Chicken Pozole with Hominy

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Mexican soup with tender chicken, hominy, and a smoky chipotle broth. This mexican-inspired chicken (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 70 minutes pairs chicken legs, hominy, chipotle peppers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 600g chicken legs and 2 chipotle peppers (pitted and roughly chopped) in a large pot, add 4 cups water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, skimming any foam that rises to the surface, until the chicken is tender and the skin is golden brown. Tip: Use a lid to retain moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups hominy to the pot, stir in 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste), and 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste), and continue simmering for 15 minutes, until the hominy is heated through and the flavors have melded. Tip: Avoid overcooking the hominy to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  3. Step 3: Just before serving, top each serving with slices of 1 avocado (cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds), chopped 1/2 cup cilantro (finely diced), and a squeeze of lime juice, ensuring the avocado is added last to maintain its freshness. Tip: For a creamier texture, mash the avocado slightly before adding it to the bowl.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicken Pozole with Hominy take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (10 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chicken Pozole with Hominy?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken legs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken Pozole with Hominy?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chicken Pozole with Hominy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Chicken Pozole with Hominy vegetarian-friendly?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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