Lightened Ground Chicken Pozole Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms a classic Mexican dish into something a little lighter but still satisfying. Using ground chicken instead of pork keeps it lean, while the hominy adds that signature pozole texture I can’t resist. It’s quick to prepare, so I can easily fit it into my busy evenings, and the toppings let me customize it to my taste every time. I find it especially refreshing in the summer, but honestly, I enjoy it all year round.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 small or medium yellow onion, finely chopped
½ teaspoon salt
1 pound ground chicken
2 cloves garlic, minced
1, 10 ounce can Mexican-style diced tomatoes (like Rotel)
3 Cups reduced sodium chicken broth (can also use regular or bone broth)
1, 15 ounce can hominy
1 Tablespoon chipotle sauce
2 teaspoons oregano (regular or Mexican)
Fresh toppings of choice: shredded cabbage, thinly sliced radishes, cilantro, chopped raw onions, lime wedges, avocado slices, and/or crumbled queso fresco cheese

Directions

1. In a Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat, I warm the oil.

2. I sauté the onions with the salt until softened, about 3–5 minutes.

3. I add the ground chicken, breaking it into small crumbles, and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. When it’s done, I strain off the fat or any excess liquid.

4. I add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

5. I add the tomatoes with their juices to the pan and scrape the bottom to release any browned bits.

6. I stir in the remaining soup ingredients and bring it to a low boil.

7. I reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes.

8. I serve it hot with my favorite garnishes.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 7 minutes to prep, 23 minutes to cook, and comes together in 30 minutes total.

Variations

I like to swap the ground chicken for ground turkey when I want something slightly different. If I’m craving more heat, I’ll add an extra spoonful of chipotle sauce or a chopped jalapeño. For a smokier depth, sometimes I use fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular diced tomatoes. I also enjoy mixing up the toppings—sometimes I go heavy on crunchy cabbage, other times I pile on avocado and queso fresco.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. If it thickens up too much in the fridge, I add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back the soup consistency. This dish doesn’t freeze well because of the hominy’s texture, so I prefer to make it fresh.

FAQs

Can I make this pozole ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it earlier in the day and reheat before serving. The flavors deepen as it sits.

Can I use regular chicken instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely, I sometimes use shredded cooked chicken if I have leftovers.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from the chipotle sauce, but I can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less.

Can I use canned hominy substitutes?

I stick with hominy for authenticity, but in a pinch, I’ve used white beans for a similar texture.

What toppings go best with this pozole?

I love shredded cabbage, radishes, cilantro, lime, avocado, and queso fresco, but I change them up depending on my mood.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, I brown the chicken and onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but I always double-check the labels on broth and canned goods.

How do I make it more filling?

I sometimes add extra hominy or serve it with warm corn tortillas on the side.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, I’ve doubled it for a crowd, and it works perfectly. I just use a larger pot.

What can I serve with pozole?

I usually pair it with Mexican rice, tortilla chips, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This lightened ground chicken pozole is one of my favorite quick and flavorful meals. I love how it balances traditional Mexican flavors with a leaner twist, and the customizable toppings make it different every time I make it. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when I want something hearty but not too heavy.