Slow Cooker Chile Verde

This Slow Cooker Chile Verde is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish made with tender pork shoulder simmered in a tangy, spicy tomatillo-based salsa verde. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or served over rice, this recipe is easy to prepare and delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the irresistible aroma filling your kitchen!

Prep Time

• 30 minutes

Cook Time

• 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)

Total Time

• 6–8.5 hours

Servings

• 6–8 servings

Ingredients

• 3 pounds pork shoulder , trimmed of excess fat and cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil (such as vegetable or canola, just enough to sear the pork)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour , for lightly dredging the pork
• 2 poblano peppers , whole
• 2 Anaheim peppers , whole
• 2 jalapeño peppers , whole (remove seeds for less heat if desired)
• 4 cloves garlic , peeled
• 6 fresh tomatillos , husks removed and rinsed
• 1 large white onion , peeled and quartered
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro , thick stems trimmed, leaves loosely packed
• ¾ teaspoon salt , or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth , for blending and braising

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) .
2. On a baking sheet, arrange the poblano peppers , Anaheim peppers , jalapeños , tomatillos , garlic cloves , and quartered onion in a single layer.
3. Roast in the oven (on racks positioned 2 levels below the broiler) for 20–25 minutes , or until the vegetables are blistered and charred but not burnt. Rotate halfway through for even roasting.
4. Remove from the oven and let the vegetables cool slightly before handling.

Step 2: Blend the Salsa Verde

1. Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender. Add the fresh cilantro (thick stems removed).
2. Blend until smooth or slightly chunky, depending on your preference. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to help it blend smoothly. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Pork

1. Toss the cubed pork shoulder in all-purpose flour until evenly coated.
2. Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat .
3. Sear the pork in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, until browned on all sides. This step develops flavor but doesn’t require the pork to be fully cooked through.

Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

1. Place the browned pork in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared salsa verde over the meat.
2. Add salt , pepper , cumin , oregano , and chicken broth . Stir gently to combine, ensuring the pork is well-coated in the sauce.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

1. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours , or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
2. Once done, use two forks to shred the pork directly in the slow cooker, allowing it to soak up more of the flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve the Chile Verde warm with your favorite accompaniments, such as:
   • Warm corn tortillas for tacos
   • Steamed rice or quinoa
   • Refried beans
   • Shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and fresh cilantro for garnish
2. Enjoy every bite of this zesty, comforting dish!

Pro Tips

• Adjusting Heat: For milder heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For extra spice, leave them in or add an additional chili pepper.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days . Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Make Ahead: The salsa verde can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fats: 16g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Chile Verde is a vibrant and hearty dish that combines tender, fall-apart pork with a tangy, spicy salsa verde. The roasted vegetables bring depth and complexity to the sauce, while the slow cooking process ensures the flavors meld beautifully. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or using it as a filling for tacos, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ready to make a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and oh-so-comforting? Grab your ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic—this Chile Verde is pure comfort food perfection!