(Authentic Mexican Pork Chili Verde)
This Chili Verde is a classic Mexican comfort dish featuring tender chunks of pork simmered in a rich, tangy green chile sauce made with roasted tomatillos, Hatch green chiles, jalapeรฑos, garlic, and fresh cilantro. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect served with warm tortillas, rice, or beans.
Ingredients
For the Pork:
- 3 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1ยฝ-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
For the Green Chile Sauce:
- 2 pounds tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 3 roasted Hatch green chiles, peeled and chopped
- 2 jalapeรฑos (seeded for less heat)
- 1 poblano pepper
- 1 medium white onion, quartered
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Additions:
- 2 diced potatoes
- 1 can white beans
- 1 cup corn
- 1 serrano pepper for extra heat
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
For Garnish:
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced white onion
- Lime wedges
- Queso fresco
- Sliced avocado
- Sour cream
- Warm flour or corn tortillas
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables
Preheat oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC).
Place on a baking sheet:
- Tomatillos
- Hatch green chiles
- Jalapeรฑos
- Poblano
- Onion
- Garlic
Roast for 20โ25 minutes, turning once, until lightly charred.
Step 2: Make the Verde Sauce
Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender.
Add:
- Cilantro
- Chicken broth
- Lime juice
- Cumin
- Salt
- Pepper
Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Brown the Pork
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven.
- Season pork with salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and oregano.
- Brown the pork in batches until golden.
Step 4: Simmer
Pour the green chile sauce over the pork.
Bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2โ2ยฝ hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is fork-tender.
If using potatoes or beans, add them during the last 30โ40 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle Chili Verde into bowls and garnish with:
๐ฟ Fresh cilantro
๐ง
Diced onion
๐ฅ Avocado
๐ง Queso fresco
๐ Fresh lime juice
Serve with warm tortillas or over Mexican rice.
Extra Recipe Tips & Secrets ๐ถ๏ธโจ
โ
Roast the vegetables well
The charred skins add deep, smoky flavor.
โ
Use pork shoulder
It’s the best cut because it becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking.
โ
Don’t rush the simmer
Low and slow cooking creates the richest flavor.
โ
Taste before serving
A squeeze of fresh lime brightens the entire dish.
Delicious Variations
๐ฅ Chili Verde with Potatoes
Add:
- Yukon Gold potatoes
- Extra roasted green chiles
๐ซ Pork Verde with White Beans
Add:
- Cannellini beans
- Pinto beans
๐ฝ Southwest Chili Verde
Add:
- Sweet corn
- Hatch green chiles
- Black beans
๐ฅ Spicy Chili Verde
Add:
- Serrano peppers
- Hot Hatch chiles
- Extra jalapeรฑos
๐ Chicken Chili Verde
Replace pork with:
- Chicken thighs
- Chicken breast
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
๐ Mexican rice
๐ซ Refried beans
๐ฝ Mexican street corn
๐ฅ Guacamole
๐ฎ Warm tortillas
๐ฅ Fresh cabbage slaw
Storage & Meal Prep
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Social Media Caption Ideas โค๏ธ
Option 1:
“Made this homemade Chili Verde and it was packed with incredible flavor! ๐ถ๏ธ๐ท Tender pork simmered in a rich roasted green chile and tomatillo sauce made the perfect comfort meal.
Full recipe is in the comments below!”
Option 2:
“Nothing beats a pot of homemade Chili Verde! ๐๐ฟ Slow-cooked pork, roasted tomatillos, and smoky green chiles come together for an authentic Mexican classic.
Save this recipe โค๏ธ
Recipe below!”
Option 3:
“Dinner was amazing tonight! ๐ฅ๐ถ๏ธ This Chili Verde is loaded with tender pork and a vibrant homemade green sauce that’s perfect with warm tortillas or rice.
Who would dig into a bowl of this? ๐
Full recipe in the comments!”
Nutrition Facts (Approximate)
Per serving (if divided into 8 servings):
- Calories: 430โ560 kcal
- Protein: 34โ40 g
- Carbohydrates: 10โ16 g
- Fat: 28โ34 g
- Fiber: 3โ5 g
Entire Recipe:
- Calories: approximately 3,400โ4,500 kcal
- Protein: approximately 270โ320 g
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: What is Chili Verde made from?
A: Traditional Chili Verde is made with pork simmered in a green sauce of tomatillos, green chiles, garlic, onion, and cilantro.
Q: Can I make Chili Verde in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the pork first, then cook on LOW for 7โ8 hours or HIGH for 4โ5 hours.
Q: Is Chili Verde spicy?
A: It can be mild or spicy depending on the peppers you use. Remove seeds for a milder version.
Q: Can I use chicken instead of pork?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are an excellent substitute.
Q: What are the best side dishes?
A: Mexican rice, refried beans, warm tortillas, guacamole, and roasted corn are perfect pairings.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes! Chili Verde freezes very well for up to 3 months.
๐ถ๏ธ๐ท Chili Verde is a true Mexican classicโtender pork, roasted tomatillos, and smoky green chiles slow-simmered into a rich, flavorful stew that’s perfect for any occasion! โค๏ธ
