Spicy Chicken and Hominy Mexican Soup: A Flavor Fiesta in a Bowl

Craving a hearty, flavorful, and slightly spicy meal that warms you from the inside out? Look no further than this Spicy Chicken and Hominy Mexican Soup. This isn’t your average chicken soup; it’s a vibrant explosion of Mexican-inspired flavors, packed with tender shredded chicken, plump hominy, and a fiery kick from chilies. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, a satisfying lunch, or even a festive addition to your next gathering. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more!

## Why You’ll Love This Soup

* **Incredible Flavor:** The combination of chicken, spices, and hominy creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and exciting.
* **Easy to Make:** While it might sound complicated, this soup is surprisingly easy to prepare. Most of the time is hands-off, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
* **Hearty and Filling:** This soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.
* **Customizable Spice Level:** You can easily adjust the amount of chili peppers to control the level of spiciness, making it perfect for any palate.
* **Versatile:** Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, and sour cream, to customize your bowl.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping. It also freezes well, so you can enjoy it whenever you’re in the mood for a spicy and flavorful meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Chicken:** 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use a rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
* **Hominy:** 1 (29-ounce) can of hominy, drained and rinsed. Hominy is dried corn kernels that have been treated with an alkali solution, resulting in a unique texture and flavor. Don’t substitute with regular corn; hominy is essential for this recipe.
* **Onion:** 1 large yellow onion, chopped. The onion provides a base of flavor for the soup.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic note to the soup.
* **Jalapeño Pepper:** 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced (optional, for extra spice). Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
* **Serrano Pepper:** 1-2 serrano peppers, seeded and minced (optional, for extra spice). Serrano peppers are hotter than jalapeños, so use with caution.
* **Chicken Broth:** 8 cups chicken broth. Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained. The tomatoes add acidity and sweetness to the soup.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Tomato paste adds richness and depth of flavor to the soup.
* **Chili Powder:** 2 tablespoons chili powder. Chili powder is a blend of spices that adds warmth and complexity to the soup.
* **Cumin:** 2 teaspoons ground cumin. Cumin provides an earthy and aromatic flavor.
* **Oregano:** 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Oregano adds a slightly bitter and herbaceous note to the soup.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the soup to your liking.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil. Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables.
* **Optional Toppings:** Avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring spoons and cups
* Ladle

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients and equipment, let’s start cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own delicious Spicy Chicken and Hominy Mexican Soup.

**Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables**

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño and serrano peppers (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**Step 2: Add the Spices**

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This will help to bloom the spices and release their flavors.

**Step 3: Add the Chicken Broth, Tomatoes, and Tomato Paste**

Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and tomato paste. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This will add even more flavor to the soup.

**Step 4: Add the Chicken**

Gently place the chicken breasts or thighs into the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. If using a rotisserie chicken, skip this step and add the shredded chicken later.

**Step 5: Shred the Chicken**

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

**Step 6: Add the Hominy**

Stir in the drained and rinsed hominy. Bring the soup back to a simmer and cook for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the hominy to absorb some of the flavors of the soup.

**Step 7: Season and Serve**

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use a Rotisserie Chicken:** For a quicker and easier option, use a rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup after sautéing the vegetables.
* **Add Beans:** Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans for extra protein and fiber.
* **Add Corn:** If you like corn, add a cup of frozen or canned corn to the soup along with the hominy.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken for a vegetarian version. You can add more beans or vegetables to make it more filling.
* **Use Different Chilies:** Experiment with different types of chili peppers to customize the spice level and flavor of the soup. Ancho chiles, guajillo chiles, or chipotle peppers would all be delicious additions.
* **Add a Splash of Lime Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end adds a bright and tangy flavor to the soup.
* **Slow Cooker Option:** This soup can also be made in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients (except the hominy) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken, add the hominy, and cook for another 30 minutes before serving.
* **Pressure Cooker Option:** For an even faster option, use a pressure cooker. Add all ingredients to the pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes and then do a quick release. Shred the chicken and add hominy. Simmer for 5 minutes and serve.

## Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Chicken and Hominy Mexican Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with the following:

* **Tortilla Chips:** Serve with a side of tortilla chips for dipping.
* **Quesadillas:** A warm quesadilla makes a perfect accompaniment to the soup.
* **Cornbread:** Sweet cornbread complements the savory and spicy flavors of the soup.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This soup is perfect for making ahead of time. The flavors actually deepen and improve overnight. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 5-8g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Conclusion

This Spicy Chicken and Hominy Mexican Soup is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite. With its easy preparation and customizable spice level, it’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Mexico in a bowl! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to create your own signature version of this delicious soup. Enjoy!