Chicken Tomatillo Chili (Recipe)

Welcome to our delicious Chicken Tomatillo Chili recipe! If you’re a fan of spicy and flavorful dishes, this homemade chili is perfect for you.

Made with tangy tomatillos, green chilies, and tender chicken, this comforting and healthy chili will warm you up on a chilly night.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner or a comforting comfort food, this recipe has it all.

This Chicken Tomatillo Chili is gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by omitting the yogurt or cream toppings.

With its combination of bold flavors and satisfying textures, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by everyone. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways:

• Chicken Tomatillo Chili is a tangy and hearty stew made with tomatillos and green chilies.
• This homemade chili is gluten-free and can be made dairy-free.
• It’s a delicious comfort food that is perfect for a chilly night.
• This recipe can be made in a pot or slow cooker for convenience.
• Top your Chicken Tomatillo Chili with yogurt, cream, or your favorite toppings for added flavor and presentation.

Ingredients for Chicken Tomatillo Chili

When making Chicken Tomatillo Chili, gather the following ingredients:

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs for this recipe. If you’re short on time, a rotisserie chicken can be a great option as well.

Swiss chard adds a nutritious touch, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with fresh baby spinach. Additionally, if cannellini beans are not available, you can use great northern beans as a substitute.

How to Make Chicken Tomatillo Chili

Making delicious Chicken Tomatillo Chili is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and satisfying green chili recipe that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 6 tomatillos
• 2 Poblano peppers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cooked and shredded
• 2 cups Swiss chard, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional toppings:

• Cilantro
• Sour cream
• Avocado
• Tortilla chips
• Lime wedges
• Cheese

Here’s how to make Chicken Tomatillo Chili using a pressure cooker:

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tomatillos and Poblano peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until they are softened and slightly charred. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
2. Step 2: In a pot or pressure cooker, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the dried oregano, ground cumin, and chili powder to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
4. Step 4: Remove the skins and seeds from the roasted Poblano peppers, then chop them into small pieces. Add the roasted tomatillos and chopped Poblano peppers to the pot.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and add the cannellini beans. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked and shredded chicken thighs to the pot. If using a pressure cooker, secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. If using a regular pot, simmer the chili for 20 minutes on the stovetop.
7. Step 7: Meanwhile, prepare the cilantro pesto by blending cilantro, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper in an immersion blender until smooth.
8. Step 8: Once the chicken chili verde is cooked, use an immersion blender to partially blend the chili, leaving some chunky texture.
9. Step 9: Stir in the chopped Swiss chard and season the chili with salt and black pepper to taste.
10. Step 10: Serve the Chicken Tomatillo Chili hot, topped with a dollop of cilantro pesto and your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

If you prefer to use a slow cooker, follow the same steps to prepare the ingredients and sauté them in a pot before adding them to the slow cooker.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the flavors meld together and the chicken is tender.

Whichever method you choose, this Chicken Tomatillo Chili recipe will deliver a delicious and comforting meal.

Enjoy the tangy and smoky flavors of this green chili recipe that is sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!

Tips and Variations for Chicken Tomatillo Chili

When making Chicken Tomatillo Chili, you have the flexibility to customize it according to your taste preferences. Here are some tips and variations to help you create a delicious and unique twist on this classic dish:

Variety of Beans

While the traditional recipe calls for cannellini beans, you can experiment with different types of beans to add variety and texture to your Chicken Tomatillo Chili. Consider using great northern beans, pinto beans, or black beans for a different flavor profile.

Substitute Swiss Chard

If Swiss chard is not readily available, don’t worry! You can easily swap it out with other mild greens such as fresh baby spinach.

This substitution won’t compromise the taste or integrity of the dish, allowing you to use ingredients that suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Freezing Leftovers

Chicken Tomatillo Chili makes for a convenient and delicious freezer meal. If you have leftovers, simply store them in airtight containers and freeze for future enjoyment.

These frozen portions can be reheated whenever you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of chili, making meal prep a breeze.

Don’t forget to label your containers with the date to keep track of how long they’ve been in the freezer. Frozen leftovers are typically best consumed within 6 months.

