🌶️ Green Chile Chicken Stew
A hearty, flavorful, and slightly spicy stew packed with tender chicken, green chiles, and wholesome veggies. Perfect for a cozy meal!
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into chunks
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup canned diced green chiles (or roasted fresh green chiles, chopped)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric (adds a Mediterranean touch)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
Step 3: Simmer the Stew
- Pour in chicken broth and stir in green chiles, tomatoes, olives, and chickpeas.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
- Stir in zucchini and let cook for another 5 minutes, until tender.
- Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir well.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro.
- Serve hot with warm tortillas, rice, or crusty bread.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
✔ Serve over white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a heartier meal.
✔ Add a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices for creaminess.
✔ Pair with cornbread or tortilla chips for a delicious crunch.
💡 Tips & Variations
⭐ Spicier? Add a chopped jalapeño or cayenne pepper.
⭐ Thicker stew? Mash some chickpeas before adding them.
⭐ Extra protein? Toss in black beans or shredded rotisserie chicken.
⭐ Vegetarian? Swap chicken for tofu or extra chickpeas.
⚖️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fats: 10g
💪 Health Benefits
✔ High in Protein – Great for muscle repair & energy.
✔ Rich in Antioxidants – Green chiles, turmeric, and tomatoes boost immunity.
✔ Low in Calories – A nutritious, guilt-free comfort food!
❓ Q&A
❓ Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add everything except zucchini and lemon juice to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Stir in zucchini & lemon juice in the last 30 minutes.
❓ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
❓ Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Would you like topping ideas or side dish pairings? Let me know! 😊🔥