Chile Verde Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chile Verde is a classic Mexican dish featuring tender chunks of pork simmered in a rich, tangy green sauce made from tomatillos and green chiles. The result is a flavorful, comforting stew that pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, or beans. It’s perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or impressing guests with authentic home-cooked flavor.

ingredients

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

pork shoulder (cut into chunks)tomatilloswhite oniongarlic clovesjalapeños or serrano peppersAnaheim or poblano chilesfresh cilantroground cuminoreganochicken brothsaltpeppervegetable oil

directions

Start by broiling the tomatillos, onion, garlic, and chiles until charred and softened.

Transfer the charred vegetables to a blender. Add cilantro, cumin, oregano, and a bit of chicken broth. Blend until smooth.

Season the pork chunks with salt and pepper.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat and sear the pork until browned on all sides.

Pour the blended green sauce over the pork, add remaining chicken broth, and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve hot with rice, warm tortillas, or beans.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 2 hoursTotal time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Substitute chicken for pork for a lighter version.

Add diced potatoes or hominy for extra heartiness.

Use roasted Hatch chiles for an even smokier flavor.

Make it spicier with extra serrano peppers.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.Can be frozen for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What is Chile Verde made of?

It’s made with pork simmered in a green sauce of tomatillos, chiles, garlic, onion, and spices.

Is Chile Verde spicy?

It can be mild to hot, depending on the type and quantity of chiles used.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. After browning the pork and blending the sauce, cook everything on low for 6–8 hours.

What kind of pork should I use?

Pork shoulder or butt works best due to its fat content and tenderness after slow cooking.

Can I use canned tomatillos?

Yes, but fresh tomatillos will yield a brighter, more authentic flavor.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, the flavor deepens after a day in the fridge.

What sides go well with Chile Verde?

Rice, beans, tortillas, or even cornbread are great pairings.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes—use tofu or hearty vegetables like zucchini and potatoes in place of pork.

What’s the difference between Chile Verde and Salsa Verde?

Chile Verde is a dish; Salsa Verde is the sauce component. The latter can be used in the former.

Can I use green enchilada sauce instead?

You can, but it won’t have the same depth or freshness as homemade sauce.

Conclusion

Chile Verde brings bold flavor and traditional Mexican comfort to your table. With its tender pork and zesty green sauce, it’s a recipe that’s easy to love and even easier to make ahead for busy nights or festive gatherings. Once you try it, it may just become a staple in your kitchen.

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