Green Chili Stew with Pork is one of those soul-warming dishes that brings comfort with every bowl. The first time I made it, I realized why it’s such a beloved Southwestern classic , tender cubes of pork simmer slowly in a broth enriched with roasted green chilies, potatoes, onions, garlic, and warm spices. As it cooks, the flavors blend into a stew that’s hearty but not heavy, spicy but not overwhelming, and incredibly fragrant. The green chilies add brightness and heat, the pork becomes unbelievably tender, and the potatoes soak up all the delicious flavor. This stew feels rustic, homemade, and comforting, the type of meal you want on cold evenings, busy weeknights, or when you simply crave something warm and satisfying. It’s a recipe that tastes like it came from a family kitchen and one you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Slow-simmered pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender with deep flavor
• Green chilies bring the perfect balance of heat, brightness, and earthiness
• Thick, hearty stew that feels comforting without being too heavy
• Uses simple ingredients but tastes like it cooked all day
• Perfect for families since spice level can be easily adjusted
• Great meal prep stew , flavor improves on day two
• Works as a full meal or served with rice, tortillas, or crusty bread
• Easy to customize with different chilies, veggies, or broth thickness
• A classic Southwestern-style dish that feels authentic and homemade
Ingredients
• 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups roasted diced green chilies (Hatch or canned)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2–3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 cup tomatillo salsa or green enchilada sauce (optional but recommended)
• 1 tbsp flour (optional for thickening)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp coriander
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne (optional for heat)
• Fresh cilantro or lime for garnish
Recommended Tools
Silicone Spoon Set – great for stirring without scratching the pot.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – helps you measure spices and liquids accurately.
Glass Storage Containers – perfect for storing leftovers safely.
Preparation Steps
STEP 1: SEAR THE PORK
• Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat.
• Add pork cubes and sear until browned on all sides.
• Season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Remove pork and set aside. This step builds deep flavor in the stew.
STEP 2: BUILD THE BASE
• In the same pot, add diced onion, green pepper, and garlic.
• Cook 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Sprinkle in cumin, oregano, paprika, coriander, and cayenne.
• Stir and toast spices for 30 seconds to enhance flavor.
STEP 3: ADD PORK & CHILIES
• Return the seared pork to the pot.
• Add roasted green chilies and tomatillo salsa (or enchilada sauce).
• Stir everything together so the pork is coated with the chili mixture.
STEP 4: ADD BROTH & POTATOES
• Pour in chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes.
• Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
STEP 5: SLOW SIMMER
• Cover and simmer for 1–1½ hours, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and potatoes are fully cooked.
• If stew is too thin, whisk 1 tbsp flour with a little broth and stir in to thicken.
STEP 6: TASTE & SERVE
• Adjust salt, pepper, or heat as desired.
• Serve hot with cilantro, lime juice, tortillas, or crusty bread.
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Cooking Notes
• Pork shoulder is best because it becomes tender and flavorful
• Searing the pork adds richness , don’t skip it
• Potatoes naturally thicken the broth as they cook
• Tomatillo salsa adds acidity and depth
• Stew thickens as it cools , add broth if reheating
• Green chilies vary in heat; adjust quantity to your spice level
Variations
• Add corn for extra sweetness
• Replace potatoes with hominy for a New Mexico-style stew
• Add carrots or zucchini for more vegetables
• Use fire-roasted green chilies for smoky depth
• Swap pork for chicken thighs
• Make it spicier by adding serrano or jalapeño peppers
• Add beans for a heartier, chili-like stew
Serving Suggestions
• Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas
• Top with sour cream or shredded cheese
• Add avocado slices for creaminess
• Serve over rice or cauliflower rice
• Add lime juice right before serving for brightness
• Pair with cornbread or warm rolls
Tips
• Cut pork into equal-size cubes for even cooking
• Mash a few potato cubes at the end for thicker stew
• Taste before adding more salt , chilies and broth already contain some
• For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of chipotle powder
• Let stew rest 10 minutes before serving , flavors deepen
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approx. 420 calories – 34g protein – 16g fat – 32g carbs
FAQs
What type of pork works best for this stew?
- Pork shoulder or pork butt work best because they become tender and flavorful during slow simmering. Lean pork will dry out.
Is Green Chili Stew very spicy?
- It depends on your chilies. Hatch green chilies come in mild, medium, and hot. You control the heat easily by choosing your chili type.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
- Yes. Sear the pork first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Can I use canned green chilies?
- Absolutely. Canned diced green chilies work well when fresh or roasted Hatch chilies aren’t available.
How do I thicken the stew?
- Simmer uncovered, mash some potatoes, or stir in a small flour slurry. All methods work well.
Does this stew freeze well?
- Yes, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Potatoes may soften slightly but still hold up.
Conclusion
Green Chili Stew with Pork is a comforting, flavorful, and deeply satisfying dish that captures the essence of Southwestern cooking. With tender pork, earthy green chilies, warm spices, and hearty potatoes, it delivers bold yet balanced flavors in every bite. This stew is easy to prepare, flexible to customize, and perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cold-weather meals. Whether you enjoy it mild or spicy, thick or brothy, this stew always brings warmth and comfort to the table.
