Crockpot Pozole is my weeknight anchor. It’s a simple, five-ingredient comfort dish. It lets me feed my family without fuss. I’m a pro in the kitchen, and days run away. Yet meals should feel special, even on rushed evenings. On Allen’s Recipes I share approaches that fit busy lives. This Crockpot Pozole uses hearty chicken, tender hominy, and Mexican-inspired broth. It delivers cozy comfort in one pot. It’s easy, nourishing, and crowd-pleasing for gatherings or solo nights.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What makes Crockpot Pozole special
Crockpot Pozole feels like a warm hug in a slow cooker. I love that this Crockpot Pozole is hands-off yet deeply flavorful. Busy moms and pros will appreciate the no-fuss simmer that builds warmth each night.
The flavors bloom slowly, as if a secret simmer shared with a trusted friend. When I ladle a bowl, I feel warmth settle into the evening. That comforting scent lingers, turning chaos into coziness in minutes.
Plus, toppings let each bowl tell a story that suits everyone’s mood. It’s a homey, nourishing meal you can truly rely on during busy nights and weekends.

Crockpot Pozole: A weeknight hug
Crockpot Pozole is my weeknight hug in disguise. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, freeing me from constant stirring. For busy moms and professionals, that means real dinner without watching the clock.
The flavors bloom slowly, as if a secret simmer shared with a trusted friend. When I ladle a bowl, I feel warmth settle into the evening. That comforting scent lingers, turning chaos into coziness in minutes.
Plus, toppings let each bowl tell a story that suits everyone’s mood. It’s a homey, nourishing meal you can truly rely on during busy nights and weekends.
Ingredients for Crockpot Pozole
This section breaks down the lineup for Crockpot Pozole. I keep the pantry basics simple. The goal is a soulful pot with minimal fuss, yet full flavor. Exact quantities appear at the bottom of the article and printable.
Core components that make Crockpot Pozole shine
The main players are chicken, hominy, tomatoes, and a warming broth. In the slow cooker, their flavors mingle until each spoonful feels cozy. That slow, patient simmer is what makes the broth feel luxe.
Optional toppings and add-ins for Crockpot Pozole
- 1 1/2–2 lbs boneless skinless chicken (breasts or thighs)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (25 oz) white hominy, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1–2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced radishes, shredded cabbage, lime wedges, cilantro, avocado, tortilla strips
Note that exact quantities appear at the bottom of the article and printable.

How to Make Crockpot Pozole
Step 1: Crockpot Pozole prep – gather and layer
For Step 1, I prep Crockpot Pozole by gathering ingredients and lining the slow cooker.
I lay out chicken, onion, and garlic first for a sturdy base.
Then I add hominy, tomatoes, and broth, ready to mingle.
Step 2: Add ingredients to the slow cooker
I add chicken, onion, garlic, hominy, tomatoes, and broth to the slow cooker.
Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Stir gently to blend flavors.
Step 3: Let it cook and mingle flavors (low 6–7 hours or high 3–4)
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4.
Resist the urge to peek too often; the magic happens in patience.
If you must, check the liquid level and season to taste.
Step 4: Shred the chicken and return to the pot
When done, remove the chicken and shred with two forks.
Return the shreds to the slow cooker and stir.
Let it mingle for a few more minutes.
Step 5: Final simmer to blend and bloom (5–10 minutes)
Turn the heat to a gentle last simmer for 5–10 minutes.
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and chili powder if needed.
This is when the flavors truly bloom.
Step 6: Serve with toppings and enjoy Crockpot Pozole
Ladle hot Crockpot Pozole into bowls.
Top with radish, cabbage, lime, cilantro, and avocado.
Offer tortilla strips for crunch and heartier bowls.

