Chili Verde

by

(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, jalapeños, 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 1½-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 jalapeños (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
  • ½ 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 425°F (220°C).

Place on a baking sheet:

  • Tomatillos
  • Hatch green chiles
  • Jalapeños
  • Poblano
  • Onion
  • Garlic

Roast for 20–25 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 2–2½ hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is fork-tender.

If using potatoes or beans, add them during the last 30–40 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle Chili Verde into bowls and garnish with:

🌿 Fresh cilantro
🧅 Diced onion
🥑 Avocado
🧀 Queso fresco
🍋 Fresh lime juice

Serve with warm tortillas or over Mexican rice.

Extra Recipe Tips & Secrets 🌶️✨

✅ Roast the vegetables well
The charred skins add deep, smoky flavor.

✅ Use pork shoulder
It’s the best cut because it becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking.

✅ Don’t rush the simmer
Low and slow cooking creates the richest flavor.

✅ Taste before serving
A squeeze of fresh lime brightens the entire dish.

Delicious Variations

🥔 Chili Verde with Potatoes

Add:

  • Yukon Gold potatoes
  • Extra roasted green chiles

🫘 Pork Verde with White Beans

Add:

  • Cannellini beans
  • Pinto beans

🌽 Southwest Chili Verde

Add:

  • Sweet corn
  • Hatch green chiles
  • Black beans

🔥 Spicy Chili Verde

Add:

  • Serrano peppers
  • Hot Hatch chiles
  • Extra jalapeños

🍗 Chicken Chili Verde

Replace pork with:

  • Chicken thighs
  • Chicken breast

Serving Ideas

Serve with:

🍚 Mexican rice
🫘 Refried beans
🌽 Mexican street corn
🥑 Guacamole
🌮 Warm tortillas
🥗 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 ❤️

Option 1:

“Made this homemade Chili Verde and it was packed with incredible flavor! 🌶️🐷 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! 😍🌿 Slow-cooked pork, roasted tomatillos, and smoky green chiles come together for an authentic Mexican classic.
Save this recipe ❤️
Recipe below!”

Option 3:

“Dinner was amazing tonight! 🔥🌶️ 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? 👇
Full recipe in the comments!”

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Per serving (if divided into 8 servings):

  • Calories: 430–560 kcal
  • Protein: 34–40 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10–16 g
  • Fat: 28–34 g
  • Fiber: 3–5 g

Entire Recipe:

  • Calories: approximately 3,400–4,500 kcal
  • Protein: approximately 270–320 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 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 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.

🌶️🐷 Chili Verde is a true Mexican classic—tender pork, roasted tomatillos, and smoky green chiles slow-simmered into a rich, flavorful stew that’s perfect for any occasion! ❤️