🌿 Wellness Wednesday Recipe: Heart-Healthy Chicken Pozole (Integrative & Nourishing Twist)

This week, I wanted to share a recipe that honors a culturally traditional favorite while adding a nutrient-dense, wellness-focused spin. Pozole is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings warmth and community to the table, and with a few intentional ingredient choices, it can also become a powerhouse meal that supports metabolic, heart, and immune health. By using lean chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and adding fiber-rich toppings like avocado, cabbage, radishes, cilantro, and onion, we create a version that is hearty, balanced, and deeply nourishing while still respecting the traditional roots of the dish.

🥣 Ingredients

Soup Base

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 (25 oz) can hominy, drained and rinsed
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh lime juice (optional)

Nutrient-Dense Toppings

  • Sliced avocado
  • Thinly sliced radishes
  • Shredded cabbage
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Diced onion
  • Lime wedges



👩🍳 Method

  1. Prepare the Chicken
    In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  2. Build Flavor
    Stir in cumin, chili powder, and oregano, allowing the spices to bloom and enhance the depth of flavor.
  3. Create the Broth
    Add chicken breast, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
  4. Shred the Chicken
    Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot.
  5. Add Hominy
    Stir in the hominy and allow the soup to simmer for another 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and fresh lime juice if desired.
  6. Serve and Customize
    Ladle the soup into bowls and allow everyone to add fresh toppings such as avocado, cabbage, radishes, cilantro, and onion to enhance flavor, texture, and nutrition.

🌟 Health Benefits

Supports Heart Health

Using lean chicken breast provides high-quality protein with lower saturated fat, helping support muscle health while promoting cardiovascular wellness. Avocado adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that support healthy cholesterol levels.

Promotes Gut and Immune Health

Hominy and fresh vegetables provide fiber that supports gut microbiome balance, digestive health, and immune system function.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Support

Fresh herbs, garlic, onion, radishes, and cabbage contain antioxidants and phytonutrients that help reduce inflammation and support cellular health.

Supports Metabolic and Blood Sugar Balance

The combination of lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats helps slow glucose absorption, promoting stable energy levels and reducing cravings.

Encourages Satiety and Muscle Maintenance

Protein-rich meals help support muscle preservation, which is especially important during hormonal transitions, weight management, and healthy aging.

💬 Wellness Tip

I love recipes like this because they show that healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up cultural traditions or comfort foods. Small, intentional upgrades can transform familiar meals into functional, nourishing dishes that support long-term wellness while still bringing joy and connection to the table.