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Chicken Pozole Rojo served on a plate

Chicken Pozole Rojo

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Chicken pozole rojo is a traditional Mexican soup featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a smoky, rich red chili broth with hominy. Toasting dried guajillo and ancho chilies unlocks deep smoky flavors, while a gentle simmer ensures moist chicken and perfectly textured hominy. Fresh garnishes like cabbage, radishes, and lime brighten and balance the hearty soup.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs bone-in or boneless
  • 6 pieces dried guajillo chilies toast in dry pan 1-2 min
  • 3 pieces dried ancho chilies remove stems and seeds before toasting
  • 1 tablespoon cumin ground
  • 2 teaspoon oregano dried Mexican preferred
  • 1 medium onion half blended, half quartered
  • 6 cloves garlic fresh cloves
  • 2 cans hominy 29 oz cans, drained and rinsed
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • shredded cabbage for garnish
  • sliced radishes for garnish
  • fresh cilantro for garnish
  • lime wedges for garnish

Equipment

  • Large dry skillet For toasting dried chilies
  • Blender To blend chili sauce with garlic and onion
  • Large stockpot For simmering chicken and soup
  • Fine-mesh sieve To strain chili sauce
  • Meat thermometer To check chicken internal temperature

Method
 

  1. Toast dried guajillo and ancho chilies in a large dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side until fragrant and slightly darkened but not blackened. Remove stems and seeds, then soak chilies in 2 cups hot water for 15 minutes until softened.
    6 pieces dried guajillo chilies, 3 pieces dried ancho chilies
  2. Blend softened chilies and 1 cup of soaking liquid in a blender. Add garlic, half the chopped onion, cumin, and oregano. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any gritty bits.
    6 pieces dried guajillo chilies, 3 pieces dried ancho chilies, 1 medium onion, 6 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp cumin, 2 tsp oregano
  3. Bring chicken broth to a boil in a large stockpot. Add chicken thighs, remaining quartered onion, and strained chili sauce. Reduce heat and maintain a gentle simmer at 180-200°F. Cover and cook for 45-60 minutes, skimming fat every 20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check chicken is done at 165°F.
    2 lbs chicken thighs, 1 medium onion, 8 cups chicken broth
  4. Remove chicken from broth and let cool for 5 minutes. Add drained hominy to the broth and simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes. Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
    2 lbs chicken thighs, 2 cans hominy
  5. Ladle the pozole into bowls and top with shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with warm corn tortillas on the side if desired.
    shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Notes

  • Toast chilies only until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
  • Maintain simmer at 180-200°F to keep chicken tender and hominy intact.
  • Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety and optimal texture.

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