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- 1 lb chicken thighs, skinless and diced into bite-sized pieces - 4 cups rich chicken broth - 2 cups tomatillos, husked, rinsed, and roughly chopped - 1 cup green chiles (either fresh or canned), chopped - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 cloves of garlic, minced - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into uniform cubes - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, for garnish In this recipe, the chicken thighs serve as the heart of the stew. They add a rich flavor and tender texture. The chicken broth acts as the base, making the stew warm and comforting. Tomatillos and green chiles bring a fresh taste and a gentle heat. The tomatillos add a tangy note, while the chiles give that signature kick. Onion and garlic round out the flavor profile, providing depth and aroma. Potatoes not only add substance but also help absorb the flavors. Spices like cumin and oregano enhance the overall taste, making each bite a delight. For garnish, fresh cilantro adds brightness. It gives a colorful touch and balances the stew's heat. A sprinkle of salt and pepper at the end allows you to personalize the flavor. With these ingredients, you create a hearty and flavorful Green Chile Stew that is sure to please everyone at the table. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Sautéing onions and garlic: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shines, add 1 finely diced medium onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. This step builds a tasty base for our stew. Then add 3 minced cloves of garlic. Cook for another minute until the garlic smells good. 2. Cooking chicken to perfection: Now, add 1 pound of diced skinless chicken thighs to the pot. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. You want the chicken to brown nicely on all sides. This adds depth to the flavor. 3. Combining ingredients for the stew: Carefully pour in 4 cups of rich chicken broth. Next, add 2 cups of chopped tomatillos, 1 cup of chopped green chiles, and 2 peeled and cubed medium potatoes. Stir everything well to mix the flavors. 1. Boiling and reducing heat: Increase the heat to bring the pot to a gentle boil. Once you see bubbles rising, reduce the heat to low. This will let the stew simmer slowly. 2. Cooking time details: Let the stew cook uncovered for about 30-35 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the potatoes to become tender and the flavors to blend well. 1. How to present the stew: Once the stew is ready, ladle it into bowls. Serve it hot, as it tastes best fresh. 2. Garnishing tips: For a pop of color and flavor, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top just before serving. This adds a nice touch to your dish. Enjoy your hearty green chile stew! To create a rich flavor, start by browning the chicken well. This adds depth to the stew. Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh tomatillos and green chiles give the best taste. For texture, cut potatoes into uniform cubes. This helps them cook evenly. Stir the stew often to prevent sticking. This keeps the flavors mixed well. You can use other proteins if chicken isn’t your choice. Turkey or pork works great too. Just adjust cooking times as needed. For vegetables, feel free to swap in what you like. Zucchini or carrots can add a nice twist. You can also play with spices. Add more cumin for a bolder taste or try smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Pro Tips Freshness is Key: Use fresh tomatillos and green chiles for the best flavor. They add a vibrant taste and bright color to your stew. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of green chiles based on your spice tolerance. You can use milder varieties for a gentler kick. Perfect Potatoes: Cut your potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure they cook evenly and become tender at the same time. Let It Simmer: Allow the stew to simmer uncovered to help concentrate the flavors. The longer it simmers, the better the taste! {{image_4}} To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with hearty vegetables. Some great options include: - 1 can of black beans or pinto beans for protein - 2 cups of zucchini, chopped - 1 cup of corn for sweetness - 1 cup of carrots, diced When cooking, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can sauté the veggies just like the chicken. Cook until they are soft, and then add the remaining ingredients. This method keeps the stew full of flavor while making it meat-free. Using an Instant Pot makes this stew quick and easy. To prepare, follow these steps: 1. Use the sauté function for onions and garlic. 2. Add chicken (or veggies) and spices, browning them for a few minutes. 3. Pour in the broth, tomatillos, green chiles, and potatoes. Set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes. Once done, let the steam release naturally for 10 minutes. This method saves time and keeps all the flavors locked in. Green chile stew varies by region and culture. In New Mexico, you might find it spicier with fresh Hatch chiles. In Texas, they may add beans and extra meat, making it heartier. Unique local ingredients can change the dish too. For example, in some places, people use roasted chiles for a smoky flavor. In others, fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley may be added for freshness. Each version tells a story of its roots and brings a new flavor to the table. After you enjoy your green chile stew, store leftovers safely. Let the stew cool to room temperature first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the stew fresh. I recommend using glass containers for best results. They don’t absorb odors and are safe for reheating. Make sure to label your container with the date. This way, you know when to eat it by. You can store the stew in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Freezing green chile stew is easy and keeps it tasty. First, let the stew cool completely. Then, pour it into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top. This allows for expansion when it freezes. You can also use freezer bags, but make sure to squeeze out the air. Seal them tight. To thaw, place the container in the fridge overnight. This keeps the stew safe. If you need it fast, you can use the microwave. Just be sure to stir it often to heat evenly. When you're ready to eat, reheat the stew on the stove. Use low heat and stir occasionally. This helps maintain the flavors. If it seems thick, add a bit of broth or water. Enjoy your hearty dish again! How spicy is green chile stew? Green chile stew has a mild to medium spice level. The heat comes from the green chiles used. If you prefer less heat, choose milder chiles or use less. If you like it spicy, add more chiles or even some jalapeños. This stew can be adjusted to fit your taste. Can I make it in advance? Yes, you can make green chile stew in advance. It tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Calorie count per serving Each serving of green chile stew has about 350 calories. This can vary based on the chicken and broth you use. It's a hearty meal packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner. Health benefits of green chile stew This stew is full of healthy ingredients. Chicken provides protein for muscle health. Potatoes add fiber for digestion. Tomatillos and green chiles are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Eating this stew can boost your immune system and keep you strong. What goes well with green chile stew? Green chile stew pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with warm tortillas for dipping. Rice also complements it nicely, soaking up the stew's rich flavors. A simple side salad adds freshness to your meal. Recommended accompaniments Try topping your stew with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch as well. For a crunch, serve with tortilla chips on the side. These sides enhance the stew and make your meal more enjoyable. This blog post covered how to make a delicious green chile stew. We looked at the key ingredients, from chicken thighs to spices. You learned the step-by-step process, including how to sauté and simmer effectively. I shared tips for flavor, texture, and ingredient swaps. Plus, we explored variations like vegetarian options and Instant Pot shortcuts. In conclusion, this stew is simple yet satisfying. You can enjoy it in many ways. Happy cooking, and trust your taste buds!

Sizzling Spicy Green Chile Stew

A flavorful and hearty stew featuring chicken, tomatillos, and green chiles, perfect for a cozy meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken thighs, skinless and diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups rich chicken broth
  • 2 cups tomatillos, husked, rinsed, and roughly chopped
  • 1 cup green chiles, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into uniform cubes
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until it becomes soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
  • Incorporate the minced garlic into the pot and sauté for an additional minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden.
  • Add the diced chicken thighs to the pot, seasoning generously with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and oregano. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is nicely browned on all sides.
  • Carefully pour in the chicken broth, then add the chopped tomatillos, green chiles, and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
  • Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for approximately 30-35 minutes. Stir occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and flavors have deepened beautifully.
  • Taste the stew and if needed, adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper according to your preference.
  • Serve the stew hot in bowls, elegantly garnished with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by using milder or hotter chiles as per your preference.
Keyword chicken, comfort food, green chile, spicy, stew