• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cooking On The Ranch logo

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Roundup
  • Contact Me
  • Join Community
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Soups, Stews, & Chilis
  • About
  • Recipe Roundup
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home > Hatch Green Chile Recipes

    Hatch Green Chile Recipes

    Best Hatch Chile Recipes

    Make some of your favorite Mexican foods using these delicious Hatch green chile recipes! New Mexico Hatch chile peppers are a popular spicy pepper with a depth of flavor that allows it to be used to create delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes. Learn how Hatch chiles have become one of the most popular chile peppers in America.

    A bushel basket of Hot Hatch Chile Peppers

    What’s up with the New Mexico Chile Pepper craze? Is it normal to get so obsessed with a chile pepper? For us here in Colorado, it’s completely normal because we happen to have neighbors to the South that spoil us with their famous Hatch Chile Peppers.

    Each Fall, we celebrate the arrival of Hatch Chile peppers. Parking lots and roadside stands fire up their chile roasting drums and the aromas of New Mexico chiles fill the air.

    We evangelize and we obsess. We talk constantly about them, we dig out our hatch green chile recipes, and we add Hatch chile peppers to almost everything we cook.

    And we stock our freezers with baggies full of the roasted chile peppers.

    Table of contents

    • What are Hatch Chiles?
    • Are Hatch Chile Peppers Hot?
    • New Mexico Chile Powder
    • Hatch Pepper Recipes
    • Hatch Chile Breakfast Recipes
    • Hatch Pepper Recipes with Chicken
    • Hatch Chile Burgers
    • Appetizers – Hatch Green Chile Recipes
    • Green Chile Stew Recipes and Soup Recipes
    • More Delicious Hatch Chile Recipes
    • Colorado Chile Peppers, The Pueblo Chile
    • Pueblo Chile vs Hatch Chile
    • Recipes Using Colorado Pueblo Chiles

    What are Hatch Chiles?

    There are several New Mexico chile varieties, but the Hatch chile peppers are highly coveted. Simply stated, for a chile pepper to be labeled “Hatch” it must be grown in the Hatch Valley in Southern New Mexico.

    The town of Hatch, New Mexico (population 1,600) and the Hatch Valley region are home to some of the most coveted chile peppers on the market.

    Known as Hatch peppers, these chiles are more than a single type. In fact, there’s a wide selection of sub-varieties grown in the Hatch Valley,  that fall under the title of “Hatch chiles” which gives Hatch peppers a wide swing on the Scoville scale.

    If you have ever lived in or visited New Mexico, you likely know that New Mexico chile peppers are part of the rich culture and heritage that the state is famous for. And of course they’re famous for their Hatch Green Chile Recipes.

    In 1999, the New Mexico legislature adopted an official state question; “red vs. green chile”. If you have dined in a traditional New Mexico restaurant, you have likely been asked which type of chile pepper you prefer, a red or green chile. The debate over red vs. green chilies will likely last for generations to come.

    Basically, a red chile pepper is one that’s been left on the plant long enough that the pepper turns red. Most chile peppers are harvested as green.

    Are Hatch Chile Peppers Hot?

    Hatch New Mexico chile peppers vary in their level of heat, but the spiciness of Hatch green chili varieties is often compared to Anaheim chilies. They have a great balance of smoky and sweet flavors.

    Extra Hot Hatch Chile Peppers in a bushel basket

    New Mexico Chile Powder

    You bet I own a good supply of both red Hatch Chile Powder and green Hatch Chile Powder, as well as other varieties of chile powders from regions in New Mexico.

    How to make chile powder? Chile peppers are dried and then ground into a fine powder to use in sauces, soups, and chili. And to season tacos, enchiladas and burritos. It’s flat out delicious.

    About Coveted Chimayo Chile Powder

    And one of the most sought after New Mexico chile powder is Chimayo Chile Powder. With an exquisite copper red color and a bold flavor that can’t be beat, it’s my first choice for cooking any Southwestern recipe.

    authentic chamayo chili powder

    Be cautious of purchasing packages of chile powder labeled Chimayo Chile Powder. It only comes from Chimayo, New Mexico and comes with a pretty price tag. I’ve seen bags of chile powder labeled Chimayo that are selling for $3.00. I doubt this is authentic. Bags sold in Chimayo sell for $15 – $25.

    I purchase my Chimayo chile powder in the village of Chimayo and trust the purchases from the Trading Post next to El Santuatio de Chimayo. I’ve also feel comfortable with my purchases from Ortega Weaving in Chimayo. 

