Green Chicken Chili is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender chicken with a zesty green tomatillo-based sauce. This quick recipe offers a delightful blend of spices and fresh ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy Preparation: Designed for busy cooks, this recipe delivers a delicious chili in under 30 minutes.
Balanced Flavors: The combination of tomatillos, green chilies, and spices creates a harmonious blend of tangy and spicy notes.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this chili on its own, over rice, or with warm tortillas for a complete meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Vegetable oil
Yellow onion
Garlic cloves
Fresh tomatillos
Jalapeño peppers
Ground cumin
Dried oregano
Chicken broth
Cilantro
Lime
Salt and pepper

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients: Remove husks from tomatillos and rinse. Stem and seed jalapeños. Chop onion, garlic, cilantro, and cut lime into wedges.
Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté onions until softened. Add garlic, cumin, and oregano; cook until fragrant.
Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine cooked onions, garlic, tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro. Add broth and blend until smooth.
Simmer the Chili: Return chicken to the pot, pour in the blended sauce, and bring to a simmer. Cook until chicken is fully cooked.
Finish and Serve: Remove chicken, shred, and return to the pot. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Serve with desired toppings.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 4 servings.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes.
Total Time: 30 minutes.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with beans such as white beans or chickpeas.
Spice Level: Adjust the number of jalapeños to control heat.
Dairy Addition: Stir in sour cream or cheese for added richness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm over low heat, adding broth if needed to reach desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs provide more flavor and tenderness.

2. Are tomatillos necessary?

They add authentic flavor, but you can substitute with green tomatoes if needed.

3. Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes, it often tastes better the next day as flavors meld.

4. How can I make the chili spicier?

Add more jalapeños or include seeds.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are gluten-free.

6. Can I freeze the chili?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

7. What toppings are recommended?

Sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, or tortilla strips.

8. Can I use canned tomatillos?

Fresh tomatillos are preferred for flavor, but canned can be used if necessary.

9. How do I store leftover cilantro?

Wrap in a damp paper towel, place in a sealed bag, and refrigerate.

10. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, sauté ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Conclusion

This Quick Green Chicken Chili combines vibrant flavors and tender chicken in a spicy green sauce. Perfect for weeknights or meal prepping, it’s a versatile and satisfying dish that can be customized to your taste. Enjoy!