes.

Pair with Rice: Serve over a scoop of fluffy white rice for a more filling meal.

As a Standalone: Honestly, this soup is a meal in itself. Serve it hot with lots of toppings, and you’re good to go.

Additional Tips

Don’t Skip the Chile Paste: This is where most of the flavor comes from, so take the time to soak and blend your chiles—it’s worth it.

Use Rotisserie Chicken: In a pinch? Use shredded rotisserie chicken and reduce the cook time. Just simmer long enough to let the flavors develop.

Freeze the Leftovers: Posole freezes beautifully! Cool it down and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Mild or Spicy?: Control the heat by choosing milder or hotter dried chiles, or add a bit of hot sauce at the end for a kick.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful during slow cooking. Breasts will work but may be slightly drier.

Q2: What is hominy and where do I find it?
A2: Hominy is corn that’s been treated to remove the hull and germ. You’ll find canned hominy in the Latin or canned goods section of most grocery stores.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Definitely! It tastes even better the next day. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Let it cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Q5: Can I freeze this soup?
A5: Yes! Freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stovetop.

Q6: Can I use store-bought chile sauce instead of dried chiles?
A6: In a pinch, yes. Look for ancho chile paste or red enchilada sauce—but the flavor won’t be quite as deep.

Q7: Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
A7: Yep! Sauté your onions, garlic, and chile paste first, then add everything to a large pot. Simmer for 1–1.5 hours until the chicken is tender.

Q8: What toppings are traditional for posole?
A8: Shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, lime wedges, chopped onion, avocado, cilantro, and tostadas or chips are all classic!

Q9: Can I add other vegetables?
A9: Sure! Zucchini, corn, or even spinach can be stirred in toward the end of cooking.

Q10: Is posole spicy?
A10: It depends on the chiles you use. Ancho and guajillo are mild, while chile de árbol or chipotle can bring more heat.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Posole is that magical combo of rich, spicy, cozy, and ridiculously easy. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your belly feel warm and full. Whether you’re new to posole or it’s been a longtime favorite, this version is a fuss-free way to bring big flavor to your table. So go ahead, load up your bowl and don’t skimp on the toppings—you’re going to love every bite.

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