    • Pure Chimayo Red Chile Powder comes from Chimayo, New Mexico
    • Chimayo Chile comes from a less common strain of pepper, called Capsicum annuum Chimayo.
    • This distinctive smaller Chile has been adapted to live in the high and dry arid climate of northern New Mexico.
    • The chile is grown in small batches from original heirloom seeds passed down from generation to generation.
    • The local families in Chimayo have been farming this strain of chile for over four hundred years.
    • Chimayo Red Chile powder is wonderful in any Southwestern dish as it maintains its heat without being overwhelming.
    • It’s excellent in soups, chili, stews, and sauces.

    Hatch Pepper Recipes

    The versatility of Hatch chiles to be used in Mexican food recipes is amazing! You can use them to create everything from Hatch chile dip and Hatch green chile sauce to breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes.

    We’ve even heard of people who add Hatch green chile peppers to Mexican dessert recipes like Hatch chile apple pie!

    Here are some of our favorite Hatch green chile recipes:

    Hatch Chile Breakfast Recipes

    Using the Hatch New Mexico chile peppers in these easy breakfast recipes gives them a little extra kick to get you going in the morning!

    Overnight Make Ahead Breakfast Burrito Casserole
    This overnight breakfast burritos are perfect for feeding a hungry breakfast crowd. Sausage, cheese, eggs and chile peppers, it's everything you'd expect from a breakfast burrito casserole.
    Check out this recipe
    Overnight make ahead breakfast burrito casserole in a 9 x 13 pyrex baking dish
    Chorizo Breakfast Tacos with Potatoes and Eggs
    Tacos aren't just for dinner. Chorizo, crispy potatoes and over-easy eggs are simply THE best way to start out your day. Bold epic flavors, with a soft steamy flour tortilla, you'll want to make these over and over.
    Check out this recipe
    Chorizo and Eggs Breakfast taco with potaotes
    Smothered Breakfast Burrito with Hatch Green Chili
    A Southwestern New Mexico inspired Hatch Green Chili Smothered breakfast burrito recipe. Learn how to build a great breakfast burrito in your own kitchen.
    Check out this recipe
    Breakfast burrito made with a flour tortilla, filled with potatoes, scrambled eggs, and bacon. Smothered with melted cheese and Hatch green chili.
    Southwest Scrambled Egg Sandwich
    This Southwestern scrambled egg breakfast sandwich is one of our favorite Hatch green chili recipes for breakfast. Scrambled eggs with a green chile kick.
    Check out this recipe
    Mexican Scrambled Egg Breakfast sandwich with Hatchamole
    Eggs Rio Grande
    This is a recipe for Eggs Rio Grande, a Mexican breakfast idea with a line-up of ingredients that will wow the palate. An easy Southwestern scrambled egg recipe to feed your next hungry breakfast or brunch crowd.
    Check out this recipe
    Eggs Rio Grande - Mexican scrambled eggs served on a flour tortilla
    Hatch Chile and Bacon Quiche
    Hatch Green Chile and Bacon Quiche. A great way to showcase those Hatch chile and a wonderful Southwestern breakfast or brunch recipe.
    Check out this recipe
    A slice of hatch green chile bacon quiche with a deep dish pie pan with quiche and spatula
    Avocado Scrambled Eggs Baked Breakfast Burritos
    Scrambled Eggs and Smashed Avocado make a great combo for a breakfast burrito. Add green chile gravy and you've got a wow.
    Check out this recipe
    Breakfast burritos in a casserole dish filled with avocados and scrambled eggs.
    Easy Breakfast Tacos with Potatoes and Scrambled Eggs
    This is the quickest way to make any morning better. These breakfast tacos are simple, fresh and a great way to enjoy Mexican first thing in the morning.
    Check out this recipe
    Potato and Scrambled Egg Breakfast Burritos
    Hatch Green Chili and Eggs Breakfast
    This is just one of our ways to enjoy your stash of Hatch Green Chili. Green Chili and Eggs with refried beans on a flour tortilla, you've got an easy Southwestern breakfast.
    Check out this recipe
    Eggs with Colorado Green Chili. A great Western Southwestern Breakfast idea.

    Hatch Pepper Recipes with Chicken

    Chicken recipes with Hatch chiles are the most popular, probably because smoky chilies pair so well with the blank canvas of chicken breasts! Let’s take a look at these Hatch Chile chicken recipes.

