Easy Weeknight Posole Recipe (With Pork or Chicken)

October 15, 2017

Easy Weeknight Posole features a rich, flavorful broth seasoned with homemade Mexican adobo sauce, tender pulled pork or chicken, hominy, and warm spices. Finished with fresh cabbage, cilantro, cheese, crunchy tortilla strips, and a squeeze of lime, this comforting soup comes together in under an hour for an easy weeknight meal.

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a big bowl of posole. Rich, flavorful broth, tender meat, chewy hominy, and all those fresh toppings make it a meal that’s hearty enough for a chilly evening but fresh enough to enjoy any time of year.

The best part? This Easy Weeknight Posole tastes like it has simmered on the stove all day long, but it’s ready in under an hour.

My First Taste of Posole

Oh, posole, how I love thee!

I still remember the first time I tried this wonderful soup. A friend invited me over to show me how to make a traditional version from his home country. Since I’m always eager to learn new recipes—and I absolutely love Mexican food—I happily accepted.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t much of a fan of hominy at the time. But after one bowl, I completely changed my mind.

I’d never tasted anything quite like it. The warm, savory broth was seasoned with an earthy chile base, onions, garlic, and aromatic spices. Each bowl was piled high with crunchy cabbage, fresh cilantro, cheese, crispy tortilla strips, and a generous squeeze of fresh lime.

That first taste was immediate love.

A Quicker Take on a Classic

Traditional posole is often an all-day affair, with hours spent preparing the broth and cooking the meat.

As much as I appreciate those slow-simmered versions, I wanted to create an Easy Weeknight Posole that could fit into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor.

A few shortcuts make that possible:

Homemade Mexican Adobo Sauce for deep chile flavor.
Pre-cooked pulled pork or shredded chicken.
Pantry-friendly hominy.
Good quality chicken broth.

The result is a rich, satisfying soup that tastes like it’s been cooking for hours.

The Secret Ingredient: Homemade Mexican Adobo Sauce

The heart of this recipe is my Homemade Mexican Adobo Sauce.

Made with dried ancho and guajillo chiles, roasted garlic, and warm spices, it gives the broth its signature smoky, earthy flavor. I like to make a batch ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator or freezer for quick meals.

Not only is it perfect for this posole, but it’s also wonderful for tacos, enchiladas, marinades, and braised meats.

If you’re planning to make this soup, I highly recommend making a batch of adobo sauce first. You’ll likely find yourself looking for even more ways to use it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This easy posole recipe comes together with simple ingredients:

Onion and garlic.
Olive oil.
Pulled pork or shredded chicken.
Homemade Mexican Adobo Sauce.
Chicken broth.
Hominy.
Bay leaf.
Mexican oregano.
Ground cumin.
Smoked paprika.

Then comes the fun part—the toppings.

Fresh cabbage, cilantro, cotija cheese, crunchy tortilla strips, and lime wedges add texture and brightness that take every bowl to the next level.

Pork or Chicken? Either Works!

One of my favorite things about this recipe is its flexibility.

I often keep packages of pulled pork and shredded chicken in the freezer for quick weeknight meals.

My Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas make an amazing version of this soup, while leftover Lemony Whole Roasted Chicken creates a lighter but equally delicious bowl.

Short on time? Rotisserie chicken or prepared pork carnitas from the grocery store work beautifully, too.

Just keep in mind that store-bought meats can be fairly salty, so it’s best to wait and adjust the seasoning after the soup has finished cooking.

Tips for the Best Easy Posole

Use good-quality broth.

Since the broth is the foundation of the soup, a flavorful stock makes a big difference.

Don’t skip the toppings.

The crunchy cabbage, fresh herbs, cheese, tortilla strips, and lime juice provide contrast to the rich broth.

Make extra adobo sauce.

A batch in the freezer means this soup can come together even faster next time.

Let the soup simmer.

Thirty minutes allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

What Is Hominy?

If you’ve never cooked with hominy before, you’re in for a treat.

Hominy is dried corn that has been treated through a process called nixtamalization, giving it a unique texture and slightly nutty flavor. It absorbs the broth beautifully while adding heartiness to the soup.

Even if you’re unsure about hominy, this recipe may just change your mind—I know it changed mine!

How to Serve Posole

Serve steaming bowls of posole topped with:

Chopped cabbage.
Fresh cilantro.
Crumbled cotija cheese.
Crunchy tortilla strips.
Lime wedges.

A side of warm tortillas or cornbread makes a wonderful accompaniment.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftover posole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

The flavors become even richer overnight, making this an excellent meal prep recipe.

It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Simply thaw and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded chicken is delicious and cooks up just as quickly.

Is posole spicy?

This version has warmth and depth without overwhelming heat. You can always add jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce if you’d like more spice.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes! In fact, the flavor improves after a day in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

Easy Weeknight Posole has become one of my favorite comfort food dinners. It’s packed with smoky, savory flavor and comes together quickly enough for a busy evening while still tasting like a special occasion meal.

Whether you make it with pulled pork, shredded chicken, or even rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, don’t forget the toppings. The crunchy cabbage, fresh cilantro, cotija cheese, crispy tortilla strips, and bright squeeze of lime are what truly make this soup unforgettable.

And if you haven’t already, make a batch of Homemade Mexican Adobo Sauce to keep on hand. It’s the secret ingredient that gives this easy posole its rich, authentic flavor and makes weeknight cooking just a little bit easier.