Easy Chicken Posole

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 10/6/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Diabetic

This heart healthy chicken posole combines tender shredded chicken, hominy, and a smoky chipotle-infused broth for a flavorful healthy recipe for leftover roasted chicken. Low in sodium and packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, this Mexican chicken soup is both nourishing and filling. Perfect for a cozy, low cholesterol meal, pozole is both low fat and low carb.

This simple, one-pot recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner. Find more healthy chicken recipe ideas in our heart healthy chicken recipes collection!

Total Time
60 minutes
Servings
12
Calories
124

Why is Pozole Healthy and a Good Meal for Heart Health?

This Easy Chicken Pozole was created by our Test Kitchen chefs to be a balanced, heart-healthy meal. Here's why it is healthy:

  • Lean Protein: Made with lean shredded chicken breast to support muscle health without excess fat.
  • High in Fiber: Hominy and vegetables provide lots of fiber for digestion, satiety and for diabetic diets.
  • Low in Saturated Fat: Uses lean ingredients and healthy fats to make a low cholesterol soup.
  • Controlled Sodium: Reduced-sodium chicken broth keeps levels lower while delivering hearty flavor.

 

Key Health Highlights

  • Heart-Healthy: Only 3g total fat and 1g saturated fat per serving.
  • Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free ingredients. (Check labels for certified gluten-free broth and chips.)
  • Diabetic-Friendly: 11g carbs and 3g fiber per serving support blood sugar control.
  • High-Protein: Provides 12g protein per serving.

FAQs About Easy Chicken Posole

Yes. At 124 calories per cup with high protein and fiber, it keeps you full without excess calories.

No. This version contains only 26 mg cholesterol per serving.

Yes. With balanced macros (11g carbs, 3g fiber), it supports blood sugar management.

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Use certified gluten-free broth and tortilla chip garnishes if highly sensitive.

Per 1 cup: 124 calories, 3g fat, 26mg cholesterol, 11g carbs, 3g fiber, 12g protein.

Traditional pozole is a Mexican stew with hominy, pork, chiles, garlic, and spices, often served with garnishes.

Similar Recipes: More Healthy Chicken Soups

Healthy Santa Fe Chicken Soup
Chicken Quinoa Soup
Heart Healthy Chicken and Rice Stew

Similar Recipes: More Healthy Recipes

Healthy Mexican-Inspired Dishes

Heart Healthy Grilled Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa
Heart Healthy Jalapeño Poppers
20 Heart Healthy Chicken Recipes
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

Ingredients

Recipe yields 12 servings

Directions

  1. Step 1

    In a 5-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot and celery; cook until onion is translucent, 3 to 5 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Add garlic, cook for 1 minute, then add tomato paste, chipotle in adobo, and epazote or oregano; cook, stirring constantly, until evenly distributed. Add 1 cup water, 2 cans chicken broth and 1 can hominy. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer.

  3. Step 3

    In a blender or food processor, add remaining 1 can of chicken broth and remaining 1 can of hominy and process until smooth. Transfer hominy puree to saucepan and cook for about 30 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    To the saucepan, add shredded chicken and cilantro; season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cook until heated through. To serve, divide among soup bowls, and garnish as desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1 cup

124
Calories
3
g
Fat
26
mg
Cholesterol
595
mg
Sodium
11
g
Carbs
1
g
Sat. Fat
3
g
Fiber
12
g
Protein

Alternative Cooking Methods

  • Slow Cooker: Sauté onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in a skillet. Transfer to a slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients (except garnishes). Cook on low 4–6 hrs or high 2–3 hrs.
  • Instant Pot: Use Sauté to cook onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Add remaining ingredients (except garnishes). Cook on high pressure 15 mins. Allow 10-min natural release.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • To Serve: Ladle hot posole into bowls. Garnish with avocado, radishes, cilantro, tortilla strips.
  • To Store: Cool fully, refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days.
  • To Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
  • To Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop over medium-low or microwave individual portions.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, or thighs for richer flavor.

Use vegetable broth to make vegetarian (omit chicken). Always choose reduced/no-salt-added.

Adjust chipotle in adobo. Use only sauce for mild heat, or add minced peppers for more spice.

More Recipes Like Healthy Chicken Posole

Chicken is a versatile ingredient that adds protein and flavor to a variety of healthy recipes. For a quick weeknight meal, use leftover chicken in some of our easy chicken soup recipes like Santa Fe Chicken Soup, Quinoa Chicken Soup or Chicken and Rice Stew. Or try out the other healthy chicken recipes below.