This Easy Chicken Chili Verde is a warm hug in a bowl! Made with tender chicken, zesty green tomatillos, and just the right spices, it’s perfect for chilly nights.
I love how this dish warms me up after a long day. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up! Serve it with some tortilla chips or rice for a cozy meal that feels special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs add flavor and tenderness. If you’d rather use breasts, that’s fine too! You can also swap in cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time.
Tomatillos: These give the chili its vibrant green color. If you can’t find them, green tomatoes or a mix of green bell peppers will work in a pinch for a different flavor profile.
Jalapeños: Adjust these to your heat level! If you prefer a milder chili, try using poblano peppers instead. They add some flavor without the spice.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings brightness. If you’re not a fan, parsley works as a light alternative, although it has a different taste.
How Do You Blend the Tomatillos Smoothly?
Blending the tomatillos is key for a silky texture. After cooking, let the mixture cool for a few minutes before transferring to your blender. This prevents any splatter. If you’re cautious, blend in batches to ensure safety!
- Have a towel on hand to hold the lid down while blending.
- Blend until smooth—this takes about 30 seconds if the mixture isn’t too thick.
Easy Chicken Chili Verde
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chili:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb tomatillos, husked and quartered
- 2-3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional Toppings:
- sour cream
- shredded cheese
- sliced avocado
- tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Chili Verde takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to cook, for a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough to enjoy on a weeknight but special enough for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until it becomes translucent. This will give your chili a nice flavor base.
2. Add the Garlic and Peppers:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. You’ll love the smell! Then, toss in the quartered tomatillos and chopped jalapeños. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatillos soften—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Blend the Mixture:
Carefully transfer the cooked tomatillo mixture to a blender, and blend until smooth. Be cautious with hot liquids! Return the blended sauce to the pot.
4. Combine Everything:
Add the chicken pieces to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir in the cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring this beautiful chili verde to a boil.
5. Simmer the Chili:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Shred the Chicken:
After simmering, remove the chicken from the pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken, and then return it to the pot. This makes for tasty bites in each spoonful.
7. Final Touches:
Stir in fresh cilantro and squeeze in the lime juice. Give it a taste and adjust any seasoning if necessary. Now it’s ready for serving!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the chili verde into bowls and top with your favorite ingredients like sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced avocado, or crunchy tortilla chips. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!
Enjoy this cozy Chicken Chili Verde!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to leave it in the fridge overnight or submerge it in cold water in a sealed bag for quicker thawing.
Can I Make This Chili Verde Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chili verde a day in advance. Just let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chili verde in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
What Can I Serve with Chicken Chili Verde?
This chili is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with tortilla chips, over rice, or alongside warm tortillas. Toppings like sour cream, cheese, and avocado can enhance the flavor and create a complete meal!