    Chicken Taco Casserole
    Layers of corn tortilla chips, chicken and cheese, all drenched in a luscious tomato cream sauce spiked with chile peppers. You've got yourself a very special Chicken Taco Casserole.
    Check out this recipe
    Baked chicken taco casserole topped with lettuce and tomatoes.
    Green Chile White Chicken Lasagna
    Green Chile White Chicken Lasagna is everything you love about classic lasagna. This version combines layers of lasagna noodles, lean shredded chicken breast, cheese and a luscious white sauce. This Green Chile Chicken Lasagna is totally irresistible.
    Check out this recipe
    Creamy Cheesy Green Chili Lasagna with Chicken
    Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
    Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, perfect for a weeknight fiesta.
    Check out this recipe
    Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup topped with sour cream and sliced jalapenos
    Hatch Green Chile Pasta with Chicken
    This Southwestern Pasta recipe using Hatch Green Chile pasta is then mixed with a wonderful and slightly spicy cream sauce and chicken.
    Check out this recipe
    Hatch Green Chile Pasta with a irrestible cream sauce and chicken
    One Pan Crispy Chicken Thighs in Tomatillo Wine Sauce
    A delicious and easy one-pot chicken dinner. Frying chicken thighs nice and crispy and then braising them in a Mexican style gravy makes these Chicken Thighs in Tomatillo Wine Sauce a divine treat. It's a meal that will remind you of one from your favorite Mexican restaurants.
    Check out this recipe
    One pan crispy chicken thighs with tomatillo wine sauce on a white serving platter with an antique serving spoon
    Roasted Yucatan Chicken
    This Yucatan roasted chicken breast is bursting with flavor. And served with a roasted chile sauce, makes an exciting main course.
    Check out this recipe

    Hatch Chile Burgers

    Southwest Ground Chicken Burgers with Green Chile Peppers
    Jazz up those Summer burgers with these Green Chile Chicken Burgers. Oozing with green chile and Southwestern flair.
    Check out this recipe
    Southwest ground chicken burgers with a slice of tomato and watermelon for a side.
    Hatch Green Chile Burgers with Tequila Lime Seasoning
    Beef burgers with chopped hatch chile peppers and southwestern seasoning.
    Check out this recipe
    Hatch green chile burger on a plate with Mexican corn

    Appetizers – Hatch Green Chile Recipes

    When game day rolls around and you’re looking for a spicy party appetizer, make one of these delicious Hatch chile appetizers. They’ll be the hit of the party!

    Hatch Chile Spicy Hummus Recipe
    Hatch Chile Spicy Hummus. Hummus comes alive when paired with Southwestern ingredients. A kick of heat from roasted chopped Hatch Chile Peppers and a shake or two of cumin and Tabasco Sauce. 
    Check out this recipe
    Spicy Hummus Recipe made with Hatch Green Chile Peppers
    Green Chile Shrimp Quesadillas
    A Shrimp Appetizer with a Southwestern Touch. These Green Chile Shrimp Quesadillas are seasoned with New Mexico Red Chile Powder, mixed with Hatch Green Chile and folded into a cheesy flour tortilla.
    Check out this recipe
    Green Chile Shrimp Quesadillas
    Hatch Green Chile Dip
    Hatch Green Chile Dip is a creamy dip with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise and cream cheese. Spicy with Chimayo chile powder and Hatch green chili peppers. Grab a blue corn chip and take a dip in this Southwestern appetizer recipe.
    Check out this recipe
    Hatch Green Chile Dip surrounded by blue corn tortilla chips

    Green Chile Stew Recipes and Soup Recipes

    Hatch Green Chili, Colorado Style
    Award Winning Hatch Green Chili Colorado Style features roasted pork shoulder and plenty of warming spices. This chili is comfort food at its best and one of our favorite Hatch green chili recipes.
    Check out this recipe
    Hatch Green Chili With Pork served with flour tortillas and lime wedges
    Hatch Chile Short Rib Stew
    This Hatch chile short rib stew with hominy and potatoes is simple in seasoning, relying on the unique flavor of New Mexico Chiles to flavor the dish. A simple stew of braised short ribs, chewy white hominy and chunks of potato. One of our favorite Hatch green chili recipes for a winter's night meal.
    Check out this recipe
    bowl of Hatch Chile Short Rib Stew with Hominy and Potatoes
    Pork Green Chile Stew
    Pork Green Chile Stew Recipe. A hearty stew brimming with Chile Peppers, cubed pork loin roast, bite sized pieces of chicken breast, potatoes and hominy. Slightly spicy, slightly tangy and mostly mouthwateringly delicious.
    Check out this recipe
    Pork green chile stew with potatoes and hominy and green chile. Served in Frankoma Green Soup Bowls with white flour tortillas.
    Anthony Bourdain’s New Mexico Beef Chili Recipe
    This is Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Chili Recipe, New Mexico Style.  Deep and richly flavored, this is a hearty chili stew featuring beef chuck and New Mexico Hatch chile and poblano peppers.
    Check out this recipe
    Beef chile recipe made with hatch chile peppers
    New Mexico Posole Recipe with Pork (Pork Pozole Verde)
    Keeping the stew simple and savory, you can pass chopped tomato, onions, cilantro, jalapenos and lime wedges at the table to add an array of fresh flavors to finish.
    Check out this recipe
    Pork pozole verde topped with sliced radish, limes and cabbage.
    Blue Corn Posole with Shrimp
    A brothy healthy version of Posole soup. 
    Check out this recipe
    Blue Corn Posole with Shrimp
    Bourbon Beef and Bean Chili
    Bourbon Beef and Bean Chili is a unique mixture of flavors that come from a slow cooked chuck roast, bourbon, red kidney beans and lots of roasted Hatch Chile peppers. Add a special mix of spices and you’ve got a sultry pot of spicy bourbon chili.
    Check out this recipe
    Bourbon Beef and Beef Chili garnished with sour cream and a wedge of lime.

