If you’re looking for a comforting, bold, and downright satisfying meal to warm your soul, look no further than this Green Chile Chicken Stew. Whether you’re craving something hearty for a chilly evening or need a dish that brings a little kick of flavor, this stew checks all the boxes. Tender chicken, smoky roasted green chiles, and hearty vegetables are simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. And let’s not forget the extra hit of lime and cilantro at the end—because every bite is a perfect balance of spice, comfort, and freshness.
Perfect for easy weeknight dinners, healthy comfort food, and budget-friendly recipes, this Green Chile Chicken Stew is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this dish is easy to make and full of flavor.
So let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Green Chile Chicken Stew brings all the warmth of comfort food while offering a delightful kick of heat. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Packed with flavor: The smoky green chiles are the star of this dish, bringing depth and a little bit of spice to the stew. Add in the cumin, coriander, and paprika, and you have a flavor profile that’s rich, savory, and just a bit tangy from the lime.
- Versatile and customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level to fit your preferences. Not a fan of heat? Use milder chiles and skip the jalapeños. Want to amp up the flavor? Toss in some extra chiles or a dash of hot sauce for that spicy kick.
- Healthy and filling: The chicken provides a great source of high protein, while the potatoes add a hearty touch that makes this stew feel comforting without being too heavy. You can even add corn or white beans for extra fiber and nutrients, making this a perfect option for high protein meals.
- One-pot wonder: This dish is as easy to make as it is delicious. Simply toss everything in one pot, let it simmer, and you’ll have a satisfying meal without much effort. Plus, it’s ideal for meal prep if you’re looking to have some ready-made meals on hand for the week.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What sets this Green Chile Chicken Stew apart is the perfect balance of flavors. The roasted green chiles bring a mild, smoky heat that’s both savory and aromatic. The ground cumin, smoked paprika, and coriander give the stew its warm Southwestern flavor. The chicken broth creates a comforting base that’s light yet hearty, while the chunks of potatoes soak up all the delicious seasonings, making each bite irresistible. And let’s not forget that final touch of lime and cilantro—they take the stew from great to absolutely mouthwatering.
Not only is it full of flavor, but the stew also fits into various healthy meal plans like a high protein keto meal plan, low calorie meal prep, or even a low fat meal delivery option. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it the perfect choice for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Green Chile Chicken Stew:
- Cooked chicken (shredded or diced; rotisserie or poached)
- Roasted green chiles (Hatch preferred)
- Red potatoes (or Yukon gold)
- Onion and garlic
- Chicken broth
- Ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: corn, white beans, fresh cilantro, lime juice
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Making this Green Chile Chicken Stew is a breeze! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to creating this flavorful, comforting dish.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the potatoes and spices: Stir in the diced potatoes along with the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook for 2-3 minutes so the spices bloom and the potatoes start to soften.
- Add the green chiles and broth: Pour in the roasted green chiles and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the chicken and finish the stew: Stir in the cooked chicken and let everything simmer together for another 5-10 minutes until the chicken is heated through. If you’re adding beans or corn, toss them in and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add a burst of freshness: Just before serving, stir in some fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. This will brighten up the flavors and add a fresh, zesty finish to your stew.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy as a hearty, flavorful meal that will satisfy you from the first bite to the last.
Tips for Best Results
- Use rotisserie chicken: This is an easy shortcut that adds an extra layer of flavor to the stew. Plus, it saves you time on prep!
- Season to taste: Always taste your stew and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you like it spicier, add more green chiles or a dash of hot sauce.
- Mash some potatoes for thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few of the potatoes in the pot and stir them back in.
- Customize the heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, use mild green chiles and skip any extra hot ingredients like jalapeños.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
This recipe is super customizable, so feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have or your dietary preferences.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use white beans or tofu for a plant-based alternative. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add extra vegetables: Feel free to throw in other veggies like carrots, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for added nutrition.
- Spicy kick: If you like things extra spicy, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This Green Chile Chicken Stew is a meal in itself, but it’s always fun to serve with a little something extra! Here are some ideas:
- Top with fresh avocado slices, which add creaminess and a mild flavor that complements the stew beautifully.
- Serve with tortilla strips or crispy tortilla chips for some crunch and extra texture.
- Pair with a side salad: A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette balances out the richness of the stew.
- Garnish with shredded cheese for a melty, cheesy finish.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
Looking for the perfect drink to pair with your Green Chile Chicken Stew? Here are a few options that will complement the bold flavors of the dish:
- Cold Beer: A light beer, like a pilsner or lager, will pair nicely with the warmth and spice of the stew.
- Citrus-infused Iced Tea: The citrus notes will complement the lime in the stew, creating a refreshing contrast to the hearty, savory dish.
- Wine: If you prefer wine, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay will work beautifully with the flavors of green chiles and chicken.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This stew stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a little more broth to thin the stew if needed.
- Freezer: Freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Slow Cooker: Make the stew ahead of time by tossing all the ingredients (except the lime and cilantro) into the slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours, and then shred the chicken and finish with lime and cilantro.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze portions once cooled. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat and enjoy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the potatoes: Make sure to keep an eye on the potatoes as they simmer—overcooked potatoes can break down and make the stew too mushy.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Be sure to taste your stew as it cooks and adjust the salt, pepper, and spices as needed. The flavors should be bold and balanced.
- Skipping the fresh lime: The lime is key to bringing brightness to the stew, so don’t skip it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s a great shortcut and adds extra flavor to the stew. - Can I make this stew vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and replace the chicken with white beans or tofu. - What kind of potatoes should I use?
Red or Yukon gold potatoes are the best options since they hold their shape well. Avoid russets—they tend to become mushy. - Can I make this stew spicier?
Yes! Add extra green chiles, jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to kick up the heat. - How do I make it creamier?
Stir in some sour cream or heavy cream at the end for a creamy, rich texture.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Knife and cutting board
- Stirring spoon
- Ladle for serving
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Green Chile Chicken Stew
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups roasted green chiles, chopped (Hatch or Anaheim preferred)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 medium red potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- to taste salt and black pepper
- optional fresh cilantro, for garnish
- optional lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4 minutes until lightly browned.
- Stir in the roasted green chiles, diced potatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the stew is too thick, add more broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
- Serve the stew in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness.
