Recipe

Chicken Chili Verde is one of those comforting dishes that delivers bold flavor with surprisingly little effort. Roasted green chiles, charred tomatoes, and tender chicken come together in a rich, spicy stew that feels both rustic and deeply satisfying.

Featured as a January dinner favorite by Delish, this dish is especially appealing during colder months when hearty, warming meals are in high demand. Using pre-cooked roasted chicken speeds up the process without sacrificing depth of flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Why Chicken Chili Verde Is a Winter Staple

Unlike red chili, Chili Verde relies on the smoky heat of green chiles rather than dried red peppers. Roasting the vegetables first enhances their natural sweetness and adds a subtle charred complexity that defines this dish.

The result is a stew that is spicy but balanced, bold yet comforting — perfect served over rice, with warm tortillas, or simply on its own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie or roasted, shredded or chopped)
• 3–4 green chiles (Hatch, Anaheim, or poblano)
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: cumin or oregano for added depth

How to Make Chicken Chili Verde

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables
Place green chiles, tomatoes, and garlic on a baking sheet. Roast under a broiler or in a hot oven until the skins blister and char. This step is key to building flavor.

Once roasted, allow the vegetables to cool slightly. Peel the skins from the chiles and tomatoes if desired, then roughly chop.

Step 2: Build the Chili Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft. Stir in the roasted vegetables and cook for a few minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Chicken
Add the cooked chicken and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.

Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Chili Verde is incredibly versatile and pairs well with simple sides. Popular serving options include:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Warm corn or flour tortillas
• Fresh cilantro or sliced avocado for garnish
• A squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors

Tips for Best Flavor

• Using roasted chicken saves time and adds richness to the stew.
• Adjust the heat level by mixing mild and spicy green chiles.
• Letting the chili rest for 10–15 minutes before serving deepens the flavor.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Chili Verde is proof that bold, satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated. With a short ingredient list and a straightforward process, this dish delivers restaurant-level flavor at home.

Whether you’re planning weeknight dinners or looking for a cozy recipe to add to your winter rotation, this green chili chicken stew is a reliable, flavorful choice.