Easy Chili Verde
A hearty, flavorful chili verde featuring tender pork shoulder simmered with green salsa, chilies, and seasonings, perfect for comforting meals and adaptable heat levels.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pierce the pork shoulder roast with garlic cloves, using as much or as little as desired. Lightly sprinkle with cumin and lemon pepper.
- Slow cook the roast in the oven at 250°F until done, approximately 6-8 hours. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Once cooked, trim excess fat and shred the meat into a crockpot.
- Add the jar of salsa, green salsa, diced green chilies, and diced onion to the crockpot.
- Cook in the crockpot for several hours, adjusting heat as desired.
- If the chili verde is too thick, add more chicken broth. If too thin, thicken with a cornstarch and water mixture.
- Serve hot, adjusting heat levels based on salsa and green chilies for milder or spicier flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the pork shoulder in the spices overnight before cooking. If you don't have Herdez green salsa, any green salsa will work as a substitute. You can also add chopped bell peppers or diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Remember, the longer you let it cook in the crockpot, the more the flavors will meld together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili verde hot over rice or with warm tortillas for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Rosey'S Mexican Casserole and can be topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, or avocado. For a complete meal, consider serving with Pat'S Favorite Spanish Rice or a side of Mexican Tortilla Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. For longer storage, consider freezing the chili verde in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chili Verde contains roughly 758 calories, with 27g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (67% of the Daily Value), and protein (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1936mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
Yes, while pork shoulder is ideal for its tenderness, you can substitute it with pork loin or chicken thighs for a leaner option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since these cuts might cook faster than pork shoulder.
How can I adjust the spice level of the chili verde?
To control the spice level, choose milder or spicier salsas and green chilies. For a milder version, opt for medium salsa and canned green chilies; for extra heat, use hot varieties. You can also add fresh jalapeños or chipotle peppers to increase the spice.
Is this chili verde suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This chili verde is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and the flavors improve after a day in the fridge. Prepare a large batch and portion it out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).