Red Chicken Pozole Soup Recipe

There’s something truly magical about sitting down to a bowl of Red Chicken Pozole Soup. This beloved Mexican comfort dish features tender chicken simmered in a vibrant, chile-infused broth, brimming with hominy and topped with crisp, fresh garnishes. Each spoonful is a lively mix of flavors and textures—satisfying, wholesome, and just a little festive! Whether you’re new to making pozole or it’s a family classic, this recipe is sure to become a cherished staple in your kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Red Chicken Pozole Soup lies in its humble yet mighty ingredients. Each one is selected for the way it deepens the soup’s flavor, aroma, color, or heartiness. From the richly colored guajillo chiles to bright, juicy lime, these essentials guarantee authentic results every time.

• Vegetable oil: Gives a silky base for browning chicken and enhancing flavor from the start.
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness, while breasts are leaner—pick your favorite.
• Salt and pepper: Boost the natural savoriness and keep every ingredient tasting its best.
• Medium onion (chopped): Foundations of flavor—onions provide natural sweetness and fragrance.
• Garlic (minced): Essential for a mellow, savory depth that lingers throughout the soup.
• Ground cumin: Adds that classic earthy, slightly smoky undertone you crave in Mexican dishes.
• Dried oregano: Gives a fresh, herbal note that lifts all the other spices.
• Chili powder: Rounds out the heat and brings a nice red hue to the final broth.
• Dried guajillo chiles: These are the soul of Red Chicken Pozole Soup; they add vibrant red color and gentle heat. Soak, seed, and prep them for the best flavor.
• Chicken broth: This is the backbone of the soup, infusing every bite with deep, savory richness.
• Hominy (drained and rinsed): Kernels of hominy add delightful texture and that signature pozole personality.
• Juice of 1 lime: A final touch of brightness that wakes up every other flavor in the bowl.

How to Make Red Chicken Pozole Soup

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs or breasts with a generous pinch of salt and pepper—don’t be shy! In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high. Sear the chicken just until lightly browned on both sides; this step locks in that juicy flavor. Remove the chicken and set it aside for a moment.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

With your pot still hot and brimming with chicken goodness, add the chopped onion. Let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, and chili powder—swirling the spices around for another minute until the kitchen smells irresistible.

Step 3: Blend the Guajillo Chiles

By now your guajillo chiles will be soft from their hot water soak. Place them in a blender with 1 cup of chicken broth and blend until ultra-smooth. For a silky broth, strain this mixture right into the pot, catching any bits of skin or seeds.

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Pour the rest of the chicken broth and the drained, rinsed hominy into the pot. Return the seared chicken and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let the Red Chicken Pozole Soup simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. This is when all those flavors meld and the broth takes on its beautiful, deep red color.

Step 5: Shred and Finish

When the chicken is fall-apart tender, take it out and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot, pour in that bright squeeze of lime juice, and give everything a final stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lime as needed. Now you’re ready to serve up bowls of Red Chicken Pozole Soup!

How to Serve Red Chicken Pozole Soup

Garnishes

Pozole is all about the toppings! Offer shredded cabbage, crisp sliced radishes, chopped onion, fresh cilantro, creamy avocado slices, extra lime wedges, and crunchy tortilla chips. Each person can layer their garnishes to create bite after personalized bite—fun, interactive, and oh-so delicious.

Side Dishes

If you want to turn this soup into a full fiesta, consider serving it with simple sides like warm corn tortillas or cheese quesadillas. Mexican street corn (elote) or a fresh tomato and cucumber salad also complement the complexity of Red Chicken Pozole Soup and help stretch the meal for a crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

Wow your friends and family by ladling Red Chicken Pozole Soup into wide, shallow bowls so there’s plenty of surface area for toppings. Arrange the garnishes on a large platter in the center of the table for a beautiful, interactive hands-on experience. Bonus points for colorful napkins or little bowls of spicy salsa on the side!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Red Chicken Pozole Soup stores like a dream. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate up to four days. The flavors actually deepen and improve as they meld together in the fridge, making leftovers extra-special.

Freezing

Making a big batch? No problem—this soup freezes beautifully. Once cooled, ladle portions of Red Chicken Pozole Soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy another bowl.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your leftovers in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems too thick. Stir occasionally until steaming hot. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture before reheating. Top with fresh garnishes just before serving to keep everything crisp and lively.

FAQs

What is the difference between red and green pozole?

Red Chicken Pozole Soup gets its color and flavor from guajillo chiles, while green pozole is made with tomatillos and green chiles for a tangy, fresh spin. Both are delicious, but offer totally different flavor profiles and colors!

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Save time by shredding cooked rotisserie chicken and adding it after the broth and hominy have simmered. This shortcut is perfect for busy weeknights and makes Red Chicken Pozole Soup even easier.

Is this soup spicy?

The guajillo chiles provide mild heat and deep flavor, so Red Chicken Pozole Soup is gently spicy rather than hot. To bump up the heat, add a dried ancho or chipotle chile to the blend, or offer hot sauce on the side for spice-lovers.

What exactly is hominy?

Hominy is corn that’s been specially treated with alkali, giving it a unique flavor and chewy texture. It’s what sets pozole apart from other soups, adding heartiness and a bit of history to every bowl.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap chicken and broth for your favorite veggie broth and use hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini instead of chicken. The deep-red chile broth still shines, and the result is every bit as comforting.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a soul-warming meal with real character, Red Chicken Pozole Soup fits the bill. It’s vibrant, deeply satisfying, and always a hit around the table. Grab your garnishes, invite a friend, and savor every spoonful—you might just find yourself coming back for seconds!

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