Tips for Success
- Choose bone-in chicken for deeper flavor, or stick with breasts or thighs if you prefer.
- Start with 1 tablespoon chili powder and adjust to taste as you go, tasting along the way.
- Drain and rinse hominy well for a cleaner, brighter broth with less starch.
- Skim fat if desired after cooking, then stir in ingredients for a cleaner finish.
- Let leftovers sit 10 minutes before serving to meld flavors and textures.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (6–7 quart) or programmable multi-cooker with slow-cook setting; back-up: a heavy Dutch oven on low simmer works as well for a warm, hands-off dinner.
- Sharp knife and cutting board; a utility knife helps, plus a surface.
- Can opener (manual or electric) ready.
- Optional: ladle, bowls, and toppings bowls.
Variations
- I swap chicken for turkey or pork to mix up the protein profile in Crockpot Pozole.
- I make it vegetarian by using mushroom “meat” or jackfruit with vegetable broth for a hearty twist.
- I add chipotle or hot sauce for a spicier kick that wakes the broth.
- I swirl in avocado-lime crema for a creamy contrast that brightens each bowl.
- I substitute crushed corn tortillas for tortilla strips to add a different texture and crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Pozole
I love hands-off cooking because it fits my busy schedule, yet it yields deep flavor. Crockpot Pozole lets me return to a pot that feels like a hug.
This comforting bowl delivers protein, fiber, and warmth in every spoonful. I turn leftovers into quick, satisfying lunches.
Flexible toppings let everyone customize their bowl, from cabbage to avocado. Weeknight meals become comforting staples we rely on.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Crockpot Pozole with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, shredded cabbage, and radishes for bright contrast and crunch.
- Add avocado slices and tortilla strips for creamy texture and satisfying bite.
- Pair with a light sparkling drink or agua fresca to cleanse the palate.
- Present in warm bowls for cozy sharing, always.
Meal-Prep and Freezer-Friendly Crockpot Pozole
I love having Crockpot Pozole ready to go. A big batch means less stress on weeknights, and I still get that cozy, homemade flavor. Here’s how I make it meal-prep friendly, so leftovers feel special, not just reheated.
- Make a big batch, cool completely, and portion into airtight containers.
- Freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Reheat with a splash of broth or water to restore texture.
- Label with date and serving size for easy week-night meals.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in Crockpot Pozole?
A1: Yes. Thighs stay juicier and more forgiving in slow cooking, but breasts work well too; adjust time if needed.
Q2: Is Crockpot Pozole gluten-free?
A2: Yes, Crockpot Pozole as written is gluten-free, provided you avoid gluten-containing toppings and verify any added spice blends.
Q3: How can I adjust the spice level in Crockpot Pozole?
A3: Start with 1 tablespoon chili powder and taste; add more in 15-minute increments toward the end of cooking.
Q4: Can I freeze Crockpot Pozole?
A4: Yes. Freeze portions up to 3 months in airtight containers; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Pozole has become my dependable weeknight friend.
It’s built to slip into a busy evening without screaming for attention.
I love how chicken, hominy, and a bright broth come together in one pot.
With toppings, I tailor each bowl, turning leftovers into something new.
The slow simmer does the heavy lifting, so I can focus on homework, emails, or a quick chat with a friend.
That flexibility is worth its weight in warm bowls.
Give this dish a try and watch weeknights soften.
It’s simple, comforting, and nourishing, a small hug after a long day.
Crockpot Pozole proves that cozy flavor can come without sacrificing time.
Crockpot Pozole Delivers 5-Ingredient Comfort in a Bowl.
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crockpot Pozole: A cozy, slow-cooker chicken pozole rich with tender chicken, soft hominy, and a Mexican-inspired broth. This comforting, easy-to-make soup is perfect for chilly nights or effortless family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2–2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (25 oz) white hominy, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1–2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced radishes, shredded cabbage, lime wedges, cilantro, avocado, tortilla strips
Instructions
- Add chicken, onion, garlic, hominy, diced tomatoes, broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Stir and let simmer for 5–10 more minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve hot with your favorite pozole toppings like cabbage, radishes, lime, cilantro, or avocado.
Notes
- For a lighter broth, use lean chicken and low-sodium broth.
- To adjust spice, start with 1 tbsp chili powder and add more to taste.
- Leftover pozole reheats well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
- To keep this gluten-free, avoid toppings that contain gluten; stick with fresh herbs and dairy-free toppings if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Crockpot Pozole, slow cooker pozole, chicken pozole, hominy soup, Mexican soup, easy pozole, comforting soup