Green Chicken Chili

Green chicken chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect when you’re craving something warm, spicy and satisfying. With tender shredded chicken, green peppers, jalapenos and the tangy taste of salsa verde, this chili brings a vibrant twist to traditional chili recipes.

This chicken and green chili recipe uses the slow cooker to handle most of the work, so it’s an easy go-to meal for busy nights. Once the chili finishes cooking, ladle it into bowls and garnish with sour cream, cheese and tortilla chips for a medley of flavors and textures.

What is green chicken chili?

Green chicken chili is a flavorful dish made with chicken, chile peppers, green salsa (aka salsa verde) and spices. Our version also contains beans, which makes it taste like a cross between chili verde and white chicken chili. It’s cooked in a slow cooker for ease and served with toppings like sour cream, cheese and tortilla chips.

Green Chicken Chili Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Using bone-in chicken breasts ensures the meat stays juicy and tender as it slow-cooks. For a richer flavor, use a mix of bone-in thighs and breasts.
• Onions and green peppers: These vegetables add sweetness and a bit of crunch to the chili. As they cook, they release natural sugars that balance the heat from the jalapenos and salsa.
• Jalapenos: Pickled jalapenos provide tanginess and enough heat to add a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
• Chopped green chiles: Mild in flavor yet still packed with warmth, green chiles contribute to the depth of this chili’s flavor profile.
• Salsa verde: This tangy green sauce is the star ingredient, adding a vibrant flavor to the chili with its mix of tomatillos, green peppers and garlic. For a homemade take, feel free to start with this salsa verde recipe.
• Navy beans: These mild, creamy beans bulk up the chili and provide protein and fiber, making it a hearty and filling dish.
• Sour cream: Stirred in at the end, sour cream adds a luscious creaminess to the chili and balances out the heat with its cooling texture.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the chili, elevating the flavor with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Optional toppings: Add texture and flavor to the green chili by topping it with shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, extra sour cream and crushed tortilla chips.

Directions

Step 1: Slow-cook the green chili

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Place the chicken, onions, green peppers, pickled jalapeno slices and chopped green chiles in a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker. Pour both jars of salsa verde over the top. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for five to six hours or until the chicken is tender.

Step 2: Shred the chicken

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Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and allow it to cool slightly. Using two forks, shred the chicken, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Stir in the beans

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Stir in the navy beans, sour cream and fresh cilantro and heat through.

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Ladle the chili into bowls and top with the shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream and crushed tortilla chips, if desired.

Editor’s Tip: If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some of the beans before adding them to the slow cooker.

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Recipe Variations

• Green turkey chili: Swap in turkey breasts to make a spicier version of white turkey chili.
• Vegetarian green chili: Omit the chicken and add diced potatoes or extra beans to create a hearty vegetarian version.
• Extra-spicy green chili: Double the jalapenos and green chiles, or add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

How to Store Green Chicken Chili

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day.

Can you freeze green chicken chili?

Green chicken chili freezes well. Transfer the cooled chili to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. The chili can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Can you make green chicken chili ahead of time?

This chili is perfect for meal prepping because it can be made ahead of time. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious. Cook the chili a day in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Green Chicken Chili Tips

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Can you use boneless chicken to make green chicken chili?

We use bone-in chicken breasts in this green chicken chili recipe, but you can substitute boneless chicken breasts or even chicken thighs. However, bone-in chicken tends to add more flavor and moisture to the dish.

What can you serve with green chicken chili?

Green chicken chili pairs well with cilantro-lime rice, cornbread or tortillas. To round out the meal, you can also serve it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.