Description
Red Chicken Pozole Soup is a hearty and flavorful Mexican dish made with tender chicken, hominy, and a rich red chile broth. Topped with fresh garnishes like cabbage, radishes, and lime, this comforting soup is perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin removed)
1 large onion, quartered
4 garlic cloves, peeled
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons salt (divided)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
3 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
6 cups chicken stock (plus more for thinning if needed)
1 large can (25 oz) white hominy, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 lime, juiced
For Garnish:
Shredded cabbage
Diced radishes
Diced avocado
Lime wedges
Chopped cilantro
Tortilla chips
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine chicken thighs, onion, garlic, bay leaves, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cover with water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken, cool, and shred. Strain and reserve the broth.
- Toast guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Soak them in hot water for 15 minutes.
- Blend softened chiles with 1 cup chicken stock, cumin, oregano, and lime juice. Strain through a fine mesh sieve.
- Heat olive oil in the pot over medium heat. Add chile sauce and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in reserved broth, remaining chicken stock, and hominy. Simmer gently.
- Add shredded chicken back to the pot and simmer for 15–20 minutes. Adjust seasoning with remaining salt.
- Serve hot with garnishes like shredded cabbage, diced radishes, avocado, lime wedges, and tortilla chips.
Notes
For extra spice, add another chile or a pinch of cayenne.
Substitute pork shoulder for chicken for a traditional variation.
Leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
