Green Chile and Chicken Stew

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat oven to 450°. Combine chicken, cilantro stems, 1 onion, and next 6 ingredients in a large pot. Add water to cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer very gently until chicken is just cooked through, about 25 minutes. Remove chicken from pot and let cool slightly; shred into bite-size pieces. Strain broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl; set aside.

   Step 2

   Meanwhile, arrange tomatillos, peppers, and chiles in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and roast, stirring occasionally, until charred, 12–15 minutes. Transfer peppers and chiles to a bowl and cover tightly with plastic; let steam for 15 minutes, then peel and seed. Combine peppers, chiles, and tomatillos in a food processor and purée, adding reserved broth as necessary, until a coarse purée forms.

   Step 3

   Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add remaining 1 onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized in spots, about 15 minutes. Stir in tomatillo purée and remaining reserved broth; bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and add chicken. Serve stew over rice and garnish with cilantro leaves.