Green Chile Stew With Chicken
Green Chile Stew with Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of the Southwest. This hearty stew features tender chicken, simmered in a fragrant broth infused with diced fire-roasted green chiles, salsa verde, and a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika.
Each spoonful offers a medley of textures and flavors, complemented by the freshness of lime juice and cilantro. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with optional ingredients like creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, or crunchy tortilla chips, this stew promises a comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Green Chile Stew With Chicken
Ingredients
1 (5 to 6-pound) chicken (or cooked rotisserie chicken)
6 cups water (enough to cover the chicken)
1 yellow onion, diced
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
2 cubes chicken bouillon
½ tablespoon ground coriander
2 teaspoons ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is best)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 (4-ounce) cans diced fire-roasted green chiles
1 (16-ounce) jar salsa verde
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice (1 lime, juiced)
Optional Ingredients
corn
black beans
avocado
sour cream
rice
tortilla chips
Instructions:
In a stockpot or Dutch oven, boil the whole chicken with enough water to cover the chicken. Bring to a low boil and allow to cook for 40 minutes.
Remove from heat, transfer the cooked chicken to a platter or tray, and allow to cool slightly before pulling apart.
Pull the chicken (or rotisserie chicken) meat once it’s cool enough to handle. Removing the skin and pulling away the wings and legs helps to speed along the cooling process.
Skim any foam from the chicken broth, or strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
Measure and return 6 cups of broth to your stockpot or Dutch oven. Use 5 cups of broth for a thicker stew consistency.
Add the diced onion and seasoning (bouillon, coriander, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper). Stir, then return the pulled chicken to the broth. Add the diced green chiles, salsa verde, and chopped cilantro.
Bring the stew to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat when done, stir in lime juice, and serve immediately.
Notes:
Chicken Preparation: Boiling the whole chicken ensures a flavorful base for the stew. If using a rotisserie chicken, it provides convenience while maintaining rich flavor.
Broth: The recipe emphasizes using the chicken broth from boiling the chicken. Straining ensures a clear broth free of impurities.
Flavor Profile: Ground coriander, cumin, and smoked paprika (or regular paprika) contribute to the stew’s robust flavor profile, enhancing the smokiness and earthiness of the dish.
Green Chiles and Salsa Verde: Diced fire-roasted green chiles and salsa verde add depth and tanginess, characteristic of Southwestern cuisine.
Fresh Ingredients: Minced garlic, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and lime juice provide freshness and brightness to balance the richness of the stew.
Optional Additions: Ingredients like corn, black beans, avocado, sour cream, rice, or tortilla chips can be added to customize the stew according to personal preference, adding texture and additional flavors.
Simmering: Simmering the stew allows the flavors to meld together while ensuring the chicken and vegetables are tender and infused with the spices.
Finishing Touch: Stirring in fresh lime juice right before serving adds a zesty kick and balances the richness of the stew.
Serving: Serve the stew hot, optionally garnished with additional cilantro or a dollop of sour cream, alongside tortilla chips or rice for a complete meal.
Storage: This stew can be refrigerated in a sealed container for a few days or frozen for longer storage, allowing flavors to develop further upon reheating.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 200 | Protein: 20g | Fat: 5g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Fiber: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a rotisserie chicken instead of boiling a whole chicken?
Yes, using a cooked rotisserie chicken can save time.
Simply pull the meat apart once it’s cool.
Is there a substitute for chicken bouillon cubes?
You can use chicken broth or stock as a substitute for bouillon cubes.
Adjust the quantity to taste.
Can I use ground coriander instead of whole coriander?
Yes, ground coriander can be used as a substitute.
Use half the quantity of ground coriander.
What’s the difference between paprika and smoked paprika?
Smoked paprika has a smokier flavor. If you prefer a smoky taste, use smoked paprika; otherwise, regular paprika works.
Are there alternatives to fire-roasted green chiles?
Regular canned green chiles can be used, but fire-roasted ones add a smoky flavor.
Adjust to your preference.
Can I make this stew in advance and reheat it?
Yes, the flavors often improve when made in advance.
Reheat gently before serving.
What optional ingredients work well in this stew?
Corn, black beans, avocado, sour cream, rice, and tortilla chips are great additions for extra flavor and texture.
How can I make this stew spicier?
Add more diced green chiles or use a spicier salsa verde.
Adjust the spice level to your liking.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the stew, but the texture of some ingredients may change.
Reheat gently.
What is the purpose of adding lime juice at the end?
Lime juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the richness of the stew.
It’s best added just before serving.