What's The Best Green Chiles Substitute? 15 Options

Don't let the absence of green chilies stop you from making your favorite dish. Check out these 15 substitutes for green chiles that will make your meal just as delicious.

Jump to:

• What Are Green Chiles?
• The List Of 15 Best Best Green Chiles Substitutes
• 1. Anaheim Pepper
• 2. Poblano Pepper
• 3. Bell Pepper
• 4. Cubanelle Pepper
• 5. Pasilla Pepper
• 6. Guajillo Pepper
• 7. New Mexico Chili Pepper
• 8. Espanola Chili Pepper
• 9. Mirasol Pepper
• 10. Chipotle Pepper
• 11. Ancho Chili Pepper
• 12. Serrano Pepper
• 13. Jalapeno Pepper
• 14. Tabasco Pepper
• 15. Habanero Pepper
• People Also Ask [FAQs]
• Wrap Up: Green Chiles Substitute

What Are Green Chiles?

Green chiles are a type of chili pepper that is typically used in Mexican and Southwestern cuisines. Green chiles have a milder flavor than other types of chili peppers, with a slightly sweet and earthy taste. They are also relatively low in heat, with a Scoville rating of 1,500 to 2,500. If you can't find green chiles, jalapeños, or serrano peppers make good substitutes. Both of these peppers have a similar flavor profile, although they are more pungent and spicy than green chiles. When selecting a substitute pepper, be sure to adjust the amount you use according to your personal preferences. Let's explore all the best green chile alternatives in more detail.

The List Of 15 Best Best Green Chiles Substitutes

1. Anaheim Pepper

Anaheim pepper is a great substitute for green chiles. Its taste profile is similar to that of green chilies, but it has a milder flavor and less heat.

• When substituting Anaheim peppers for green chiles, you should use one pepper for every two chiles.
• Anaheim peppers have a Scoville rating of 500-2,500, which is significantly lower than the ratings of many other peppers.
• If you want to add some heat to your dish, you can always add another pepper or some chili powder.
• When using fresh Anaheim peppers, you should remove the seeds and ribs before cooking. This will help to reduce the heat of the pepper.
• Canned and dried peppers can be used as-is. Just be sure to give them a good rinse before using.

2. Poblano Pepper

Poblano peppers are a good substitute for green chilies because they have a similar taste profile. They are also less spicy, with a Scoville rating of 1,000-2,000 units.

• To use them, simply remove the seeds and stem, then chop or slice the peppers into desired pieces. You can also roast them for added flavor.
• When substituting poblano peppers for green chiles, use one pepper for every two chiles called for in the recipe.
• If you want your dish to be spicier, you can leave the seeds in or add additional chili peppers to the recipe.
• For a milder flavor, use roasted poblano peppers.

3. Bell Pepper

When it comes to peppers, there is a seemingly endless variety to choose from. Each type of pepper has its own unique flavor profile and heat level, making it ideal for different dishes. For example, bell peppers are a popular choice for salads and stir-fries thanks to their sweet taste. However, bell peppers can also be used as a substitute for green chilies. Green chiles tend to be quite spicy, with a Scoville rating of 1,500 to 2,500. In comparison, bell peppers have a Scoville rating of 0 units, making them much milder.

• When substituting bell peppers for green chiles, it is important to keep this difference in heat level in mind. You may need to use more bell peppers than the recipe calls for green chilies in order to achieve some level of spice.
• Additionally, bell peppers can be used in a variety of other dishes, from pizzas and pastas to soups and stews. So if you're looking for a milder alternative to green chilies, bell peppers are definitely worth trying out.

4. Cubanelle Pepper

Cubanelle peppers are a type of sweet pepper that is often used as a substitute for green chiles. They have a milder flavor than most chili peppers, and their flesh is thinner and less pungent. Cubanelle peppers are also a good source of vitamins A and C.

