Chef John’s Green Chicken Chili: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe

Green chicken chili is a fantastic alternative to the traditional red chili, offering a brighter, fresher flavor profile. Chef John’s version is particularly popular, known for its simplicity, depth of flavor, and use of accessible ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or even meal prepping for the week. It’s easily customizable to your spice preference and dietary needs. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish.

Why Chef John’s Green Chicken Chili Stands Out

Chef John’s recipes are celebrated for their clear instructions, helpful tips, and focus on flavor. This green chicken chili recipe is no exception. It balances ease of preparation with incredible taste, making it a go-to for many home cooks. The use of tomatillos, poblanos, and other green ingredients creates a vibrant and refreshing chili that’s a welcome change from the usual. Furthermore, it’s very versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients and spices to your own taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make Chef John’s Green Chicken Chili:

* **Chicken:** 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken thighs often provide a richer flavor, but breasts work just as well if you prefer leaner meat.
* **Tomatillos:** 1 pound of fresh tomatillos, husked and washed. Tomatillos are the base of the green chili and provide a tart, slightly citrusy flavor.
* **Poblano Peppers:** 2 medium poblano peppers. These add a mild heat and a wonderful smoky flavor.
* **Jalapeño Peppers:** 1-2 jalapeño peppers, depending on your spice preference. Remember to remove the seeds and membranes for a milder chili.
* **Onion:** 1 large yellow onion, chopped. Onions provide a foundational flavor to the chili.
* **Garlic:** 4-6 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic is essential for adding depth and aroma.
* **Chicken Broth:** 6 cups of chicken broth. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level.
* **Great Northern Beans:** 2 (15-ounce) cans of Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained. These beans add creaminess and heartiness to the chili. You can substitute with cannellini beans if preferred.
* **Cumin:** 2 teaspoons of ground cumin. Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor.
* **Oregano:** 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Oregano provides a classic chili flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. For sautéing the vegetables.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Sour cream, shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar), chopped cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed steps to make Chef John’s Green Chicken Chili:

**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**

1. **Roast the Tomatillos and Peppers:** Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the husked and washed tomatillos, poblano peppers, and jalapeño peppers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tomatillos and peppers are blistered and slightly charred. This step is crucial for developing a smoky, rich flavor.
2. **Cool and Peel the Peppers:** Once the peppers are cool enough to handle, place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for about 10 minutes. This will help loosen the skins. Then, peel off the skins, remove the stems and seeds, and roughly chop the peppers. Be sure to wear gloves when handling jalapeños if you are sensitive to chili oils.
3. **Chop the Onion and Garlic:** While the peppers are cooling, chop the onion into small pieces and mince the garlic.

**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**

1. **Sauté Onion:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. **Add Garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 3: Blend the Green Sauce**

1. **Combine Roasted Vegetables:** Place the roasted tomatillos, chopped poblano peppers, and jalapeño peppers into a blender or food processor.
2. **Blend Until Smooth:** Blend the vegetables until you have a smooth green sauce. Add a tablespoon or two of water if needed to help the blending process.

**Step 4: Cook the Chicken**

1. **Sear the Chicken:** Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Sear the chicken on all sides until lightly browned. This adds flavor to the chili. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this point.
2. **Add Green Sauce:** Pour the blended green sauce over the chicken in the pot. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.

**Step 5: Simmer the Chili**

1. **Add Broth and Spices:** Pour the chicken broth into the pot. Add the cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
2. **Bring to a Simmer:** Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the chicken to become tender.
3. **Shred the Chicken:** After simmering, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

**Step 6: Add the Beans**

1. **Add Great Northern Beans:** Add the rinsed and drained Great Northern beans (or cannellini beans) to the pot. Stir to combine.
2. **Simmer Again:** Continue to simmer the chili for another 15-20 minutes to allow the beans to heat through and the flavors to meld even further.

**Step 7: Adjust Seasoning and Serve**

1. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, cumin, or oregano to your liking. If you want more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
2. **Serve Hot:** Serve the green chicken chili hot. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and lime wedges.

Tips and Variations for Chef John’s Green Chicken Chili

Here are some tips and variations to customize this green chicken chili recipe to your liking:

* **Spice Level:** To control the spice level, adjust the amount of jalapeño peppers you use. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder chili. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Chicken:** You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken in the last 20 minutes of simmering.
* **Beans:** Feel free to experiment with different types of beans. Pinto beans or black beans can be used instead of Great Northern beans, but the flavor profile will change.
* **Vegetarian Option:** To make this chili vegetarian, substitute the chicken with more beans or vegetables like zucchini, corn, or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
* **Smoked Flavor:** Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor of the chili.
* **Slow Cooker:** This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Sear the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic as instructed, then transfer all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving.
* **Instant Pot:** To make this chili in an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to sear the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. Shred the chicken before serving.
* **Roasting Alternatives:** If you don’t have a broiler, you can roast the tomatillos and peppers in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly charred. You can also roast them on a grill.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Add a handful of fresh cilantro or parsley to the chili during the last few minutes of simmering for a burst of freshness.
* **Lime Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end can brighten up the flavors of the chili.
* **Cornstarch Slurry:** If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the chili during the last few minutes of simmering to thicken it.
* **Storage:** Store leftover green chicken chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Chef John’s Green Chicken Chili is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Toppings:** Offer a variety of toppings for your guests to choose from, such as sour cream, shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar), chopped cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, and tortilla chips.
* **Sides:** Serve the chili with a side of cornbread, tortillas, or a simple green salad.
* **Nachos:** Use the green chicken chili as a topping for nachos. Layer tortilla chips with chili, cheese, and your favorite toppings, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Baked Potatoes:** Top baked potatoes with the green chicken chili, sour cream, and shredded cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal.
* **Tacos:** Use the green chicken chili as a filling for tacos. Serve with your favorite taco toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and salsa.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information for Chef John’s Green Chicken Chili can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. However, here is an approximate estimate per serving:

* **Calories:** 350-450
* **Protein:** 30-40 grams
* **Fat:** 15-25 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 20-30 grams
* **Fiber:** 5-8 grams

This chili is a good source of protein and fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied. It also contains vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Keep in mind that the sodium content can be high, especially if you use regular chicken broth. Using low-sodium broth and controlling the amount of salt you add can help reduce the sodium content.

Chef John’s Culinary Genius

Chef John is a well-known culinary personality recognized for his accessible recipes and engaging video tutorials. His method of teaching emphasizes simplicity and flavor, making even complex dishes seem approachable for the average home cook. The Green Chicken Chili is a prime example of Chef John’s culinary philosophy: easy-to-follow steps that lead to a remarkably delicious result.

Enhancements for Future Iterations

As with any great recipe, there are always ways to elevate the experience. Consider experimenting with different types of chiles for varied heat levels or even introducing a touch of lime zest to brighten the flavors. Smoking the chicken before shredding would impart an entirely new layer of depth and complexity. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe truly your own.

Conclusion

Chef John’s Green Chicken Chili is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, and it’s easily customizable to your spice preference and dietary needs. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a bowl of flavorful and satisfying green chicken chili!