This Colorado Pork Green Chili recipe is a rich, spicy, and flavorful dish that embodies the essence of Southwest cuisine. Made with tender pork, fire-roasted green chilies, and a savory broth, this dish is a staple in Colorado households and a must-try for chili lovers. Unlike traditional red chili, Colorado green chili has a unique depth of flavor, combining smoky, spicy, and tangy elements in a hearty, comforting stew.
This authentic Colorado pork green chili recipe is perfect for serving over rice, smothering burritos, or enjoying as a stew. With a slow-cooked, deeply infused flavor, this dish is a true taste of the Rockies.
Table of Contents
- What is Colorado Pork Green Chili?
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients for Authentic Green Chili
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- How to Customize Your Green Chili
- Best Ways to Serve Colorado Pork Green Chili
- Storage and Reheating Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colorado Pork Green Chili?
Colorado Pork Green Chili is a hearty, spicy stew made with roasted green chilies, tender pork, and a thickened broth. Unlike New Mexico green chili, which is often thinner and used as a sauce, Colorado green chili has a rich, gravy-like consistency, making it perfect for smothering burritos or enjoying as a standalone dish. 
This recipe features Hatch green chilies, a staple in Southwest cuisine, along with slow-cooked pork, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices that bring out the chili’s signature heat and depth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Authentic Colorado Flavor – Just like you’d find in Denver’s best restaurants.
Perfectly Balanced Heat – Smoky green chilies add just the right amount of spice.
Versatile & Hearty – Enjoy it as a stew, sauce, or burrito smothering.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients for Authentic A Colorado Pork Green Chili Recipe
The Pork
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Chili Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 2 cups roasted and peeled green chilies, chopped (Hatch or Anaheim)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adds depth of flavor)
For Serving
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Warm tortillas
Colorado Pork Green Chili Recipe Step-by-Step Instructions
Roast the Green Chilies
- If using fresh Hatch chilies, place them on a baking sheet under a broiler on high heat, turning occasionally, until charred and blistered.
- Remove and place them in a sealed bag for 10 minutes to steam.
- Peel off the blackened skin, remove the seeds, and chop them into small pieces.
(Skip this step if using canned fire-roasted green chilies.)
Brown the Pork
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the cubed pork, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides.
- Transfer the pork to a plate and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
- In the same pot, melt butter, then add onions. Sauté until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
Simmer the Chili
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps.
- Add the browned pork, roasted green chilies, diced tomatoes, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add apple cider vinegar for extra depth of flavor.
Thicken and Serve
- If the chili is too thin, simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime juice before serving.
How to Customize Your Green Chili
Make It Spicier: Add extra Hatch chilies or a diced jalapeño.
Make It Milder: Use Anaheim chilies instead of Hatch.
Thicker Gravy: Add an extra tablespoon of flour or masa harina.
Slow Cooker Version: Brown the pork, then cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Best Ways to Serve Colorado Pork Green Chili
- Over Smothered Burritos – The ultimate way to enjoy green chili!
- With Fresh Tortillas – Scoop it up like a stew.
- On Rice or Mashed Potatoes – Adds richness to any meal.
- As a Dip – Serve with warm tortilla chips.
Storage and Reheating Tips for This Colorado Pork Green Chili Recipe
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Simmer over medium-low heat, adding broth if needed.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned green chilies?
Yes! Canned fire-roasted green chilies work well for convenience.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute pork with roasted mushrooms or jackfruit and use vegetable broth.
3. What’s the difference between Colorado green chili and New Mexico green chili?
Colorado green chili is thicker and more stew-like, while New Mexico’s version is often thinner and used as a sauce.
This Colorado Pork Green Chili recipe is the ultimate comfort food, packed with bold flavors, smoky heat, and tender pork. Whether served over burritos or enjoyed as a hearty stew, this authentic recipe brings the taste of the Rocky Mountains to your table.
Try it today and let us know how you like it!
