Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 (16-ounce) jar salsa verde (such as Trader Joe’s or Herdez); 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced; 1½ lb. red potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1½ cups organic chicken broth

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a slow-cooked stew that fills your kitchen with warmth and invites everyone to gather around. This Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew Recipe strikes the perfect balance between cozy and zesty, with tender chicken, tender potatoes, and a tangy green chile punch that keeps you coming back for more.

A white bowl filled with a thick, creamy mixture of light beige chicken stew with softer textures, topped with three slices of light green avocado arranged in a fan shape on the right side and three bright green slices of jalapeño on the left. Fresh, dark green cilantro leaves sit on top, scattered but mostly grouped in the center. A gold spoon is placed inside the bowl on the left side. The background is a white marbled surface with lime wedges partially visible at the bottom left edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get over how simple this stew is to put together, yet it feels so special and homemade. It’s one of those meals I make when I want something hearty but fuss-free — seriously, just dump everything in your slow cooker and walk away. Your house will smell amazing in a few hours!

No fuss, big flavor: This recipe uses pantry staples like jarred salsa verde and canned chiles to deliver vibrant taste without endless prep.
Perfect comfort food: The tender chicken and creamy potatoes soak up all those spicy, smoky flavors like a hug in a bowl.
Meal prep friendly: It makes a big batch, holds well in the fridge, and even freezes beautifully for busy weeknights.
Flexible and forgiving: You can easily tweak the spice levels or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a key role, creating layers of flavor and satisfying textures. From the juicy chicken thighs to the bright salsa verde, this stew is a showcase of simple ingredients doing something truly delicious together.

Flat lay of fresh boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into cubes, a small white bowl filled with bright green salsa verde, a small white bowl containing diced green chiles, a medium yellow onion peeled and diced, three whole garlic cloves peeled, red potatoes cut into cubes, a small white bowl with ground cumin powder, a small white bowl with dried oregano, a small white bowl with coarse salt, a small white bowl with black peppercorns, and a small white bowl of clear organic chicken broth—all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender even after hours in the slow cooker, unlike chicken breast which can dry out.
Salsa verde: The star of the stew—its tangy tomatillo base and mild heat bring brightness and complexity.
Diced green chiles: Adds a subtle smoky spice boost without overpowering the dish.
Yellow onion: Sweetness from the onion softens and blends into the stew as it cooks low and slow.
Garlic cloves: Give that punch of aromatic depth, essential in any savory stew.
Red potatoes: These hold their shape better than regular white potatoes, becoming tender yet not mushy.
Ground cumin: Brings warm earthiness, a classic chile verde seasoning note.
Dried oregano: Adds herbal nuance that complements the chiles and salsa.
Organic chicken broth: Keeps the stew flavorful and moist; fresh broth is best for freezer meals.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simply essential to balance and brighten flavors at the end.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew Recipe is how you can play around with it. Feel free to add extra veggies or swap potatoes for sweet potatoes if you want a twist. I often toss in some frozen corn for a bit of natural sweetness.

Variation: When I want a creamier stew, I stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving—it cools the heat beautifully and adds richness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew Recipe

In a black slow cooker, there is a mix of chopped ingredients in broth. The base layer has small red and white pieces of potato and light pink chunks of meat, all partially covered by a yellowish-green broth. On top in the center, there is a mound of green chopped vegetables mixed with some brown and white powdered seasoning. The slow cooker is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Layer

I start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized cubes and the red potatoes into roughly one-inch chunks. Then I toss everything—chicken, potatoes, diced onion, garlic, salsa verde, canned green chiles, cumin, and oregano—right into the slow cooker. I give it a gentle stir to combine, making sure not to break up the potatoes.

Step 2: Add Broth and Season

Next, I pour in the chicken broth—this keeps the stew nice and juicy. Don’t add salt just yet; I prefer to wait until the end so I can adjust seasoning once everything’s melded together.

Step 3: Set It and Forget It

I pop the lid on and cook it on high for about 4 hours or low for 8 hours. I usually go for low and slow because it lets the flavors deepen more, but high works if you’re short on time. The goal: the potatoes should be tender and the chicken cooked through.

Step 4: Final Taste and Serve

Before serving, I taste and add salt and pepper to bring everything to life. Sometimes I squeeze in a bit of lime juice for brightness. Then it’s ready to enjoy!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve found a few little tricks that help this Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew Recipe turn out *just right* every time. These tips are the difference between a good stew and one that tastes like it came from a favorite neighborhood Mexican diner.

Use chicken thighs, not breasts: They stay tender and juicy even after hours of slow cooking, preventing that dry, tough texture.
Don’t over-stir: Give the slow cooker some space to work—stirring too often breaks up potatoes and chicken, turning your stew mushy.
Adjust seasoning at the end: Slow cooking concentrates flavors, so wait until the stew is done before salting to avoid over-seasoning.
Use fresh broth for freezing: If prepping ahead and freezing, add broth fresh at cooking time to keep the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew Recipe

Chicken Chile Verde - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my bowls with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and some diced avocado for creaminess that balances the slight kick from the chiles. A sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack adds a lovely, melty finish too.

Side Dishes

This stew shines on its own but pairs beautifully with warm corn tortillas or a simple side of Mexican rice. Sometimes I serve it alongside a crisp green salad to brighten the meal up.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to ladle the stew into mini bread bowls or serve it on tostadas topped with fresh radishes and pickled onions. It’s a fun way to turn this rustic stew into a festive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the stew cool slightly before transferring leftovers into airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well. I freeze it without the broth if prepping ahead (then add broth fresh when cooking), or freeze fully cooked portions if I know I’m done cooking. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, to keep the chicken tender and avoid drying out the potatoes. Microwave works in a pinch but stove method keeps the texture best.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can, but chicken breasts tend to dry out with slow cooking. Thighs are more forgiving and stay moist and tender, so they’re the better choice for this stew.

Is salsa verde the same as green chile sauce?

Salsa verde is a tangy tomatillo-based sauce with a fresh, bright flavor, while green chile sauce often has roasted or smoked chiles. For this recipe, salsa verde is key for its unique tartness and brightness.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt it by using the sauté function to combine ingredients, then pressure cook on high for about 15-20 minutes, followed by a natural release. Just watch the liquid levels—they may need to be adjusted for pressure cooking.

What’s the best way to thicken the stew if it’s too watery?

If your stew seems too thin at the end, you can remove the lid and let it simmer on high for 15-20 minutes to reduce. Alternatively, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in to thicken quickly.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen for good reason. It’s just one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a busy day—easy to make, packed with flavor, and so satisfying. I hope it finds a cozy spot in your rotation too, ready to nourish and delight whenever you need it most.