Slow Cooker Hatch Green Chili

✅ Why This Chili Is a Game-Changer

Effortless weekday cooking

You literally toss everything in, set the timer, and walk away until dinner.

Authentic Hatch pepper flavor

Roasted green chiles create bright, smoky depth without long prep or stovetop time.

Adaptable & diet-friendly

Switch up the protein, go vegetarian, and choose your heat level.

Freezer-friendly & meal prep gold

Bulk prepare to fuel your week or share with friends.

Pork- and alcohol-free

Perfect for all dietary preferences, including families and communities.

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🧾 Ingredients at a Glance

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🛠 Must-Have Equipment & Prep Work

• 4- to 6-quart slow cooker (Crock-Pot)

• Baking sheet or small pan (for chiles)

• Knife, cutting board, measuring tools

• Wooden spoon or slotted ladle

• Freezer-safe containers (for meal prep)

Quick Prep Steps

1. Roast Hatch chiles under broiler or skillet, then peel/seeds.

2. Dice onion, garlic, and potatoes (if using).

3. Measure spices and liquids.

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🍲 Step-by-Step Recipe

4.1 Roast and Prepare Hatch Chiles

1. Roasting: Broil or char on skillet until skins blister (8–10 minutes).

2. Steam & Peel: Cover with towel or bag for 10 min, then remove charred skins and seeds while preserving flavorful oils.

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4.2 Layer, Dump & Cook

1. Lightly oil the slow cooker.

2. Add seasoned chicken at the bottom.

3. Top with onions, garlic, roasted chiles, and potatoes.

4. Pour in chicken broth; sprinkle cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.

5. Cook schedule:

   • LOW for 6–7 hours

   • HIGH for 3–4 hours

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4.3 Finish, Garnish & Serve

1. Remove chicken; shred with forks and return to the pot.

2. Optional: Stir in canned beans or corn.

3. Taste-adjust as needed.

4. Garnish with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and optional jalapeños.

5. Serve in bowls or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

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🌶️ Flavor Tweaks & Variations

• Spice control: Add jalapeño, chipotle, or go mild with mild chiles.

• Vegetarian swap: Use sweet potatoes and beans, skip chicken.

• Creamy twist: Stir in Greek yogurt or coconut cream at end.

• Chunky vs smooth: Mash some potatoes, or puree part of the stew.

• Extra depth: Toast your spices in oil before layering.

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🥣 Make-Ahead, Freezer & Meal Prep Tips

Full Cookbook Approach

1. To make ahead: don’t shred chicken until serving time.

2. Freeze in individual portions, include broth and protein.

3. Thaw overnight; reheat slowly, garnish fresh.

Meal Prepping

• Portion into single-serve containers.

• Store garnishes separately (lime, cilantro).

• Freeze for later—great grab-and-go lunches.

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🧊 Storing & Reheating Advice

• Fridge: 5 days in airtight container.

• Freezer: 3 months; thaw 24 hours before reheating.

• Reheat: Gently on stovetop or microwave; add broth if needed.

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❓ FAQs: All Your Questions Answered

Q1: Can I use pork or beef?

Yes—pork shoulder or beef chuck works well, just adjust cooking time (lower/longer).

Q2: How spicy is this?

Depends on chile heat. Use medium Hatch for family-friendly, add jalapeño or chipotle if you like spicy.

Q3: Vegetarian options?

Omit meat, add sweet potatoes, beans, and extra vegetables.

Q4: Can I prep everything the night before?

Yes—assemble in slow cooker insert, refrigerate overnight, then cook next morning.

Q5: How do I thicken the broth?

Mash a few potatoes in the pot, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and cold water near the end.

✅ Final Thoughts: Comfort Meets Convenience

The Slow Cooker Hatch Green Chili recipe combines Pinterest-worthy flavor and weeknight ease, perfect for fall and winter meal plans. Key benefits:

• 🔥 Bold Hatch chile taste

• 🚀 Effortless one-pot cooking

• 🥙 Freezer and meal prep flexibility

• 🌿 Family- and diet-friendly

• 🥣 Versatile serving options