Green Chili Chicken Stew Crock Pot

I love making this green chili chicken stew recipe at home. It’s a classic from the Southwest that feels like a warm hug. Making it in a crock pot is super easy. Just mix everything together and let it cook, creating a delicious, spicy stew that everyone will love.

This stew is amazing because it has tender chicken, earthy chili peppers, and lots of spices. The slow cooking makes all the flavors blend together perfectly. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a big gathering.

Key Takeaways

• Flavorful green chili chicken stew made in the crock pot for convenience
• Hearty, comforting dish with a perfect balance of spices and tender chicken
• Perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to gatherings with friends and family
• Authentic Southwest flavors that warm the soul
• Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time thanks to the slow cooker

Next, I’ll show you the ingredients, how to make it, and some tips to make it perfect every time. Get ready to enjoy the delicious tastes of the Southwest in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Green Chili Chicken Stew

Making a delicious green chili chicken stew in your crock pot or instant pot is a game-changer. It’s simple to prepare and offers many benefits. You’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Time-Saving Benefits of Slow Cooking

Slow cooking green chili chicken stew is a breeze. Just add the ingredients to your crock pot or instant pot and forget about it. The slow cooking process blends the flavors, making the dish tender and flavorful with little effort.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Family Dinners

This green chili chicken stew is versatile and great for meal prep. It’s also perfect for busy family dinners. Everyone will love it and ask for more.

Budget-Friendly Ingredients

This green chili chicken stew is also budget-friendly. The ingredients are cheap, making it easy on your wallet. With a few pantry staples and fresh chicken, you can make a big, satisfying meal.

Essential Ingredients for Green Chili Chicken Stew

Making a tasty green chili chicken stew starts with the right ingredients. This dish needs a mix of spices, veggies, and the main stars: chicken and green chilies.

To make this stew, you’ll need a few key things:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
• Roasted green chilies, diced (a mix of mild and hot varieties works best)
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Cumin, chili powder, and oregano
• Chicken broth or stock
• Tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
• Potatoes or corn, cut into bite-sized pieces (optional)

These ingredients come together for a flavorful stew. You can play with different chili recipes to get the heat and taste just right. This dish is also great because you can change it up to fit your taste or dietary needs.

With the right spices, chicken, and green chilies, you’re ready to make a delicious stew. It’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends, who will ask for more.

Best Green Chilies Selection and Preparation Tips

Choosing the right green chilies is crucial for a delicious green chili chicken stew. You can pick from Hatch chilies to Anaheim varieties. Each has its own unique taste and heat level.

Types of Green Chilies to Use

• Hatch chilies: Grown in New Mexico’s Hatch Valley, they have a distinct flavor. They range from mild to extra-hot.
• Anaheim chilies: Common in Southwestern dishes, they offer a moderate heat. They taste slightly sweet and grassy.
• Poblano peppers: Not as spicy, but they add a rich, smoky flavor to the stew.

How to Roast Green Chilies

Roasting green chilies makes them sweeter and boosts the stew’s flavor. To roast, place them over an open flame or under a broiler. Turn them often until the skin is charred.

Then, put the chilies in a bowl and cover them. Let them steam for 10-15 minutes. This makes the skin easy to remove.

Heat Level Adjustments

You can change the stew’s heat level to your liking. For a milder stew, use more Anaheim or poblano peppers. For something spicier, add more Hatch or hot green chilies.

Step-by-Step Crock Pot Instructions

Making a tasty green chili chicken stew in your crock pot is easy! Just follow these simple steps for a meal that everyone will love.

1. Begin by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot. Season them well with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.
2. Then, layer the roasted green chilies on top of the chicken. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
3. Add the diced onions, garlic, and any other veggies you want, like potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure everything is covered.
5. Cover the crock pot and set it to low heat. Let the green chili chicken stew cook for 6-8 hours. This will make the chicken tender and the veggies soft.
6. After the cooking time, shred the chicken in the pot with two forks. Mix everything well to get a rich, flavorful green chili chicken stew recipe.

To make the stew thicker and creamier, you can make a roux with butter and flour. Or, mash some cooked potatoes against the pot’s side. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, and you’re all set to serve this comforting green chili chicken stew crock pot dish!

Green Chili Chicken Stew: Traditional New Mexico Style

The traditional New Mexico green chili chicken stew is a true culinary gem. It highlights the bold and vibrant flavors that have made New Mexico famous for its chili pepper recipes.

Regional Variations

Green chili chicken stew is loved all over the United States. But the New Mexico version is special. It uses a mix of different green chilies, each adding its own unique flavor and heat.

Authentic Seasonings

The New Mexico green chili chicken stew’s heart is its authentic seasonings. It combines green chilies with earthy cumin, fragrant garlic, and a hint of oregano. This creates a perfect balance of flavors that’s hard to resist.

Serving Traditions

In New Mexico, this stew is a comforting main dish. It’s often served with warm tortillas, rice, or over fluffy white rice. It’s a beloved dish in local restaurants and homes, with traditions passed down through generations.

Tips for Perfect Consistency and Flavor

Getting the right consistency and flavor in your green chili chicken stew is key. As a home cook, I’ve found some tips to make your stew better. These tips will help you make a meal that’s truly satisfying.

Start by focusing on thickening the stew. Use cornstarch or flour mixed with a bit of stew liquid. This method prevents clumps and keeps the stew from being too watery.

Seasoning is also very important. Keep tasting your spicy stew and adjust the spices and herbs. Try adding more chili powder, cumin, or lime juice to get the flavors just right. The goal is to make it taste amazing.

1. Thicken with a slurry of cornstarch or flour
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
3. Add a splash of lime juice for brightness
4. Let the stew simmer to allow flavors to meld

Lastly, be patient and let the stew simmer slowly. This lets the flavors mix well and the texture become smooth. With these tips, you’ll make a green chili chicken stew that will impress everyone.

Serving Suggestions and Toppings

Make your green chili chicken stew even better with different serving ideas and toppings. The flavors of this dish go great with other foods, making your meal complete and tasty.

Complementary Side Dishes

Try serving the stew with fluffy white rice, warm corn tortillas, or a fresh salad. These options balance the stew’s richness. For something more filling, add steamed or roasted veggies like sweet potatoes or bell peppers.

Garnish Options

Boost your stew’s look and taste with colorful garnishes. Add chopped cilantro, diced avocado, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or sour cream. Each garnish brings something special to your dish.

Storing and Reheating

Save leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, put the stew in a saucepan and warm it over medium heat. Stir often until it’s hot. Then, adjust the seasoning and enjoy your meal again.

Crock Pot Green Chili Chicken Stew

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 4 cups)
• Roasted Hatch green chilies diced (1-2 cups, depending on heat preference)
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce

Optional vegetables:

• 2 potatoes diced, or 1 cup corn kernels
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Sour cream shredded cheese, and avocado (for topping)

Instructions

 

Prepare the Chicken:

• Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and spices (cumin, chili powder, oregano).

Layer in Crock Pot:

• Place the chicken at the bottom of the crock pot. Layer with roasted green chilies, onions, garlic, and optional vegetables.

Add Liquids:

• Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce, stirring to combine.

Cook:

• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken should be tender, and the stew will be rich in flavor.

Shred the Chicken:

• After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken in the crock pot, stirring to mix the ingredients.

Adjust Consistency:

• For a thicker stew, mash some potatoes or use cornstarch slurry to thicken.

Serve:

• Ladle stew into bowls, garnish with cilantro, and add optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or avocado.

Notes

Adjust heat by using more or fewer green chilies.
For a creamy texture, stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.