Hearty Chicken Pozole Rojo a Mexican Fiesta in a Bowl
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a taste of Mexico? Ever wondered what comfort food tastes like south of the border? This chicken pozole recipe is about to become your new obsession.
It’s packed with warming spices and tender chicken. Trust me, it's lush!
Brief Overview
Pozole , a traditional Mexican stew, has been around for centuries. It’s a dish often enjoyed during celebrations. This chicken pozole recipe is medium difficulty.
Prep takes around 25 minutes, and cooking is about 2 hours 30 minutes. This recipe yields 6-8 servings. Perfect for a family dinner!
Main Benefits
This Mexican chicken stew is not just delicious but nutritious too. It's a good source of protein and fibre. Plus, it’s amazing on a chilly night.
Think Bonfire Night with fireworks outside and a bowl of this! The Pozole Rojo authentic chicken pozole flavour is special.
Let’s talk ingredients, shall we?
Ingredients & Equipment: Cracking on with Your Chicken Pozole
Right then, let's talk ingredients. I always say good ingredients make a good Chicken Pozole Recipe . We're aiming for a proper fiesta in a bowl, so don't skimp! Honestly, once you get the hang of it, this Mexican Chicken Stew will become a firm favourite.
Main Ingredients: All the Good Stuff
Here's what you'll need to get started. Remember, it's all about that flavour, so don't be shy.
Chicken & Broth Stage:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: 2 lbs (900g) (About 4-5). Quality check: Go for free range if you can; it makes a difference.
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15ml)
- Yellow onion, chopped: 1 large (About 1.5 cups / 200g)
- Carrots, chopped: 2 (About 1 cup / 120g)
- Celery stalks, chopped: 2 (About 1 cup / 110g)
- Garlic, minced: 4 cloves (About 1 tbsp / 15g)
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
- Chicken broth: 8 cups (1.9L) (Low sodium is better)
- Bay leaves: 2
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Red Chile Sauce (Rojo) Stage:
- Dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded: 6 (About 30g).
- Dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded: 2 (About 10g).
- Water: 2 cups (475ml)
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tbsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Ground cumin: ¼ tsp
Pozole Stage:
- Hominy, drained and rinsed: 2 (25 oz/700g) cans . Hominy Recipe is essential for this dish.
- Lime juice: Juice of 1 lime (About 2 tbsp/30ml)
Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up!
The spice mix is where the magic happens. Get this right, and your Chicken Pozole Rojo will be amazing.
- Essential combo: Oregano, cumin, paprika. Don't skip these!
- Aromatics: That garlic is key. Fry it gently to release the flavour.
- Guajillo Chile Substitution: If you can't find guajillo chiles, New Mexico chiles are a good shout.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need fancy gadgets for this Easy Pozole Recipe .
- Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot: Essential for simmering.
- Blender: For the chile sauce.
- Large bowl: For prepping.
- Slotted spoon: For fishing out chicken.
- Cutting board and knife: Obvs.
Honestly, if you've got a decent pot, you're halfway there. This Authentic Chicken Pozole will be ready in no time.
Cooking is all about experimentation. So, get stuck in, have a laugh, and enjoy the process. The best Comfort Food Recipe are the ones made with love! This is my go-to recipe.
Every time I cook it I remember that time in Mexico. Good times!
Cooking Method: Simmering Our Way to Chicken Pozole Bliss
Okay, so let's talk simmering. It's the unsung hero behind so many amazing dishes, and especially key when we're aiming for that authentic chicken pozole flavour.
Honestly, nothing beats a good, long simmer for drawing out all those delicious flavours. This Mexican Chicken Stew needs time.
Prep Steps: Setting the Stage for a Symphony of Flavours
Before you even think about cranking up the heat, get your mise en place sorted. Chop your onion, carrots and celery.
Mince your garlic. Shred your chicken. Get those guajillo chiles soaking. Having everything prepped will save you loads of time and stress, trust me.
Oh, and remember to keep raw chicken separate from everything else! Safety first, people!
step-by-step: Making Magic Happen
- First, brown that chicken in a Dutch oven. Don't rush this step! This is where the flavour party starts.
- Next, sauté the veggies until they're softened. Add your spices and cook 'em 'til fragrant. Mmm, smells like heaven, doesn't it?
- Pop the chicken back in, add your broth and bay leaves. Simmer time! Cover it and let it bubble away until the chicken is cooked through. Aim for an internal temp of 165° F/ 74° C .
- While the chicken is simmering, whizz up that chile sauce. Remember to strain it! Nobody wants bits in their Pozole Rojo .
- Shred the chicken, toss the skin and bones, and add it back to the pot along with the chile sauce and hominy. Simmer for another 30 minutes so all those flavours can get to know each other.
