9 of the Best Green Chile Dishes

Written by
Chelsie Kenyon
Chelsie Kenyon, author of "Knack Mexican Cooking," is a former freelance writer and recipe developer with more than 10 years' experience in Mexican cuisine.
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Chelsie Kenyon
Updated 05/16/20

Fresh green chiles are harvested from August through October. They provide a mild heat and are very versatile since they can be used fresh or roasted. Using fresh chilies for your cooking is always best, but if you cannot find fresh green chilies or they are out of season, frozen or canned green chilies will do in a pinch. If you find yourself with an abundance of green chilies, or really love their flavor, you can roast them, peel them, and then freeze them in an airtight container for use all year long.

  • 01 of 09

    Chile Rellenos

    Chile relleno

     

    MiguelMalo / Getty Images 

    This classic dish of green chiles stuffed with cheese, dipped in batter, and fried is very simple. All you need is chiles, cheese and eggs. In this step-by-step recipe, each step includes a picture so you can follow along at home. 

  • 02 of 09

    Rajas

    Roasted peppers, corn and cream

    Jason Poole / E+ / Getty Images

    Caramelized onions and roasted green chiles come together in a creamy sauce that will make your mouth water. Rajas make a great side dish to a Mexican meal or a tasty vegetarian filling for tacos.

  • 03 of 09

    Roasted Green Chiles

    Green chili peppers on plate

    Marilyn Conway / Photographer's Choice / Getty Images

    The best way to get the skin off of a chile and give the chile a wonderful smoky flavor is to roast it. Roasted green chiles are used in everything from chile verde to salsa verde. Once you master this roasting technique, you'll be able to use these versatile chilies in a number of dishes. 

  • 04 of 09

    Chile Verde

    Anaheim chili verde with cornbread

    Tim McAfee Photography / StockFood Creative / Getty Images

    This meat stew is a well-known Mexican dish and can be made with chicken or pork. The meat is simmered in seasoned green chile sauce as well as diced green chiles. It is rich and hearty, perfect for a fall evening.

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  • 05 of 09

    Chilaquiles

    Chilaquiles recipe

    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

    This simple yet flavorful breakfast dish uses only three ingredients and can be prepared in ten minutes. Tortilla chips are soaked in green chile sauce and topped with cheese. This makes for a filling breakfast alone or you can serve it over scrambled eggs or topped with fried eggs. 

  • 06 of 09

    Enchiladas Verde

    Enchiladas verde with chicken recipe

    ​The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

    Green chile sauce is the key to these delicious chicken enchiladas. You only need 6 ingredients and an oven to make them. These chicken enchiladas can easily be made ahead of time and they freeze well. Once you are ready to eat them, simply defrost and then bake (or if you are super short on time, bake straight from frozen, just for a longer time).

  • 07 of 09

    Guacamole With Roasted Green Chiles

    Guacamole

    Ray Kachatorian / The Image Bank / Getty Images

    Liven up your next party with a delicious and creamy guacamole that wows the crowds with the zesty flavor of roasted green chiles. You can't go wrong with this take on a classic guacamole recipe.

  • 08 of 09

    Green Chile and Cheese Flautas

    Flautas served with beans and salad

    Sonia Martinez / EyeEm / Getty Images

    These green chile and cheese flautas show off the smoky flavors of fresh roasted green chiles. They are rolled in a tortilla with cheese and fried until golden brown. Serve them with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream on the side for a tasty and complete meal. 

    Continue to 9 of 9 below.
  • 09 of 09

    Salsa Verde

    Salsa verde in glass bowl

    William Reavell / Dorling Kindersley / Getty Images

    Salsa verde is a zesty green salsa made with roasted green chiles and tangy tomatillos. It's a versatile sauce that is perfect for snacking with tortilla chips or layering on chicken or fish before baking.