I still remember the first time I made Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde – it was one of those chaotic days when I was scrambling to pull dinner together after soccer practice and homework battles. I’d heard from a friend about this cozy slow cooker chicken pozole verde, and honestly, I was a little skeptical. But dinner needed to happen, and this recipe promised comfort without fuss. Well, let me tell you, that Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde quickly became our family’s salvation. The tangy, homemade green pozole with tomatillos filled our kitchen with such a warm, inviting aroma that even my picky eater took a second bowl.
What truly got me hooked on this traditional Mexican pozole recipe in the crockpot was the way it brought everyone to the table without fighting over the food. My usual scramble was replaced with peaceful bites and happy smiles. This Mexican chicken stew crockpot version was perfect for those nights when I needed something hearty and healing but couldn’t spend hours chopping and stirring.
For fellow busy moms out there juggling mealtimes, school runs, and all the beautiful chaos, I invite you to give this Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde a try. It’s one of those dishes that doesn’t judge your time or skills but gives your family a big, warm hug instead. Plus, it’s a fantastic comfort food win that you can walk away from while it slowly simmers in the background. Let’s talk about the ingredients and how easy this recipe really is.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s the simple, budget-friendly ingredient list for your Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde – trust me, busy moms need comfort without complexity!
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (moist and perfect for slow cooking)
- 1 can (25 oz) hominy, drained and rinsed (adds hearty texture and tradition)
- 1 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed (the soul of your homemade green pozole)
- 2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped (for that gentle smoky flavor)
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded for less heat, chopped (for a little warmth – adjust to your kiddo’s heat tolerance)
- 1 medium white onion, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 4 cups chicken broth (store-bought or homemade, whatever keeps you sane)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (classic seasoning in this slow cooker chicken pozole verde)
- 1 tsp ground cumin (a little earthy comfort)
- Salt and pepper to taste
If you don’t have poblanos, no worries! I sometimes swap with green bell peppers for a milder touch. And when tomatillos are out of season, canned tomatillo salsa can stand in – my family still loves the cozy comfort.
You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store, and nearly everything can be prepped ahead to save precious minutes. Treat your kitchen like a little family haven where putting together this Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde becomes a breeze. My family gets extra comfort when I add a squeeze of fresh lime and a handful of chopped cilantro at the end – it brightens everything up.
If you want more ideas for slow cooker meals that keep dinner low stress, try my Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing for another hearty favorite!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to create your own pot of cozy with this Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde? Here’s a no-fuss, mom-tested guide:
- Start by prepping your green base: Toss tomatillos, poblanos, jalapeños, onion, and garlic cloves into a blender with a cup of chicken broth. Blend until smooth. Don’t worry if it’s a little chunky; this is homemade green pozole in its most loving form.
- Pour the green sauce into your crockpot: Add the rinsed hominy, dried oregano, cumin, and the remaining chicken broth. Stir gently.
- Nestle in the chicken thighs: Season lightly with salt and pepper, then lay them right into the pozole verde with tomatillos mix. This Mexican chicken stew crockpot version really lets the flavors get cozy.
- Set it and forget it: Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Your kitchen will smell amazing – like a warm hug from mom’s kitchen.
- Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot: Use two forks to pull apart the tender chicken thighs and stir everything together. If it looks a bit thick, add a little more broth or water.
- Taste and adjust: Add salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors.
In my busy kitchen, this comforting Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde usually takes less than 10 minutes prep and then does the hard work itself. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch or sneak in a quick coffee break! Plus, you’ll find with some recipe discovery like this authentic pozole verde with tomatillos, the slow cooker becomes your best friend.
If you want a simpler shortcut or different spin, Isabel from Isabel Eats has a friendly version of slow cooker chicken pozole verde too.
How We Love to Eat This!
Our family’s serving style for this Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde has evolved into a cozy ritual.
