Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Chile-Chicken Posole

  • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large white onion, diced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 6-ounce cans whole green chiles, drained
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro
  • 4 cups low-fat, low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 15-ounce cans hominy, drained
  • Sliced avocado and radishes and/or baked corn chips, for garnish (optional)

Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and salt and pepper to taste; set aside.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, jalapeno and garlic and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a blender, then add the chiles, cilantro and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon thyme and puree until smooth. Return to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring, until the sauce thickens and turns deep green, about 5 minutes.

Add the broth, hominy and chicken to the saucepan. Cover and simmer until the chicken is tender, about 10 minutes. Garnish with avocado, radishes and/or corn chips, if desired.