The ULTIMATE Chili Verde - Big Bold Flavor!

The ULTIMATE Chili Verde - Big Bold Flavor! is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 6. 480 calories per serving. Recipe by Chili Pepper Madness on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 2 hrs 44 min | Total: 3 hrs 24 min

Cost: $20.50 total, $3.42 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Tomatillos (husks removed, sliced in half)
  • 3 whole Jalapeño Peppers (stems removed, sliced lengthwise, seeds removed)
  • 3 whole Poblano Peppers (stems removed, sliced lengthwise, seeds removed)
  • 3 pounds Pork Shoulder (boneless) (lightly trimmed of excess fat, cut into bite‑size cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons Ancho Chili Powder (adds smoky depth)
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin (freshly ground if possible)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for searing; vegetable oil works as well)
  • 1 medium Onion (peeled and diced)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Mexican Oregano (crushed)
  • 0.5 cup Chicken Stock (low‑sodium; can add more if sauce gets too thick)
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice (juice of about 1 medium lime)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Peppers and Tomatillos

    Remove stems from the jalapeños and poblanos, slice each pepper lengthwise, and discard the seeds. Slice the tomatillos in half, keeping the stem side up. Arrange all vegetables skin‑side up on a lightly oiled baking sheet.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Broil Vegetables

    Set the oven to broil. Place the baking sheet on the lower rack for tomatillos and the peppers on the upper rack so the peppers char a bit faster. Broil for 12‑15 minutes, until the skins are blackened and puffed.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: broil

  3. Season the Pork

    Cut the pork shoulder into bite‑size cubes (about 1½‑2 inches). In a large bowl combine the pork with 2 Tbsp ancho powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, salt and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Sear the Pork

    Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in the large pot over medium‑high heat. Working in batches, add pork cubes and sear 2‑3 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. Transfer browned pieces to a plate.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  5. Sauté Onion

    Add a little more oil if needed, then add the diced onion to the same pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Add Garlic and Oregano

    Stir in the minced garlic and 1 Tbsp Mexican oregano. Cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Deglaze with Chicken Stock

    Pour in ½ cup chicken stock, stirring to loosen the caramelized bits stuck to the pot. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  8. Blend the Verde Sauce

    Transfer the roasted tomatillos, jalapeños, and poblanos (skins removed) to a food processor. Add any accumulated juices and blend until smooth. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Combine Everything

    Return the seared pork to the pot, pour the blended verde sauce over the meat, and stir to combine. Add additional chicken stock if you prefer a thinner consistency.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  10. Simmer the Chili Verde

    Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours, or until the pork is fork‑tender. Check after 1 hour and stir; add a splash of stock if the sauce is drying out.

    Time: PT2H0M

    Temperature: low

  11. Finish with Cilantro and Lime

    Stir in ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 Tbsp lime juice just before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.

    Time: PT3M

  12. Serve

    Ladle the chili verde into bowls. Serve hot with warm tortillas, rice, or crusty bread. Garnish with extra cilantro or a drizzle of crema if desired.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
480
Protein
45 g
Carbohydrates
5 g
Fat
30 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo-Friendly

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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The ULTIMATE Chili Verde - Big Bold Flavor!

Recipe by Chili Pepper Madness

A vibrant Mexican‑style pork chili simmered in a homemade tomatillo‑poblano‑jalapeño verde sauce. Tender pork shoulder cubes are seared for a caramelized crust, then slow‑cooked with aromatic onion, garlic, oregano, and chicken stock until melt‑in‑your‑mouth tender. Finished with fresh cilantro and lime juice, this chili verde is perfect for a hearty dinner or a crowd‑pleasing gathering.

MediumMexicanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
50m
Prep
2h 14m
Cook
22m
Cleanup
3h 26m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$20.50
Total cost
$3.42
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Roasting the tomatillos and peppers until the skins are charred for maximum flavor.
  • Peeling the roasted pepper skins – they should slip off easily.
  • Searing the pork cubes in batches to develop a deep brown crust.
  • Simmering the chili for at least 2 hours until the pork is fork‑tender.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw pork with clean hands and sanitize all surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the hot baking sheet from the broiler.
  • Be cautious of hot oil splatter while searing the pork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Pork Chili Verde in Mexican cuisine?

A

Chili verde originates from the northern Mexican states where tomatillos and mild chilies are abundant. Traditionally, pork or chicken is simmered in a tangy tomatillo‑based sauce, creating a bright, fresh alternative to the classic red‑chili stews. It is often served at family gatherings and festive occasions.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chili Verde in Mexican cuisine?

A

In Sonora and Chihuahua, pork is the preferred meat and poblano peppers dominate the sauce. In the Yucatán, the sauce may include sour orange juice and achiote. Some coastal versions add tomatillo salsa with cilantro and serve the stew over rice or with corn tortillas.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Chili Verde traditionally served in Mexico?

A

Authentic Chili Verde is ladled over warm corn tortillas or Mexican rice, often accompanied by fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, and a squeeze of lime. It can also be served with refried beans and a side of pickled onions.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Pork Chili Verde traditionally associated with in Mexican culture?

A

Pork Chili Verde is popular at weekend family meals, birthday celebrations, and holiday feasts such as Día de los Muertos. Its bright flavor makes it a favorite for spring gatherings when fresh tomatillos are in season.

cultural
Q

How does Pork Chili Verde fit into the broader Mexican cuisine tradition?

A

Chili verde showcases Mexico’s love for balancing heat, acidity, and earthiness. It complements other staple dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and pozole, highlighting the versatility of pork and the region’s abundant green chilies.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Pork Chili Verde versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include tomatillos, poblano and jalapeño peppers, pork shoulder, Mexican oregano, and fresh cilantro. Acceptable substitutes are green tomatoes for tomatillos, Anaheim peppers for poblanos, and pork butt instead of shoulder.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with Pork Chili Verde?

A

Serve Pork Chili Verde alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, warm corn tortillas, or a simple avocado salad. A side of pickled red onions adds a crunchy contrast, and a cold cerveza balances the heat.

cultural
Q

What makes Pork Chili Verde special or unique in Mexican cuisine?

A

Its bright green hue comes from roasted tomatillos and chilies, delivering a tangy, slightly smoky flavor that differs from the richer, tomato‑based red chilis. The combination of seared pork and slow‑cooked verde sauce creates depth while keeping the meat juicy.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pork Chili Verde?

A

Common mistakes include overcrowding the pan when searing, which prevents a proper crust; under‑roasting the peppers, resulting in a bland sauce; and simmering on too high a heat, which can toughen the pork. Follow the critical steps for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this Pork Chili Verde recipe use a broiler for roasting instead of grilling?

A

Broiling provides intense, direct heat similar to a grill but inside the oven, making it easier to control and keep the kitchen tidy. It also allows the tomatillos and peppers to char evenly without needing outdoor equipment.

technical
Q

Can I make Pork Chili Verde ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the chili can be prepared up to three days in advance. Cool it quickly, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of stock if the sauce has thickened.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chili Pepper Madness specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chili Pepper Madness focuses on bold, spice‑forward recipes ranging from classic Mexican dishes to creative chili‑infused meals. Host Mike emphasizes flavor layering, proper pepper handling, and techniques for both stovetop and slow‑cooker cooking.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chili Pepper Madness' approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Chili Pepper Madness blends traditional Mexican flavors with modern, high‑heat techniques like broiling and searing, and often experiments with unusual pepper varieties. Unlike some channels that stick strictly to classic recipes, Mike encourages customization and heat level adjustments while keeping the dishes approachable for home cooks.

channel

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