When comfort food meets bold spice, Green Chili Stew takes center stage. This hearty Southwestern classic carries warmth not only in temperature, but in spirit. Built on smoky chilies, tender chunks of meat, earthy aromatics, and a broth that tastes like it simmered for hours, it’s a dish that pulls you to the table before it’s even finished cooking. Every home cook has their own version, but the heart of the recipe remains the same, the celebration of green chilies in all their fragrant glory.
The magic begins with chilies themselves. Roasted Hatch or Anaheim chilies are the typical stars, deep green, slightly charred, and peeled to reveal a silky sweetness underneath their skin. Roasting brings out a gentle smokiness that balances the chili’s natural brightness. While they add some heat, the spice level is more of a warm hum than a sharp punch, a profile that makes this stew welcoming rather than intimidating. Combined with poblano peppers, garlic, onions, and tomatillos in some versions, they form a base that’s both fresh and rich.
Traditionally, pork is the meat of choice, browned until its edges caramelize and release savory notes that cling to the pot. Beef appears in some kitchens, especially when a deeper flavor is preferred, and chicken offers a lighter alternative. Once the meat and aromatics meet, chicken or beef broth follows, sweeping up browned bits and thickening into a silky, savory liquid. Potatoes are often added for body, soaking up broth like sponges while lending a creaminess that doesn’t require actual cream.
The stew simmers gently, flavors intensifying minute by minute. Soon the kitchen smells like toasted chilies, roasted earth, and comfort itself. Some cooks add cumin or oregano, others swear simplicity is best, letting chilies carry the spotlight without distraction. Just before serving, a handful of chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime amplifies the freshness, adding a final high note.
Green Chili Stew is more than a meal, it’s a moment. Shared with cheese tortillas, rice, or a crusty piece of homemade bread, it invites slower conversations, second servings, and unapologetic dipping. It’s the dish you crave on cold evenings, lazy weekends, or any day you need something grounding. Smoky, zesty, warming, and honest, it’s a recipe that never goes out of style, only deeper into the heart with each bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork shoulder cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 green chilies roasted and peeled
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 2 potatoes peeled and diced
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add pork cubes and brown on all sides. Remove pork from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Return the pork to the pot. Add roasted green chilies, chicken broth, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.
- Bring the stew to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 1 hour or until the pork is tender.
- Add diced potatoes to the pot. Cover and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy.
Nutrition
This stew was fantastic! The flavors were bold and perfect for a chilly evening. Will make again!
It’s good but took too long to cook. 1 hour?? Ain’t nobody got time for that!
I had high hopes, but it was kinda bland. I added more spices and it helped a bit.
I get that! Sometimes you gotta add your own flavor. What spices did you use?
Delicious! Never thought to use green chilies like this before! So good!
Mmmm… can’t stop eating! Family loved it too! You gotta try this recipe!
Why would anyone put potatoes in a stew? That’s just weird… Stick to meat!
Potatoes in stew is a classic! They soak up all the flavors and make it hearty. Give it a try before judging!
I dunno, I think the potatoes make it more filling. Meat alone can’t do it all, right? But to each their own.
Easy to make and tasty! Perfect for beginners like me. Loved it!
Stew? More like a soup. Where’s all the meat?
I disagree! There’s plenty of meat in the recipe! Pork shoulder is delicious and gives so much flavor. Can’t wait to try this stew!
I dunno, seems a bit watery to me. Where’s the beef? Should maybe add like beef chunks instead.
I made this without the green chilies (allergic) and it still was nice. Just subbed with bell peppers.
Ugh, I tried making it but accidentally used red chilies. Not the same! Whoops!
Ugh, why is everyone obsessed with chilies? Just add some black pepper and call it a day. 🙄
The potatoes took forever to cook. Is 30 minutes really enough? Mine were still hard.🤔
30 mins shud be enough if u cut em small lol! But I guess it matters on the stove too.
I had the same issue! My potatoes were still hard too. I think they should be cooked longer, maybe for an hour? 🤷♀️
I don’t know about this one. I mean, can you really taste the green chilies? Seems kinda bland.
Too much cumin for my taste. Next time, I’ll cut down on it.
This stew is amazing! The flavors are just perfect, and my family loved it.
I tried this recipe yesterday! I added some beans to it, and it turned out great too! Thanks for sharing!
Yummy and easy! I added some corn and black beans for extra kick. Will make again!
I followed the recipe but it was a bit bland. Maybe add more spices next time?
I totally agree! Adding some chili powder or a dash of cayenne could really kick it up a notch!
I made this last week, and it was too spicy for the kids. I think I put too many chilies. Next time, I’ll follow the recipe exactly!
I’ve had the same issue with spice levels! It’s tough when kids are involved. Maybe try adding some cream or yogurt next time to tone it down a bit?
This looks delish! Can’t wait to try it. Love green chilies!
Making it right now! My house smells amazing! 😍
Yum! Can’t wait to try this! Love spicy food! 🌶️
Hope it turns out good! But green chilies? Aren’t they just hot?
Yum! My friends wanna know the secret to my ‘culinary skills’ now. I might just a chef!
I can’t cook to save my life, but even I managed this! Thanks for the easy instructions.
This stew is fantastic! The flavors meld perfectly. My whole family loved it!
Why is everybody raving about this? Tasted like a bowl of green liquid. I’m sticking to my chili!
Simple and tasty! I added some corn and beans for extra flavor. Yum!
Just okay. I think my pork was too tough. Will try again with a different cut.
Delicious and simple! Perfect for a cold day. Had it with some bread on the side.
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much, but this turned out way better than I thought! So good!
I’m so glad to hear that! It’s always a pleasant surprise when a recipe exceeds expectations. Did you tweak anything or follow it exactly?
Can I use ground beef instead of pork? I don’t have pork at home.
Meh, not impressed. A chili stew should be thicker, this was really watery.
Ugh, I totally agree with you. I prefer my stews thick too! Adding a bit of cornstarch might help next time. 🤔
I actually think the stew is just fine! It’s a chili stew, not a pudding! You’re supposed to savor the flavors, not just the thickness. 😅
Why do you use pork? Chicken would work way better if you ask me.