Instant Pot Chicken Posole
There’s something so comforting about a warm, flavorful bowl of chicken posole, especially when it’s made in the Instant Pot. This easy and delicious Instant Pot Chicken Posole recipe brings all the authentic flavors of the classic Mexican dish, but with a quick and convenient twist. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that delivers bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors, while the hominy adds a hearty texture.
Instant Pot Chicken Posole
Using the Instant Pot not only cuts down on cooking time, but it also helps infuse the chicken with the rich spices and enchilada sauce for that slow-cooked taste in a fraction of the time. Plus, with just one pot to clean up, it’s a stress-free option for busy families or anyone looking to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
What makes this recipe even better is how customizable it is. Top your bowl of chicken posole with fresh cilantro, crunchy cabbage, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this Instant Pot Chicken Posole is sure to become a new favorite.
Instant Pot Chicken Posole
Instant Pot Chicken Posole is such an easy and incredibly flavorful Mexican dish to make at home. Tender chicken, savory broth, and a handful of veggies.
Chicken Posole is a cross between a soup and a stew, posole is a classic slow-cooked Mexican dish. It is quickly becoming one of my favorite dishes.
What Is Posole
Posole is a traditional Mexican soup-Stew. It is filled with hominy and chicken or pork, with a smooth enchilada sauce. I use a red sauce for my recipe but you will find some recipes use a green base sauce. Both are equally good!
Keep reading till you get to the recipe card for the easiest dump and go Instant Pot freezer directions.
Can Posole Be Frozen
Yes. This chicken Posole can be frozen easily! I actually use this recipe a lot to meal prep for later on in the month. If you ever have nights where cooking is the last thing you want to do, this recipe is great. Just pull from the freezer, Reheat, and serve! Keep reading
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for Instant Pot Posole
Sure. Just make sure the chicken you use isn’t overly seasoned. If it is, you will find it changes the flavor. I personally batch cook shredded chicken for freezing and use it in meals just like this!
What Toppings Do You Use for Posole
Toppings are optional and whatever you want to add to the dish. For our home, we like simple toppings.
We use chopped up cabbage, cilantro, green onions, and lime juice. The lime juice really helps to bring out fresh flavors in the recipe!
Will Homemade Enchilada Sauce Work In Posole
Yes. You can use homemade or cut a corner and buy enchilada sauce. Either works great it is just a personal preference on what you choose.
Can I Swap Chicken for Pork
Absolutely. Just dice up your pork just like the recipe recommends for the chicken. Then follow directions accordingly.
Can You Make Chicken Posole in Slow Cooker
Absolutely! I will share Slow Cooker directions with you below. The low and slow simmered taste is incredible. It’s a nice recipe to prep in the morning and let sit and forget!
Tips & Tricks
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Sauté for extra flavor: When browning the chicken in the Instant Pot, be sure to let it get a nice sear on all sides. This caramelizes the meat and adds a deeper flavor to the soup.
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Adjust the heat: If you like your posole spicier, add more red pepper powder or use a spicier enchilada sauce. You can also add some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
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Don’t skip the garnish: The fresh cilantro, cabbage, and lime are essential for balancing the rich, smoky flavors of the soup. They add a pop of freshness and texture to each bite.
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Freezer-friendly: If you want to make this ahead of time, the posole freezes really well. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat.
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Hominy texture: Be sure to drain and rinse the hominy before adding it to the soup. This helps improve the texture and prevents any excess starch from making the broth too thick.
For a delicious one pot meal, serve this with salad and warm bread for a complete comfort food meal.
Instant Pot Chicken Posole
Instant Pot Chicken Posole is such a delicious spin on this classic Mexican dish. Done in your instant pot so that you can enjoy your chicken posole and not have to cook all day.
Ingredients
- 2-3 lb diced chicken (2 bags of shredded chicken for freezer meal)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 3 Tbsp diced red bell pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp fresh minced garlic
- 14 oz red enchilada sauce
- ½ Tbsp red pepper powder
- Hominy 29 ounce can, drained and rinsed
- ½ fresh onion diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ lime juiced
- **Garnishings:
- ¼ cup cilantro diced
- ¼ cup diced cabbage
- ¼ cup diced green onion
- 1 lime sliced for squeezing
Instructions
- Put Instant Pot on the “sauté” setting and add oil and diced chicken and cook until slightly cooked on each side about 5 minutes then add onion and paprika and salt to chicken. Continue to cook 3-5 more minutes until onions are more translucent.
- Turn sauté setting off and add all remaining ingredients minus the garnishings.
- Once all ingredients have been added to the pot then put the lid on the pot, set the steam valve to closed and push the manual setting and cook for 12 minutes.
- Once done let the soup sit for 5 minutes in the pot sealed then release the remainder of the steam carefully. Once steam is released remove the lid.
- Enjoy this soup garnished with green onion, cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
**FREEZER DIRECTIONS
To FREEZE: Put cooked & cooled onions & garlic into freezer Ziploc. Put paprika, red bell pepper, salt, garlic, enchilada sauce, red pepper, hominy, & lime juice all into the freezer Ziploc. Seal bag. Date & include these notes: EMPTY INGREDIENTS OF CHICKEN POSOLE BAG INTO POT + 2 BAG OF SHREDDED CHICKEN (APRX. 2 LB) + 4 CUPS CHICKEN BROTH. PC - 5 MIN + QR
To REHEAT:
- Take 2 bags of shredded chicken, remove bag from freezer and sit on the counter while preparing dinner. (If in a rush, you can run the bag over warm water to loosen the frozen rice from the Ziploc)
- Empty contents of your chicken posole freezer bag in to your pot.
- Than add the shredded chicken in to your pot.
- Pour 4 Cup of chicken broth in. Put lid on your pot. Turn to sealing position.
- Manual High pressure for 5 min. When cooking cycle ends do a quick release.
- Give chili a good stir. If any of your posole still seems a bit frozen, put back on PC for 1 or 2 minutes depending on how much more cooking you may need.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 416Saturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 113mgSodium: 1449mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 30g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!