Hatch Green Chile Chicken Stew: A Flavorful New Mexico Delight
If you’re craving a warm and comforting meal with a spicy kick, this Hatch Green Chile Chicken Stew is the perfect recipe for you. Packed with tender chicken, roasted Hatch chilies, and bold flavors, this Hatch Chili Chicken Soup is a New Mexico classic that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to enjoy on a chilly evening or want to explore the rich culinary tradition of the Southwest, this stew will transport you straight to the heart of New Mexico.
This Green Chile Chicken Stew New Mexico style is a comforting dish, known for its mild heat, smoky depth, and tender chicken pieces. Hatch chili recipes have become a staple in many households, especially during the chili harvest season, and for a good reason. The Hatch chili variety brings a unique, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the chicken and vegetables. So, let’s dive in and learn how to make this Hatch Chili Stew New Mexico style from scratch.
Why This Hatch Green Chile Chicken Stew Is Special
Hailing from New Mexico, Hatch green chilies are known for their distinctive, smoky flavor. They are typically roasted and peeled, lending a deep, earthy taste to stews and soups. In this recipe, the Hatch chilies are paired with tender chicken, potatoes, and onions, creating a stew that is both hearty and flavorful. This Hatch Chili Chicken Soup is a perfect blend of spice and warmth, and it’s a great way to incorporate the rich flavors of New Mexico into your meal plan.
Ingredients for Hatch Green Chile Chicken Stew
Making Green Chile Chicken Stew New Mexico style is simple and requires just a few key ingredients that come together to create a rich, comforting stew. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:
For the Stew:
- 1 lb chicken breast (or thighs for added flavor), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-5 Hatch green chilies, roasted, peeled, and chopped (or use canned Hatch chilies if fresh is unavailable)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional, for garnish)
Note: If you prefer extra heat, you can add more Hatch chili or even some diced jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
This Hatch chili stew comes together easily, but here are a few tools to help you along the way:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Stirring spoon
- Ladle for serving
- Strainer (if you’re using canned Hatch chilies)
- Soup bowls for serving
How to Make Hatch Green Chile Chicken Stew
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this flavorful Hatch chili chicken soup.
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. This will create a flavorful base for your stew.
3. Add the Hatch Green Chilies
Once the onions are ready, add the roasted, peeled, and chopped Hatch green chilies to the pot. Stir them into the onions and garlic, allowing the chilies to release their smoky flavor into the mixture.
4. Simmer the Stew
Next, add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, ground cumin, coriander, and oregano to the pot. Stir everything to combine, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Return the Chicken to the Pot
After the potatoes have softened, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir everything together and let the stew simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Taste and Adjust Seasonings
Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you want more heat, add some extra Hatch chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper. The stew should have a rich, flavorful broth with a perfect balance of heat and smokiness from the chilies.
7. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve it with some warm cornbread or tortilla chips on the side for an authentic Southwestern experience.
Tips for Making the Perfect Hatch Green Chile Chicken Stew
- Roast the Hatch chilies: If you’re using fresh Hatch chilies, be sure to roast them first. You can do this by placing them on a baking sheet under the broiler or over a gas flame. This brings out their smoky flavor and makes them easier to peel.
- Use bone-in chicken: If you want a deeper flavor, try using bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. The bones will add more richness to the stew.
- Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can easily make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the heat: Hatch chilies can vary in heat, so adjust the number of chilies used based on your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder stew, reduce the number of chilies or use mild green chilies instead.
How to Store Hatch Green Chile Chicken Stew
This stew keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply store it in an airtight container and reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth if needed. For longer storage, you can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Under-roasting the chilies: For the best flavor, make sure to thoroughly roast the Hatch chilies. This step is essential for bringing out their natural smokiness.
- Not adjusting the seasoning: Don’t forget to taste the stew before serving and adjust the seasoning. Adding extra salt, pepper, or lime juice can really elevate the flavors.
- Overcooking the potatoes: While you want the potatoes to be tender, be careful not to overcook them. If they become too soft, they may disintegrate into the broth, which can alter the texture of the stew.
FAQs About Hatch Green Chile Chicken Stew
Can I use other types of chilies in this stew?
Yes! While Hatch green chilies are ideal, you can substitute other green chilies such as Anaheim peppers or poblano peppers if needed. However, they won’t have the same smoky flavor as Hatch chilies.
Is this stew spicy?
The heat level can vary depending on how many Hatch chilies you use and their spiciness. If you’re sensitive to heat, use fewer chilies or opt for milder varieties.
Can I make this stew vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can make this stew vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding extra vegetables such as corn, zucchini, or beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.
Conclusion + Call to Action: Share This Hatch Green Chile Chicken Stew Recipe
This Hatch Green Chile Chicken Stew is a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of New Mexico right at home. With its smoky heat, tender chicken, and rich broth, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with some warm tortillas or cornbread for a complete Southwestern meal. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes like this Hatch chili chicken soup and other comforting stews. You may also want to check out our Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie or Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles for more hearty comfort meals.
PrintHatch Green Chile Chicken Stew: A Flavorful New Mexico Delight
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: New Mexico
Description
Make this hearty Hatch Green Chile Chicken Stew with tender chicken, roasted Hatch chilies, and savory spices for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 1 lb chicken breast (or thighs for added flavor), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 Hatch green chilies, roasted, peeled, and chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional, for garnish)
For the Crack Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Cook chicken until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté diced onion and minced garlic for 3–4 minutes, until translucent.
- Add the Hatch Green Chilies: Stir in roasted Hatch green chilies with onions and garlic.
- Simmer the Stew: Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, ground cumin, coriander, oregano, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Return the Chicken to the Pot: Add cooked chicken to the pot and simmer for another 5–10 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Taste your stew, and adjust salt, pepper, and heat with cayenne or more Hatch chilies.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle stew into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Serve with tortillas or cornbread.
Notes
- Roast the Hatch chilies: Roasting brings out their smoky flavor. You can do this in the oven or over a gas flame.
- Use bone-in chicken: For richer flavor, opt for bone-in chicken thighs or breasts.
- Adjust the heat: Hatch chilies can vary in heat, so use according to your spice tolerance.
- Make ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg



