Cozy Chicken Butternut Squash Posole: A Flavorful Fall Feast

Fall is the perfect time for cozy, comforting meals, and this Chicken Butternut Squash Posole is a winner! This vibrant and flavorful stew is packed with tender chicken, sweet butternut squash, hominy, and a blend of warm spices. It’s a hearty and healthy dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening. Posole (or pozole) is a traditional Mexican soup or stew, and this version puts a seasonal spin on the classic with the addition of butternut squash. It’s a relatively easy recipe to make, and the flavors deepen even more as it sits, making it a great option for meal prepping. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Butternut Squash Posole

* **Flavorful and Comforting:** The combination of chicken, butternut squash, warm spices, and hominy creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** This posole is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a wholesome and balanced meal.
* **Easy to Make:** While it simmers for a while, the hands-on time is minimal, making it a great weeknight dinner option.
* **Perfect for Fall:** Butternut squash is in season during the fall, making this dish a celebration of autumn flavors.
* **Meal Prep Friendly:** The flavors develop over time, making it perfect for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken:** Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the most flavorful and tender results. You can also use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them.
* **Butternut Squash:** Choose a firm, ripe butternut squash. You can buy it pre-cut to save time, or cut it yourself.
* **Hominy:** Hominy is dried corn kernels that have been nixtamalized, which gives them a unique texture and flavor. You can find it canned in most grocery stores. Both white and yellow hominy work well in this recipe.
* **Onion and Garlic:** These aromatics form the base of the flavor profile.
* **Chicken Broth:** Use a good quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** Canned diced tomatoes add acidity and depth of flavor.
* **Chiles:** I used canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy flavor. You can adjust the amount to your preference. Ancho chile powder is also a great addition.
* **Spices:** Cumin, oregano, and chili powder add warmth and complexity to the dish. Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
* **Lime Juice:** Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
* **Olive Oil:** For sautéing the vegetables and chicken.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.

Optional Toppings:

* Avocado: For creaminess and healthy fats.
* Cilantro: For freshness.
* Radishes: For a crunchy and peppery bite.
* Lime wedges: For extra acidity.
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt: For a tangy and creamy element.
* Tortilla chips or tostadas: For serving on the side.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Chicken Butternut Squash Posole:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

* Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
* Season them generously with salt, pepper, and chili powder.

**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**

* Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**Step 3: Brown the Chicken**

* Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
* It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point, just browned.

**Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Spices**

* Add the diced butternut squash and diced tomatoes to the pot.
* Stir in the cumin, oregano, chili powder, and chipotle peppers (if using).
* Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the spices to bloom and release their flavors.

**Step 5: Simmer the Posole**

* Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
* Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, until the chicken is cooked through and the butternut squash is tender.
* If using an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes and then a quick release.

**Step 6: Add the Hominy**

* Stir in the drained and rinsed hominy.
* Simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the hominy to warm through and absorb the flavors of the stew.

**Step 7: Finish and Serve**

* Stir in the fresh lime juice.
* Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, radishes, and lime wedges.

Tips for the Best Chicken Butternut Squash Posole

* **Use Good Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your posole.
* **Don’t Skip the Browning Step:** Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor to the dish.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less chipotle pepper or chili powder and add more to taste.
* **Simmer for Flavor:** The longer the posole simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
* **Customize Your Toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Try adding crumbled cotija cheese, shredded cabbage, or pickled onions.
* **Make it Vegetarian/Vegan:** Easily convert this recipe. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace the chicken with pinto beans or black beans. You might need to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
* **Adjusting the Thickness:** If the posole is too thick, add more chicken broth. If it is too thin, simmer uncovered for a while longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Variations to Try

* **Spicy Chicken Posole:** Add more chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Green Chicken Posole (Pozole Verde):** Use tomatillos, poblano peppers, and cilantro to make a green posole.
* **Pork Posole (Pozole Rojo):** Substitute the chicken with pork shoulder for a more traditional posole.
* **Slow Cooker Posole:** Combine all the ingredients (except the hominy and lime juice) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the hominy and lime juice during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Instant Pot Posole:** This recipe is easily adapted for the Instant Pot. Reduce the simmering time significantly. Sauté the chicken and aromatics as described, then add the remaining ingredients (except hominy and lime juice). Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release, and then a quick release. Stir in the hominy and lime juice before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Butternut Squash Posole is delicious on its own as a hearty and complete meal. Here are some other serving suggestions:

* **Serve with a side of warm tortillas or tortilla chips.**
* **Offer a variety of toppings for guests to customize their bowls.**
* **Pair it with a simple salad or a side of Mexican rice.**
* **Serve it as part of a Mexican-themed buffet.**
* **Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.**

Making Posole Ahead of Time

Posole is a great dish to make ahead of time, as the flavors deepen and improve as it sits. You can prepare the posole 1-2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. If the posole has thickened too much during storage, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out.

Freezing Instructions:

Allow the posole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture of the butternut squash may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will still be delicious.

## Recipe Card: Chicken Butternut Squash Posole

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (25 ounce) can hominy, drained and rinsed
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (or 1-2 tsp chipotle powder)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1 lime, juiced
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Optional Toppings:**

* Avocado, diced
* Cilantro, chopped
* Radishes, thinly sliced
* Lime wedges
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Tortilla chips or tostadas

### Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
6. Add the diced butternut squash and diced tomatoes to the pot.
7. Stir in the cumin, oregano, chili powder, and chipotle peppers (if using).
8. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the spices to bloom.
9. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
10. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, until the chicken is cooked through and the butternut squash is tender.
11. Stir in the drained and rinsed hominy. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the hominy to warm through.
12. Stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
13. Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy this delicious and comforting Chicken Butternut Squash Posole! This recipe is sure to become a fall favorite. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a truly satisfying and memorable meal. Feel free to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own signature posole. Bon appétit!