The moment I uncovered the simmering pot of Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew with Potatoes, the air filled with the enticing aroma of zesty green chiles and savory chicken. As the flavors melded over hours, I was reminded why this dish is a staple in my home during busy weeks. It’s the ultimate comfort food that not only brings warmth but also simplifies meal prep—perfect for busy individuals who crave something homemade without the fuss. With its hearty chunks of tender chicken and vibrant potatoes, this stew serves up nourishing goodness in every bite. Plus, it’s low-fat and family-friendly, making it an easy choice for anyone looking to satisfy taste buds while keeping health in mind. Are you ready to transform simple ingredients into a cozy bowl of deliciousness? Why is this stew a must-try? Comforting warmth: This Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew is the perfect dish to wrap yourself in cozy flavors, making it an ideal choice for family dinners. Effortless prep: Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it do the work for you—perfect for those busy weeknights! Flavor explosion: The zesty salsa verde and tender chicken create a unique taste that will leave your taste buds dancing. Customizable: Feel free to adjust spice levels or add extra veggies to suit your family’s preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys a bowl. Nutrient-rich goodness: Low in fat yet filling, this stew is a guilt-free indulgence that packs a punch in flavor. Use it for meal prep and make your week easier! Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew Ingredients For the Stew • Chicken Thighs/Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless options ensure easy preparation and moisture. • Red Potatoes – Their hearty texture adds substance; Yukon gold or russet potatoes make great substitutes. • Onion – Yellow onions provide a savory base; any variety will work fine in this dish. • Garlic – Fresh garlic enhances aroma, but garlic powder can be a handy alternative in a pinch. • Salsa Verde – The star flavoring; store-bought or homemade versions offer that essential zesty kick. • Diced Green Chiles – Adjust the heat to your liking—fresh jalapeños can spice things up even more. • Cumin – Infuses warmth and earthiness; consider ground coriander for a different flavor twist. • Dried Oregano – Complements the spices well; fresh oregano can be used if you have it on hand. • Salt & Pepper – Essential for enhancing flavors; remember to adjust to your taste as you go! • Chicken Broth – Adds depth, opt for low-sodium to keep it lighter, or vegetable broth for a veggie version. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew with Potatoes Step 1: Prep Ingredients Begin by preparing all your ingredients for the Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew. Cube the chicken thighs or breasts into 1-inch pieces, ensuring they are boneless and skinless for tenderness. Dice the onion and red potatoes into uniform chunks, and mince a few cloves of fresh garlic—this will add aromatic depth to your stew. Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker In the slow cooker, add the cubed chicken, diced potatoes, onion, minced garlic, and salsa verde. Also, include the diced green chiles for a flavor kick, along with cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture gently to ensure that all ingredients are well coated in the flavorful salsa verde, setting the stage for a delicious simmer. Step 3: Add Chicken Broth Pour chicken broth over the mixture in the slow cooker. This will help keep the stew moist and flavorful as it cooks. If you’re preparing this stew for freezing later, you might leave out the broth at this stage to prevent mushy potatoes. Regardless, make sure the ingredients are well-combined before moving on to the next step. Step 4: Cook Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. During cooking, the flavors will meld beautifully, and the chicken will become tender while the potatoes soften. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is thoroughly cooked and easily shredded, and the potatoes are fork-tender. Step 5: Taste and Adjust Once the cooking time has elapsed, taste your Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper according to preference, and consider adding a splash of lime juice for brightness. Stir well, allowing the flavors to marry together just before serving, enhancing the overall palate of the dish. Step 6: Serve Ladle the hearty stew into warm bowls, garnishing each serving with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish. This stew pairs perfectly with fresh corn tortillas or a serving of rice, providing a wholesome and satisfying meal for you and your loved ones. Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew Variations Customize your Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew with these delightful twists that will elevate your meal and suit your taste! Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness by opting for a mild salsa verde or tossing in more diced green chiles or jalapeños for a fiery kick. Spice levels are key to making this dish just right for everyone at the table. Vegetable Boost: Add extra veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or even corn to perk up the stew’s nutrition and color. A medley of vegetables adds both visual appeal and a heartier texture that will impress your family. Turkey Swap: Replace chicken with turkey for a different flavor profile and leaner protein option. Not only does this make the dish lighter, but it also creates a delightful twist that your loved ones will appreciate. Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, skip the sour cream garnish or use a plant-based alternative. By doing so, you can still enjoy a creamy touch without compromising dietary needs. Herb Infusion: Substitute dried oregano with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley right before serving for a burst of fresh flavor. These herbs add a vibrant note that brightens up every bowl. Fire-Roasted Goodness: Use fire-roasted diced green chiles for an added depth of smoky flavor. This twist brings an enticing depth that complements the other ingredients beautifully, making the stew even more comforting. Cilantro Lime Twist: Mix in lime juice and fresh chopped cilantro before serving for a zesty, refreshing lift. This simple addition will uplift the dish, giving it a delightful aromatic flair that awakens the palate. Add Quinoa or Rice: Incorporate some cooked quinoa or rice directly into the stew for an even heartier and fulfilling meal. This not only enhances the texture but also adds nutritional value that fits nicely in this comfort dish. These variations allow you to cater to your family’s preferences, ensuring each bowl is a delicious adventure that you can feel good about serving! Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew Taste First: Always taste the stew before serving and adjust seasonings to enhance flavors, ensuring the best Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew experience. Mushiness Avoidance: If you plan to freeze, leave out the broth initially. Adding it when reheating prevents potatoes from becoming mushy. Even Cooking: Use thawed chicken if starting with frozen pieces to guarantee even cooking; this helps achieve tender chicken in every bowl. Spice Customization: Adjust the heat by choosing a milder salsa verde or adding fresh jalapeños; this way, you can cater to everyone’s taste preferences. Add Veggies: Feel free to throw in extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to make the stew even heartier and packed with nutrition. Reheat with Care: When reheating, do so on low heat to maintain the stew’s texture and flavor—quick reheating might risk the tender quality of the chicken. What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew with Potatoes This stew is a savory hug in a bowl, and pairing it with delicious accompaniments makes for a truly heartwarming meal. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery texture and mild flavor of mashed potatoes provide a comforting base, perfectly soaking up the zesty stew broth. Warm Corn Tortillas: Freshly cooked tortillas add a delightful crunch and authenticity, allowing you to scoop up the stew with ease. Cilantro Lime Rice: The bright, zesty flavor of cilantro lime rice complements the stew’s rich depth while adding a fresh element to each bite. Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted seasonal veggies introduces a sweet charred flavor that pairs wonderfully with the stew’s savory profile, adding extra nutrition as well. Elevate your dinner experience with a refreshingly tangy Avocado Salad tossed in a citrus dressing that contrasts beautifully with the stew’s warmth. Refreshing Beverage: Pair with a light, fizzy sparkling water or a chilled margarita to balance the stew’s spiciness and add a festive touch to your meal. Each side brings its unique flavor and texture, elevating your dining experience beyond the comforting goodness of Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew. How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This keeps your Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew fresh and ready to enjoy on busy nights. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the stew without broth in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. This prevents potatoes from becoming mushy when reheating. Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to serve, then gently reheat in a pot on low heat, adding fresh chicken broth for moisture if needed. Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the stew out for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety and preserve flavors. Make Ahead Options These Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew with Potatoes are perfect for those who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prep all the ingredients—chicken, potatoes, onions, garlic, and spices—up to 24 hours in advance. Simply chop everything and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. For longer storage, consider assembling the raw ingredients without broth and freeze them for up to 3 months; just remember to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding broth and cooking. When you’re ready to enjoy, add the chicken broth and set your slow cooker for either high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. This way, you’ll enjoy a hearty homemade stew that tastes just as delicious as if you made it fresh! Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew with Potatoes Recipe FAQs What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for this stew? Absolutely! When choosing chicken, look for boneless and skinless thighs or breasts that have a fresh smell and firm texture. For potatoes, select ones that are smooth without dark spots or blemishes. Fresh onions should feel heavy and solid, while garlic cloves should be plump and without green shoots for optimal flavor. How should I store leftovers of the stew? Very simple! Store your Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down first. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal later in the week without any fuss! Can I freeze this stew, and if so, how? Yes, you can! To freeze your stew, I recommend omitting the chicken broth before freezing—this prevents the potatoes from becoming mushy when reheating. Place the stew in a labeled, freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and add fresh broth when reheating. What should I do if the stew is too thin? If you find your stew is thinner than you’d like, don’t worry! You can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew while it’s simmering (if reheating) and let cook until thickened, which only takes a few minutes. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker to naturally thicken the broth. Are there any allergenic ingredients I should be aware of? Yes! This stew includes common allergens such as chicken and, depending on your salsa verde, potentially gluten if it contains wheat. Always check labels for hidden allergens. You can easily substitute chicken with turkey for a different flavor profile, or use homemade salsa to control ingredients for dietary needs. How can I make this stew more nutritious? The more the merrier! You can enhance the nutritional content by adding other veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach to the stew. They’ll not only provide extra vitamins but also add colorful appeal. Additionally, adding beans or legumes can provide more protein and fiber, making the dish heartier while still keeping it low-fat! Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew with Potatoes This Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew with Potatoes is a comforting and nutritious dinner option perfect for busy weeks, featuring zesty green chiles and tender chicken. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 6 bowlsCourse: DinnerCuisine: MexicanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Stew2 pounds Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts4 cups Red potatoes Diced1 medium Onion Diced3 cloves Garlic Mince1 cup Salsa Verde Store-bought or homemade1 can Diced green chiles1 teaspoon Cumin1 teaspoon Dried oregano1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste1 teaspoon Black pepper Adjust to taste4 cups Chicken broth Low-sodium preferred Equipment Slow Cooker Method Step-by-Step InstructionsCube the chicken thighs or breasts into 1-inch pieces, ensuring they are boneless and skinless for tenderness. Dice the onion and red potatoes into uniform chunks, and mince garlic.In the slow cooker, add the cubed chicken, diced potatoes, onion, minced garlic, and salsa verde. Also, include the diced green chiles, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.Pour chicken broth over the mixture in the slow cooker, ensuring the ingredients are well-combined.Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours until chicken is tender and the potatoes are fork-tender.Taste the stew and adjust salt, pepper, and add lime juice if desired before serving.Ladle the stew into warm bowls and garnish each serving with chopped cilantro and sour cream. Serve with corn tortillas or rice. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 28gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg NotesThis stew can be customized with added vegetables and spice levels according to personal preference. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze without broth for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
