Spice Up Your Comfort Food with this Chicken & Hatch Chile Stew Recipe

If you're craving a warm, comforting meal with a spicy kick, this Chicken & Hatch Chile Stew is the perfect dish to try! Made with tender, shredded chicken, smoky Hatch chiles, and a blend of hearty vegetables, this stew is a crowd-pleaser for cozy dinners or meal prep. This simple one-pot meal will become a favorite in your kitchen--whether pleasing chili lovers or chicken soup fans. Read on for the full recipe, cooking tips, and serving suggestions to elevate your culinary game!

 

Why You'll Love This Chicken & Hatch Chile Stew

Hatch chiles come from the Hatch Valley of New Mexico, and we can usually find them everywhere in our Midwest grocery stores in August and early September. These chilis have a unique smoky and spicy flavor, making them the star of this Hatch chile recipe. Combined with juicy chicken and a rich broth, this stew offers a balance of heat and comfort food. You can pretty easily adapt this recipe to suit your family's needs-- making it great for families looking for gluten-free chicken stew ideas or even healthy chili recipes. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor!

 

Ingredients for Chicken & Hatch Chile Stew

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, boiled and shredded
• 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 c. Frozen Corn
• 1 Tbsp. Ground Coriander
• 1/2 Tbsp. Ground Cumin
• 2 tsp. Paprika
• 1/4 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Ground Black Pepper
• 4-5 fresh Hatch chiles, roasted, peeled, and chopped
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 16 oz. Jar Salsa Verde
• 1 c. Long Grain White Rice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)
• Sour Cream (for serving)
• Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken & Hatch Chile Stew 

1. Prepare the Hatch Chiles: If using fresh Hatch chiles, roast them over an open flame or under a broiler until the skins are charred. I use the broiler and it takes about 10 minutes to fully roast the peppers. Pop the charred peppers into a bowl of iced water to cool them, then peel off the skins, remove seeds, and chop. (Tip: Wear gloves to avoid irritation from chile oils! AND be sure that you don't rub your eyes while working with the peppers!) If using canned chiles, simply drain and chop.
2. Cook the Chicken: I like to boil the chicken for this recipe. Cover the chicken with water or a mix of water and store-bought chicken broth in large stock pot and boil about 30 minutes or until the pieces shred easily.
3. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In a large dutch oven or soup pot, heat the olive oil until hot. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the corn and stir in the garlic and cook for another minute or so.
4. Build the Stew Base: Add coriander, cumin, and paprika, stirring to toast the spices for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth, salsa verde, and chopped Hatch chiles. Stir the ingredients to combine.
5. Simmer: Add the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it into the broth. Add a cup of uncooked rice. Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cook for about 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is cooked.
6. Serve: Ladle the stew into soup bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Serve the stew with lime wedges for a zesty finish. Pair with warm tortillas or crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

 

Cooking Tips for the Best Hatch Chile Stew

• Adjusting Spice Levels: Hatch chiles vary in heat. I find that roasting and removing the seeds make them a little more smoky and less "hot" in stew. If you have larger peppers--or peppers labeled as "hot," you may want to use fewer peppers for a milder flavor.
• Roasting Chiles: Roasting fresh Hatch chiles enhances their smoky flavor. If you’re short on time, canned or jarred Hatch chiles are a convenient alternative without sacrificing taste. I love to buy a bunch of Hatch chiles when they are on sale--our local stores feature them for .99/pound (or less) for weeks around this time. I buy a few pounds, roast them and freeze in pre-portioned-sized bags for ready-roasted peppers for winter soup.
• Make It Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store stew leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
• Protein Variations: I use chicken breast--but, you can substitute with chicken thigh meat, turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a faster version of this easy chicken chili recipe.

 

Health Benefits of Chicken & Hatch Chile Stew

 

This recipe is not only a delicious comfort food--but also serves up nutritional benefits. Chicken provides lean protein, essential for muscle repair and energy. Hatch chiles are rich in vitamin C, supporting immune health, while corn and rice add carbohydrates for energy. To make this a low-calorie chicken stew, omit the corn and rice and add in chopped zucchini or caulflower.

 

I serve this stew with warmed tortilla chips or cornbread. It also goes great with salad greens & a chipoltle lime salad dressing. Planning to share this at a gathering or casual dinner? Create a stew topping bar with options like shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, and chopped cilantro, letting everyone build their perfect bowl.

 

Why Hatch Chiles Are Special

 

Hatch chiles come from the Hatch Valley of New Mexico. The climate of the region gives these peppers their distinct flavor. Available fresh during late summer and early fall, they’re a seasonal treat worth seeking out at farmers’ markets or specialty stores. Their unique flavor profile—smoky, earthy, and spicy—sets this Hathc chile stew apart from traditional chili recipes. If Hatch chiles aren't available in your area, you can substitute with poblano or Anaheim peppers--but, the flavors won’t be exactly the same.

 

Final Thoughts

 

This Chicken & Hatch Chile Stew is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of bold Southwestern flavors and comforting ingredients. Perfect for chilly nights, game day gatherings, or a simple family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Have you tried cooking with Hatch chiles before? Share your thoughts or variations in the comments below! 

 

Take a second and pin this recipe to Pinterest or share it with friends looking for spicy chicken stew recipes or easy one-pot meals.