I ladle the pozole into big bowls and set out bowls of toppings for everyone to customize: shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, diced avocado, chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. The kids love layering their bowls with cheese and tortilla chips on the side. Those crunchy chips add a perfect playful texture contrast.
It’s a hit for chilly weeknights or anytime we need a meal that soothes and fills everyone’s bellies. We sometimes add warm corn tortillas or serve it alongside my family’s favorite chicken parmesan soup – you can check it out here: Chicken Parmesan Soup for another dinnertime win.
Leftovers? Oh, yes! It tastes even better the next day, so I always plan for leftovers – a busy mom’s lifesaver.
For friends who drop by, this Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde always earns compliments. It’s approachable, comforting, and the family-friendly sides make it easy for kids and adults alike to enjoy.
Sometimes in spring, we swap up the poblanos for fresh green chilies or add a sweet corn side dish for a fun seasonal twist.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely. With hearty chicken and hominy, it’s warm and satisfying. My kids’ energy tanks stay full without the fuss of multiple side dishes.What if my picky eater won’t try this Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde?
Try starting with simple toppings like cheese and avocado. The familiar ingredients make it less intimidating. My child only warmed up after their first taste paired with tortilla chips.Can I meal prep this Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! It freezes beautifully. Cook in bulk, portion into containers, and freeze for quick reheating. Saves so much stress after long days.How spicy is this slow cooker chicken pozole verde?
It’s mild if you remove the jalapeño seeds. You can adjust the heat for your family’s comfort level.Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
You can, but thighs stay moist longer in the crockpot. Breast tends to dry out unless carefully timed.Are the tomatillos hard to find?
They’re usually in the produce section near tomatoes. If not, canned tomatillo salsa is a quick stand-in. Here’s a Facebook post with details on pozole verde with chicken in the crockpot ingredients that helped me spot the tomatillos.Can I make this with ground chicken?
It’s less traditional but doable if you brown the meat separately first to lock in flavor.
If you want to chat more about cozy crockpot meals, there are great conversations happening over in this Pozole Verde Crockpot Chicken Group.
Final Thoughts:
This Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde has truly been a cornerstone in my family’s comfort food collection. It supports our goals by being low fuss but full of heart. Here are my Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde Comfort Hacks that keep me coming back:
- Prep ingredients the night before to cut down dinnertime stress.
- Make double and freeze to save future nights.
- Let the crockpot do its magic while you refocus elsewhere on your family’s needs.
Our family-tested variations include adding corn kernels for sweetness, swapping poblanos for jalapeños for more heat, and sometimes using turkey thighs instead of chicken for a leaner version. My husband loves the classic slow cooker chicken pozole verde, while my kids prefer it milder and loaded with creamy avocado.
I encourage you to make this Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde your own. Adjust, garnish, play with toppings, and embrace the cozy chaos of family dinners. I hope it brings your table the same comfort and calm it brings mine. Sharing this Mexican chicken stew crockpot recipe feels like passing on a piece of warmth, especially when mealtimes can feel overwhelming.
For more cozy, sanity-saving comfort food ideas, check out my other favorites like Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup to keep your family happy and well-fed. Remember, this journey isn’t about culinary perfection—it’s about making mealtime manageable and nourishing for your whole tribe.
Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde
Experience the rich flavors of Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde, a comforting Mexican stew featuring tender chicken, hominy, and a vibrant tomatillo-chile verde sauce, slow-cooked to perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15 oz) cans white hominy, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Thinly sliced radishes, for garnish
- Shredded cabbage, for garnish
- Diced avocado, for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs, onion, garlic, bay leaf, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- In a blender, combine tomatillos, poblano peppers, jalapeños, and cilantro; blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended verde sauce into the crockpot with the chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred meat, and discard bones; return shredded chicken to crockpot.
- Add drained hominy and simmer on low for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with lime wedges, radishes, cabbage, and avocado.
Notes
For extra depth, add a splash of Mexican crema or a sprinkle of queso fresco on top before serving.