Deliciously Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Posole to Warm Your Soul

There’s something magical about a warm bowl of slow cooker chicken posole on a hectic day. I remember the first time I gave Slow Cooker Chicken Posole a try—it was a cold afternoon, and I needed something that could simmer away while I handled the afternoon chaos of homework, snacks, and the never-ending “What’s for dinner?” questions. The family wasn’t familiar with this Mexican chicken posole, so I braced myself for polite nibbles and some “not again” comments.

To my surprise, the house filled with amazing aromas that had everyone wandering toward the kitchen. When the first spoonfuls were served, my kids’ eyes lit up and my husband declared, “Make this again, please.” That moment of comfort was pure gold. Slow Cooker Chicken Posole isn’t just a recipe in my kitchen; it’s become a reliable friend that brings comfort on those busy, unpredictable days. It wraps up the warmth of homemade cooking with the ease that every busy mom dreams about.

Through trial and plenty of spoonfuls, I learned how to balance flavors to make this slow cooker chicken soup both friendly for picky eaters and satisfying for my whole crew. The hominy stew slow cooker magic is in letting it cook low and slow so the chicken melts in your mouth and the broth sings with herbs and spices. This Mexican chicken posole found its way into our family favorites because it solves the daily puzzle: nourish everyone without chaos or hours in the kitchen.

If you’re a fellow comfort seeker juggling the beautiful chaos of family life, I invite you to try this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole recipe. It’s simple, satisfying, and most importantly, it brings your family together around a meal that everyone loves. Plus, it frees you up for those little moments you don’t want to miss.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

To whip up this comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Posole, here’s what I gather from the store. Trust me, it’s simple because busy moms deserve comfort without complication!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Posole laid out on a counter

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (I prefer thighs for extra tender comfort but breasts work just fine)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) hominy, drained and rinsed (No worries if you don’t find hominy—you can swap with canned white beans for a milder texture)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (7 oz) diced green chilies (adds that subtle kick without overwhelming the kids)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (homemade or store-bought both do great)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin (brings in that earthy warmth)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (my secret for smoky depth)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh lime wedges (for squeezing at serving time)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (my family gets extra comfort when I sprinkle this on top)

You can find all these simple ingredients at your local grocery store. If you want this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole to be budget-friendly, canned broth works just as well as boxed, and sometimes I swap fresh onion with a tablespoon of onion powder to save prep time during crazy evenings.

Here’s a comfort hack: chopping your onion and garlic the night before makes your morning start smoother. No shame in shortcuts—we feed our families with love, not stress.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole started. I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen warrior by the end.

  1. Layer your ingredients: Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Then add the drained hominy, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced green chilies, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Pour in broth: Add your 4 cups of chicken broth gently over the top to soak all ingredients.
  3. Set it and forget it: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. My family’s favorite is low and slow because the flavors deepen beautifully, turning this slow cooker chicken soup into a rich hominy stew slow cooker delight.
  4. Shred the chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker. This step helps the chicken fully absorb the comforting broth flavors.
  5. Final taste check: Give it a stir and add more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. That little zing brightens your Slow Cooker Chicken Posole perfectly!

While the magic happens in the slow cooker, use this time to tackle a quick tidy up or pack lunches for tomorrow—multi-tasking at its finest in our busy mom world!

If you ever find your Slow Cooker Chicken Posole looking a little thin, don’t worry—it thickens up wonderfully as it sits or when spooned into bowls. If you want a thicker stew, dump in a handful of crushed tortilla chips at serving for a fun twist.

I struggled at first with over-spiced posole but dialing back the heat and letting my family sprinkle fresh chilies on their bowls made all the difference—comfort tastes different for every family!

For more Slow Cooker Chicken Posole inspiration, I love checking out Slow Cooker Chicken Posole – Love Bakes Good Cakes for twists that suit my comfort style.

How We Love to Eat This!

Our family digs into this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole with some simple sides that bring even more comfort to the table. Kids love it with warm corn tortillas or plain rice—easy for little hands and filling enough for growing tummies.

For a veggie boost, we serve it alongside avocado slices or a fresh side salad with lime dressing. The brightness balances the warm, hearty flavors of this slow cooker chicken posole beautifully.