Enhance with Toppings

To add extra flavor and presentation to your Chicken Tomatillo Chili, consider topping it off with a variety of toppings. Sour cream, avocado slices, crushed tortilla chips, and fresh lime wedges can provide a burst of freshness and creaminess.

Additionally, grated cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Cheddar, can add a delightful richness to the dish.

Experiment with different combinations of toppings to find your favorite flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!

Customizing your Chicken Tomatillo Chili allows you to explore different flavors, adapt to dietary preferences, and make the most of the ingredients you have on hand.

Whether you’re a fan of white bean chili, chicken verde chili, or slow cooker chili verde, incorporating these tips and variations will elevate your chili-making skills and impress your loved ones.

The Importance of Roasting Tomatillos and Chiles

The process of roasting tomatillos and chiles before adding them to the Chicken Tomatillo Chili enhances the flavor profile of the dish. Roasting the tomatillos makes them sweeter and complements the tanginess of the chiles.

It also adds a natural smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the chili. Roasting the ingredients on a grill or in the oven helps to develop umami depth and brings out the best flavors in the green chili recipe.

If you’re wondering why roasting tomatillos and chiles is such an important step in making Chicken Tomatillo Chili, let’s take a closer look at the benefits:

Enhanced Flavor Profile

Roasting tomatillos brings out their natural sweetness, balancing the tangy and tart flavors they possess.

The roasted tomatillos beautifully harmonize with the spiciness of the chiles, resulting in a well-rounded, delicious taste in every bite.

The combination of these roasted ingredients creates a complex flavor profile that is both satisfying and irresistible.

Smoky and Umami Depth

When tomatillos and chiles are roasted, they acquire a smoky flavor that adds a delightful twist to the Chicken Tomatillo Chili.

This smokiness complements the other ingredients and gives the chili a unique and irresistible taste. Additionally, the process of roasting enhances the umami depth of the chiles, resulting in a more robust and flavorful chili.

Instructions for Roasting

To roast the tomatillos and chiles, you can either use a grill or an oven. Here’s a simple guide to roast them to perfection:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Remove the husks from the tomatillos and rinse them under cold water to remove any sticky residue.
3. Place the tomatillos and chiles on the grill grates or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Grill or roast the ingredients for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are well-charred and softened.
5. Once roasted, remove the tomatillos and chiles from the grill or oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
6. Peel off the charred skin from the chiles and discard it. Chop the roasted tomatillos and chiles according to the recipe instructions.

By taking the extra step to roast your tomatillos and chiles, you’ll elevate the flavors of your Chicken Tomatillo Chili, creating a truly sensational dish.

The Benefits of Using a Pressure Cooker for Chicken Tomatillo Chili

Using a pressure cooker for Chicken Tomatillo Chili offers several benefits. It allows for quick and tender cooking of the chicken, resulting in flavorful and moist meat. The high pressure helps to intensify the flavors of the ingredients, creating a rich and delicious chili base.

Additionally, using a pressure cooker allows for a one-pot meal, as the cooking process takes place in a single pot, minimizing clean-up. The convenience and efficiency of a pressure cooker make it a great tool for making this chicken verde chili recipe.

Whether you’re short on time or simply want a hassle-free cooking experience, a pressure cooker is the perfect appliance for preparing this tasty and nutritious one-pot meal.

The intense pressure inside the cooker helps to tenderize the chicken quickly, resulting in a dish that is both quick and tender.

The pressure cooker locks in the flavors, ensuring that every bite of the Chicken Tomatillo Chili is bursting with intense flavor.

The combination of tangy tomatillos, spicy chilies, and savory chicken creates a harmonious blend of tastes that will satisfy your cravings.

Not only does a pressure cooker save time and amplify flavors, but it also allows you to create a complete meal in one pot.

The convenience of cooking everything together – from the chicken to the beans and vegetables – eliminates the need for multiple pans and simplifies the cooking process.

So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that is packed with flavor, give Chicken Tomatillo Chili a try in your pressure cooker. You’ll be amazed at how tender, flavorful, and satisfying this one-pot meal can be!