Pro Tips: From Good to Bloody Brilliant
- Don't skip browning the chicken! Seriously, it makes a huge difference.
- If you're not a fan of super spicy food, remove the seeds and veins from the dried chiles. You can even add the Guajillo Chile Sauce at the end so people can adjust it to their taste.
- And speaking of making ahead, you can totally make the broth and chile sauce a day in advance. Storing them separately is key, then combine everything when you're ready to finish the Easy Pozole Recipe ! It's a game changer if you're prepping for a crowd or want to speed up the process the next day!
So, there you have it. Simmering isn't just a cooking method; it's an art. It transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
And that, my friend, is the secret to a seriously good chicken pozole recipe . Let’s get started and create the best comfort food recipe !
Recipe Notes
So, you're ready to make some proper Chicken Pozole , eh? Ace! Let's chat about a few bits and bobs to keep in mind as you embark on your Mexican Chicken Stew adventure.
Honestly, Chicken Pozole Recipe is quite forgiving. But these little tips can elevate your Authentic Chicken Pozole to the next level!
Plating and Presentation: Show it Off!
Think vibrant colours! A big, hearty bowl of Pozole Rojo is already appealing. Garnish like a pro. Pile high that shredded cabbage, those thinly sliced radishes, and a generous dollop of diced avocado.
Remember to add some chopped onion and a wedge of lime for that final flourish. Presentation matters! A sprig of fresh coriander never goes astray.
Complementary sides? How about some warm tortillas? Perfect for scooping up every last bit of that delicious broth. A classic margarita would be bangin', or maybe a refreshing agua fresca if you're keeping things booze free.
Storage Savvy: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Mexican Soup Recipe is even better the next day! Store your Easy Pozole Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge.
It'll happily sit there for up to 3-4 days .
Fancy making a big batch and freezing some? Go for it! Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers or bags.
It'll keep for up to 3 months . When reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, gently simmer on the hob until heated through.
Add a splash of chicken broth if it's looking a bit thick. Make sure it reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
Adaptations: Making it Your Own
Want a lighter version? Go for chicken breast instead of thighs. Just be careful not to overcook it. Don't have guajillo chiles for the Guajillo Chile Sauce ? A mix of ancho and New Mexico chiles will do the trick.
Veggie vibes? No worries! Swap the chicken for some hearty mushrooms or jackfruit. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Boom! Vegetarian Pozole sorted!
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in a Bowl
Okay, so this is a rough guide but one serving is around 450-550 calories. It also boasts a whopping 40-50g of protein.
Plus, it's packed with vitamins and minerals from all those veggies. The Hominy Recipe and the Pozole Toppings make the perfect combo.
It's a bowl of goodness. It is the perfect Comfort Food Recipe !
Honestly, don't be intimidated by Chicken Pozole . Give it a go, have some fun, and don't be afraid to experiment with the toppings. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicken Pozole difficult to make? It looks intimidating!
Don't let the ingredients list scare you off! While it takes a bit of time, Chicken Pozole is more about layering flavours than requiring fancy techniques. It's totally doable, even if you're just finding your feet in the kitchen.
Think of it as a "slow and steady wins the race" kind of dish you'll be rewarded with a proper flavour bomb!
Can I make Chicken Pozole spicier? I like a bit of a kick!
Absolutely! The spice level in this Chicken Pozole recipe is designed to be approachable, but feel free to crank up the heat. Add more dried chiles (especially hotter varieties like chile de árbol) to the sauce.
Alternatively, leave some of the seeds and veins in the guajillo and ancho chiles when you're making the sauce. A dash of your favourite hot sauce at the end is always an option too, innit?
What can I use instead of dried guajillo chiles? They're hard to find near me.
Finding specific dried chiles can sometimes be a right pain, can't it? If you can't find guajillo chiles, New Mexico chiles are the best substitute they offer a similar mild, fruity flavour.
You could also use a combination of ancho chiles and a smaller amount of a hotter chile, like pasilla, to get the depth of flavour you're after. Just remember to adjust the amount to your taste!
How do I store leftover Chicken Pozole? Will it still be good the next day?
Chicken Pozole is even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavours meld together even more beautifully overnight. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems too thick.
Can I make Chicken Pozole in a slow cooker?
You certainly can! It's a fantastic way to make Chicken Pozole with minimal effort. Simply combine all the ingredients (except the toppings) in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken before adding the hominy and chile sauce.
This method is perfect for a hands off, "set it and forget it" kind of meal, perfect for a busy week!
Hearty Chicken Pozole Rojo A Mexican Fiesta In A
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-30g |
| Fiber | 30-40g |