This hominy stew slow cooker meal is perfect for chilly nights, weekend family dinners, or when life feels like a whirlwind and you need a sanity-saving comfort food win fast.

I like to dress up the bowls with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for some extra coziness. Presentation matters when you’re feeding a crowd with various tastes. Plus, leftovers heat up so well! I often pack extra for school lunches or quick after-school snacks.

Slow Cooker Chicken Posole served in bowls with lime and cilantro garnish

Occasionally, I try a slow cooker posole verde version—swap in tomatillo salsa for the broth and green chilies. It’s a fresh, tangy twist that even my pickiest eater enjoys. For recipe ideas check out Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Posole – Bev Cooks.

Friends visiting the first time always ask for the recipe. It’s one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate!

If your kids love hearty meals, try pairing this with our slow cooker buffalo chicken dip—another family-approved comfort classic!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Is this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The combo of protein-rich chicken and hearty hominy provides long-lasting energy. My kids feel satisfied and don’t come back for snacks in 20 minutes.

What if my picky eater won’t try this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole?
Try serving the components separately—plain chicken, hominy, broth—and let them mix at their pace. Sometimes, skipping the chilies helps ease them in.

Can I meal prep this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! It stores perfectly in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well in portions. Reheat on the stove or microwave, adding extra broth if it’s too thick.

Can I make a slow cooker posole verde instead?
Definitely. Using tomatillo salsa and green peppers transforms it into a bright, green version. Kids in my house adore it, and it’s a great way to change things up.

How do I speed up the process when short on time?
You can cook it on high for 3-4 hours or pressure cook it if you have an Instant Pot. Just adjust the shredded chicken timing to keep it tender.

Are there budget-friendly ingredient swaps?
Canned beans can replace hominy, and frozen chicken breast keeps costs down without sacrificing comfort. Using bouillon cubes in water can stand in for broth when needed.

What if my Slow Cooker Chicken Posole tastes bland?
Add more fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Freshness lifts the whole dish and invites smiles all around.

This supportive community loves sharing ideas. For a cozier Mexican chicken posole flair, check out Crockpot Chicken Posole – Simple Healthy Kitchen—it has some great family-friendly tweaks.

Final Thoughts:

For busy moms like us, this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole has become a cornerstone of cozy family dinners. It meets our comfort food goals by being nourishing, flexible, and simple enough to manage even on whirlwind days.

My Slow Cooker Chicken Posole Comfort Hacks are:

  • Cooking it low and slow to unlock rich, slow-cooked flavor with minimal effort.
  • Shredding the chicken separately so it stays tender and absorbs perfect flavor.
  • Adding fresh lime and cilantro at the table for a burst of brightness loved by everyone.

I’ve also found success experimenting with family-tested variations: slow cooker posole verde for a tangy twist, adding black beans for extra fiber, or turning it into a thick hominy stew slow cooker meal for cold nights.

My husband prefers the classic version, while my kids lean toward the milder slow cooker chicken soup style, which proves you can tailor this dish without stress.

I encourage fellow comfort seekers to make this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole their own. Add, swap, or simplify ingredients to suit your family’s unique tastes. Your kitchen doesn’t have to be perfect—what matters most is the joy and connection shared around the table.

If you want more ideas to complement this one, try a comforting slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe or a simple slow cooker Greek chicken recipe. These dishes complement your menu with more sanity-saving comfort food choices.

I hope this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole brings warmth, ease, and a few peaceful moments to your busy family’s table. You’re doing a great job feeding your tribe with love and care—and dishes like this one are here to help.

Keep stirring in those comforting moments, mama!

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Slow Cooker Chicken Posole

A hearty and flavorful slow cooker chicken posole featuring tender chicken, hominy, and a rich blend of spices perfect for a comforting Mexican-inspired meal.

  • Author: Beatriz
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 large white onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (15 oz) cans white hominy, drained and rinsed
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sliced radishes, for garnish
  • Shredded lettuce, for garnish
  • Avocado slices, for serving

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Add diced onion, garlic, hominy, green chilies, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour chicken broth over all ingredients.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Remove chicken breasts and shred with two forks, then return to the slow cooker and stir.
  6. Add fresh lime juice and stir to combine.
  7. Serve posole hot, garnished with cilantro, radishes, shredded lettuce, and avocado slices.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or top with sliced jalapeños when serving.

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