Spice Up Your Life With 44 Green Chile Recipes

Felicia Lim

July 31, 2024 at 2:43 AM·9 min read

If you're a big fan of a little (or a lot) of spice and heat in your life, then you definitely have to add green chiles to your list of ingredients to play around with. Native to New Mexico, green chiles or hatch chiles are fiery peppers that are grown in the Hatch Valley region. They impart a robust smoky flavor when added to soups, stews and insanely good Green Chile Enchiladas. They can actually range from mild and medium, to hot or extra hot in terms of heat.

If you've never cooked with green chiles before—or even if you have—they're an excellent addition to your pantry. This is why we've rounded up 44 of the best green chile recipes to try at home!

What Are the Different Types of Green Chiles?

There are many types of green chiles, and they vary in size, shape and most importantly, spice level. The most commonly available and frequently used are:

Hatch
Poblano
Serrano
Habanero
Jalape?o
Chilaca
Anaheim

What Are the Spiciest Green Chiles?

Anaheim chiles are less spicy than jalape?o peppers, hatch green chiles or serrano chiles, with habanero peppers being at the top of the spice level spectrum.

Related: 35 Best Salsa Recipes

The Difference Between Canned vs. Fresh Chiles

While some chiles are less commonly available in their fresh form (so getting canned versions of these are easier to find), opt for fresh chiles whenever possible. Fresh chiles impart a big kick of flavor and spice—and canned ones often cause the spice levels and taste to decrease over time. You can usually find fresh green chiles in the produce section near the green peppers, or canned chiles in the ethnic or international aisle of your local grocery store.

How to Cook With Green Chiles

There are many different ways to incorporate green chiles into your meals, from making appetizers such as Stuffed Hatch Green Chiles and Hatch Chili Hummus, to sides like Jalape?o Cornbread and Green Chile Pinto Beans, to main courses such as Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas and Green Chile Stew. You can even make Roasted Hatch Chiles, Homemade Green Chili Sauce or prepare your own Pickled Jalape?os.

Here are 44 hot and spicy green chile recipes to add a kick to your meals. Browse through them, make sure to pin your favorites and get ready to spice up your life!