Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup – A Warming Mexican Classic

There’s something magical about coming home on a chilly evening and having a pot of Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup simmering on the stove. The rich aroma of roasted poblanos, tender chicken, and hominy creating an irresistible welcome that instantly warms you from the inside out. This Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup has been my go-to recipe for years, whether I’m feeding my family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for a casual gathering. What makes this dish so special is how it balances bold Mexican flavors with wholesome ingredients while remaining surprisingly simple to prepare. The combination of tender chicken, chewy hominy, and the gentle heat of roasted green chiles creates a symphony of textures and tastes that’s both comforting and exciting. If you’ve been searching for the best Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup recipe that delivers authentic flavor without hours of cooking, you’ve found it!

Why You’ll Love This Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup

• ✅ This authentic Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup recipe comes together in just about an hour, perfect for weeknight dinners
• ✅ Naturally gluten-free Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup that’s hearty and nutritious
• ✅ The best Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup for meal prep – flavors improve overnight!
• ✅ Easy homemade Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day
• ✅ Versatile recipe with multiple variations to customize your Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup
• ✅ Traditional Mexican Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup with simple ingredients you can find anywhere

Ingredients for Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup

For the Base:

• 2 pounds green Poblano chile peppers (approximately 8-10 peppers)
• 2 cups dried hominy (posole) – Rancho Gordo brand recommended for best texture
• 1 pound chicken breast, roasted or BBQ’d (pre-cooked)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 large bunch fresh oregano (about 2 tablespoons when stripped from stems)
• 6 cups chicken stock (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
• Salt to taste

For Serving:

• 1/2 head of Napa cabbage, shredded
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Optional toppings: diced avocado, chopped cilantro, thinly sliced radishes, crumbled cotija cheese

Ingredient Notes:

• For a spicier Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup, add 1-2 jalapeños or serrano peppers
• If using canned hominy instead of dried, use 4 cups (about 2 15-oz cans), drained and rinsed
• Rotisserie chicken works beautifully as a time-saving option
• Vegetable stock can be substituted for a lighter flavor profile

How to Make Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup – Step by Step

Preparing the Hominy

Step 1: If using dried hominy, place it in a large bowl and cover with water by 2 inches. Soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. If short on time, use the quick-soak method by bringing the hominy and water to a boil, turning off the heat, and letting sit covered for 1 hour.

Step 2: Drain and rinse the soaked hominy. Transfer to a large pot and cover with fresh water by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for approximately 2-3 hours until the hominy “blooms” (kernels open up and become tender). Add water as needed during cooking.

Roasting the Chiles

Step 3: Preheat your broiler. Place poblano peppers on a baking sheet and broil about 4-5 inches from the heat source. Turn every few minutes until skins are blackened and blistered all over, about 10-15 minutes total.

Step 4: Place the roasted peppers in a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let steam for 15 minutes to loosen skins.

Step 5: Once cool enough to handle, peel the charred skins off the peppers, remove stems and seeds, and roughly chop. Set aside.

Assembling the Soup

Step 6: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to let it brown.

Step 8: Add the chopped roasted peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 9: Strip the oregano leaves from stems, roughly chop, and add to the pot along with the chicken stock.

Step 10: Add the cooked hominy to the pot and bring everything to a simmer. Season with salt to taste.

Step 11: While the soup simmers, shred or dice your pre-cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.

Step 12: Add the chicken to the soup and simmer gently for another 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to combine.

Step 13: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt if necessary.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup

• The key to exceptional Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup is properly roasting the poblanos. Don’t rush this step – the more evenly charred they are, the easier they’ll be to peel and the better your soup will taste.
• For the most flavorful Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup, make your own chicken stock by simmering chicken bones, onion, carrot, celery, and a bay leaf for 3-4 hours.
• If you’re short on time, use canned hominy instead of dried. It’s already cooked and ready to use, which saves hours of preparation.
• This Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup actually improves with time – make it a day ahead for even better flavor.
• For a creamier texture, puree half of the roasted chiles with a cup of the broth before adding to the pot.
• Toast dried oregano in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to intensify its flavor in the soup.

Best Ways to Serve Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup

Traditional Mexican Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup is all about the toppings! Serve in large, deep bowls with a variety of garnishes so everyone can customize their own bowl:

• Arrange shredded Napa cabbage, lime wedges, sliced radishes, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro on a platter.
• Offer warm corn tortillas or crispy tortilla strips on the side.
• For a heartier meal, serve with a side of Mexican Rice or a simple green salad.
• A cold Mexican beer or a crisp white wine pairs beautifully with the complex flavors of this soup.
• For a complete fiesta, start with Homemade Guacamole and chips before serving the soup as the main course.

The best presentation for Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup allows guests to see the beautiful colors of the garnishes contrasting with the vibrant green soup.

Nutritious Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup Serving Suggestions

Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup isn’t just delicious – it’s also packed with nutrients! Here’s what you’re getting in each nourishing bowl:

• Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
• Protein: 25g per serving (excellent source from chicken)
• Carbohydrates: 40g per serving (primarily from hominy)
• Fiber: 8g per serving (from hominy and vegetables)
• Fat: 7g per serving (mostly healthy fats)
• Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in vitamin C from poblanos, B vitamins from chicken, and potassium from hominy

This healthy Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup is a balanced meal on its own but can be made even more nutritious by adding extra vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach.

Storage & Leftovers

Your Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making this an excellent make-ahead meal.

For longer storage, freeze your Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup for up to 3 months. Store in individual portions for easy reheating. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop.

To reheat, warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

Store toppings separately and add fresh when serving leftover soup.

Frequently Asked Questions About Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup

What is the best way to make Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup?

The best Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup starts with properly roasted poblanos and good-quality hominy. Take the time to char and peel your peppers thoroughly, and if possible, use dried hominy rather than canned for the most authentic texture. The soup benefits from slow simmering to allow flavors to meld, and it’s even better the next day.

Can I use frozen chicken for Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in your Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup, but for best results, thaw it completely before adding to the recipe. Alternatively, you can poach frozen chicken breasts directly in the simmering broth, remove them once cooked through, shred them, and then return the meat to the pot.

What are some variations of Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup?

Popular variations of Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup include:

• Slow cooker Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup – combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours
• Pork Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup – substitute pork shoulder for chicken
• Vegetarian Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup – use vegetable broth and replace chicken with extra vegetables and/or beans
• Extra spicy Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup – add jalapeños or serranos to increase heat level

How long does Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after a day, making it perfect for meal prep. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This authentic Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup brings together the best of traditional Mexican flavors in a hearty, satisfying bowl. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or as the star of your next gathering, this soup is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and beautiful presentation. The combination of tender chicken, chewy hominy, and the gentle heat of roasted poblanos creates a comfort food experience that’s hard to beat.

What I love most about this Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup is how versatile it is – make it spicier with additional chiles, adjust the consistency to your preference, or play with the toppings to create something new each time. The recipe is forgiving and adaptable, perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.

Have you tried making Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup before? I’d love to hear your favorite variations or topping combinations in the comments below! And if you make this recipe, please share your experience or tag us in your photos on social media.

Now you have all the knowledge you need to create the best homemade Green Chile & Chicken Posole Soup – happy cooking!

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