    More Delicious Hatch Chile Recipes

    Whether you want a spicy stew, some Hatch chile chili, or some New Mexico chile quesadillas, we’ve got you covered! These tasty comfort food dinner recipes are easy to make and are hearty enough to please the biggest of eaters.

    Hatch Green Chile Mac and Cheese
    Our Hatch Green Chile Mac and Cheese recipe is creamy Mac and Cheese with roasted green chiles, tomatoes and Southwestern spices. Pure comfort food!
    Check out this recipe
    Hatch Green Chile Macaroni and Cheese
    Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes with Green Chile
    Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes. Classic scalloped potatoes get a kick of heat from roasted Hatch Chile peppers and a much quicker cook time thanks to the Instant Pot. This scalloped potato au gratin is made even creamier with Sour Cream and cheese.
    Check out this recipe
    Instant pot scalloped potatoes with hatch chile peppers served with ham and broccoli

    Colorado Chile Peppers, The Pueblo Chile

    The Southern part of Colorado also is well known for growing chile peppers. The Pueblo chile is the most famous chile of Southern Colorado.

    Colorado chile peppers are mostly Mirasol peppers. The name means “looking at the sun”. It grows reaching for the sun rather than handing down from the plant. And in dried form are called Guajillo peppers. They are easy to find and commonly used in Mexican And Southwest Recipes.

    Its pungency ranges between 5,000 and 20,000 Scoville Heat Units, the measurement method used to rank chile heat. Pueblo chilies are comparable in heat to moderate jalapeno peppers, and are usually a little warmer than cayenne peppers. 

    The growing conditions in Southeastern Colorado make for some of the best chile available. Hot, dry, sunny summer days, combined with our rich soils and pure Colorado Rocky Mountain water yield some of the hottest and most flavorful chilies. Watch out for the little ones – they’ve been tortured the most and are the hottest.

    Pueblo Chile vs Hatch Chile

    Compared to New Mexico Hatch Chile, a Pueblo Chiles are bigger, meatier and hotter. And I’m here to say has a more notable chile flavor.

    Hatch green chiles are grown in the Hatch Valley in New Mexico about 500 miles to the South of Pueblo, Colorado. Each state believes that their unique growing conditions yield the better tasting pepper, but this is a debate that may never be laid to rest, since flavors depend so much on personal preference.

    Recipes Using Colorado Pueblo Chiles

    Pueblo Chile Chicken Sandwich
    A hearty spicy sandwich topped with beautiful roasted Pueblo chiles and creamy melted Muenster cheese. My inspiration for this chicken sandwich came from my recent visit to the Pueblo Chile Festival.
    Check out this recipe
    Pueblo Chile Chicken Sandwich on toasted white bread
    Bison Steak and Green Chile Torta
    This steak and cheese sandwich is made with tender shaved Bison New York Strip steak, caramelized onions, roasted chile peppers and drizzled with lively queso blanco. This steak torta is a great tasting sandwich for lunch or dinner.
    Check out this recipe
    Bison steak and cheese sandwich with queso blanco

    Primary Sidebar

    I'm Lea Ann, A Culinary School Grad bringing you Wild West Colorado inspired recipes. You'll find lots of Southwestern, and Mexican food recipes, and some favorites from Culinary School along with pro cooking tips. If you're an adventurous home cook looking to spice up your meal plans, you'll find plenty of inspiration and reliable, approachable, easy to follow recipes.

    More about me →

    Reader's Favorites

    • Thick and Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
    • Savory Oven Roasted Cast Iron Skillet Potatoes
    • Broccoli Cheez Whiz Rice Casserole
    • Crispy Baked Wings in Santa Fe Sauce

    Soups & Stews

    • Sherried Black Bean And Ham Soup
    • Easy Turkey Lentil Soup with Barley
    • Jacques Pepin’s Beef Stew In Red Wine
    • Creamy Southwestern Chicken Soup

    Taco Tuesday

    Super Bowl Game Day Recipe Ideas

    Dessert Recipes

    • Chile Chocolate Bourbon Cake with Chocolate Bourbon Frosting
    • Key Lime Pie Recipe – No Bake
    • Strawberry Tart Recipe with Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
    • Cherry Delight, No Bake Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Cherry Dessert

    Footer

    Featured in and partnered with

    Privacy Policy

    • Privacy Policy

    Accessibility Statement

    Copyright © 2023 Cooking On The Ranch • Privacy Policy