Slow Cooker Chicken Posole: Easy, Healthy, and Packed with Flavor

Slow Cooker Chicken Posole is the perfect balance of bold Mexican flavor and minimal effort. This recipe takes just 20 minutes of prep time, and your slow cooker does the rest of the work, transforming simple ingredients into a cozy, hearty soup your whole family will love. It’s my favorite way to whip up a restaurant-quality meal right at home without breaking a sweat.

If you’re like me, juggling work, school pickups, and everything else life throws at you, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. With this easy chicken posole recipe, you toss everything into the slow cooker, hit start, and walk away. By dinnertime, your house will smell incredible, and dinner will be done. Seriously, this is my go-to for busy weeknights.

Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Posole Is a Game-Changer

• Hands-off cooking: Traditional posole requires constant attention on the stovetop, but with your slow cooker, you just set it and forget it.
• Time-saving prep: Using pre-cut veggies and canned hominy means you’re just minutes away from starting the recipe.
• Easy cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, so there’s minimal dishwashing afterward.
• Meal prep-friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week.
• Authentic flavor made simple: Smoky cumin, fresh cilantro, and tangy lime create that irresistible Mexican stew vibe without the fuss.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker Chicken Posole

The beauty of this recipe is that it requires just a few kitchen essentials, starting with your slow cooker. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Slow Cooker: A 6-quart model works perfectly for this recipe, leaving ample room for the broth, vegetables, and chicken. Remember to use the low setting for tender, shredded chicken.
• Mixing Spoon: A good sturdy wooden or silicone spoon is great for combining ingredients without scratching your pot.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For dicing your onion, poblano, and tomatillos. A sharp chef’s knife makes prep quicker.
• Storage Containers: If you plan to store leftovers, have airtight containers ready for easy portioning.

Simple Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Posole

This recipe comes together with a mix of fresh produce and pantry staples. Here are the key players:

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skinless thighs add amazing richness to the broth while staying juicy during the long cook time. You could swap for chicken breasts, but thighs are the gold standard.
• White Hominy: Canned hominy cuts down on prep compared to dried hominy. Its starchy texture adds heartiness to the soup.
• Tomatillos: These bring a tangy, slightly citrusy note that brightens up the dish. Can’t find fresh? Canned tomatillos work in a pinch.
• Green Chiles: Diced green chiles add mild spice and smoky depth without overwhelming heat. Perfect for a family-friendly dish.

Slow Cooker Chicken Posole Recipe Details

• Servings: 8 servings
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Posole

• 4 bone-in skinless chicken thighs
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 (25-ounce) can white hominy, drained
• 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 1 poblano pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 medium tomatillos, diced
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• For serving: Shredded cabbage, sliced radish, crumbled queso fresco, tortilla chips, lime wedges

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Posole

1. Add the chicken thighs to the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken stock, and layer on the hominy, green chiles, onion, poblano pepper, garlic, cumin, and oregano. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Cover with the lid, set the slow cooker to low, and cook for 6–8 hours.
4. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly. Discard the bones and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
5. Stir the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker along with the tomatillos, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Adjust seasonings to taste.
6. Ladle the posole into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like cabbage, radish, queso fresco, tortilla chips, and lime wedges.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Posole

• Brown the chicken (if you have time): For extra flavor, sear the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Make it spicier: Toss in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne if you like a kick.
• Prep ahead: Dice all the veggies and store them in the fridge the night before to save time in the morning.
• Don’t skip the toppings: They’re what take this dish from good to WOW. Fresh lime juice and radishes are non-negotiable for me.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Posole Variations

• Use pork instead of chicken: Pork shoulder works beautifully and adds a slightly richer flavor.
• Add more veggies: Sweet corn or diced zucchini are great additions for summer.
• Go vegetarian: Swap chicken for beans and vegetable stock for the ultimate plant-based posole.
• Meal prep win: Double the recipe and freeze half for a no-fuss meal later.

Slow Cooker Chicken Posole FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but you’ll lose some of the richness and tenderness that chicken thighs bring. If using breasts, check for doneness around 6 hours to avoid drying them out.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store your posole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Can I make this posole spicier?

Absolutely! Add a diced jalapeño or extra green chiles for more heat. A splash of hot sauce at serving also works wonders.

Do I absolutely need hominy for this recipe?

Hominy is essential for authentic posole, but if you’re in a pinch, canned chickpeas or white beans could work as a substitute.

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Chicken Posole?

Yes! Let the posole cool completely, then freeze in single-serve portions for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat for an instant comfort meal.

If you make this Slow Cooker Chicken Posole, I’d love to hear how it turned out! What’s your favorite shortcut cooking tip? Share it in the comments below!