• When choosing Cubanelle peppers, look for ones that are firm and brightly colored. Avoid peppers that have wrinkles or blemishes.
• To store Cubanelle peppers, place them in a plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to two weeks.
• When cooking with Cubanelle peppers, it is important to note that they will soften and lose their shape when exposed to heat. As a result, they are best used in dishes that do not require extended cooking times.
• When substituting Cubanelle peppers for Green Chiles, use one pepper in place of two chilies. If you find that your dish is too mild, you can always add more peppers to taste.

5. Pasilla Pepper

The pasilla pepper is a type of chili pepper that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It is named after its dark, wrinkled skin, which resembles a raisin. Pasilla peppers are milder than other types of chili peppers, with a Scoville rating of 2,500-8,000 units. This makes them a good substitute for green chiles, which have a Scoville rating of 1,500 to 2,500.

• Pasilla peppers can be used in many different dishes, including enchiladas, soups, and stews. They can also be used to make salsa or guacamole.
• When substituting pasilla peppers for green chiles, use 1 pasilla pepper for every 2-3 green chilies. You may also need to adjust the other ingredients in your dish to account for the difference in heat levels.

For tips on using pasilla peppers, we recommend reading this article - What is Pasilla.

6. Guajillo Pepper

Guajillo peppers are a good substitute for green chiles because of their similar taste profile. Both peppers have a fruity, slightly sweet taste with a hint of heat. However, guajillo peppers are slightly hotter than green chiles, with a Scoville rating of 2,500-5,000 units compared to 1,500-2,500 units for green chilies.

• When substituting guajillo peppers for green chiles in recipes, use half as many peppers and add more if you want more heat.
• You can also increase the amount of other spices in the recipe to balance out the heat from the guajillo peppers.
• Finally, when using guajillo peppers, make sure to remove the seeds and veins before cooking as they can make the dish very spicy.

7. New Mexico Chili Pepper

New Mexico chili peppers are a good substitute for green chiles because they have a similar taste profile. They are also high in Scoville units, which is the measure of the heat of a pepper.

• When substituting New Mexico chili peppers for green chiles, use one-half to one pepper per four ounces of green chiles.
• If you want more heat, add an additional pepper. Be sure to remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers before using them, as this is where most of the heat is concentrated.
• When working with chili peppers, it is also important to wear gloves to avoid getting the capsaicin oil on your skin.
• If you do get chili pepper oil on your skin, wash it off with soap and water as soon as possible.
• Finally, when cooking with chili peppers, be sure to ventilate the area to avoid inhaling the fumes.
• Chili peppers can cause irritation and difficulty breathing if inhaled. Overall, New Mexico chili peppers are a great substitute for green chiles in recipes.

8. Espanola Chili Pepper

The espanola chili pepper is a variety of capsicum annuum that originates from northern New Mexico. It's also called the New Mexico no. 9 chili pepper. This pepper is similar to green chili in terms of flavor and heat level. In fact, it's often used as a replacement for green chili in recipes. The espanola chili pepper has a mild to medium heat level, with a Scoville rating of 1,500-2,500 units .

• When substituting this pepper for the green chili, use the following measurement conversions:
• 1 whole espanola chili pepper = 1-2 green chiles;
• 1 teaspoon espanola chili powder = 1-2 teaspoons green chili powder;
• 1 tablespoon chopped espanola chili peppers = 1-2 tablespoons chopped green chilies.

9. Mirasol Pepper

Mirasol pepper may be the perfect substitute! Scoville units measure the spiciness of peppers, and green chilies typically fall between 1,500 to 2,500. The Mirasol pepper clocks in at around 10,000 units, so it definitely has a bit more of a kick than its green chili counterpart. But don't let the extra spice deter you - the Mirasol pepper is also incredibly flavorful, with a fruity, floral taste that is unique and delicious.

So how can you use Mirasol peppers as a substitute for green chiles? Here are some measurements and tips:

• One Mirasol pepper is equivalent to two green chiles.
• When substituting Mirasol peppers for green chiles in recipes, you may want to start with half the amount called for and then add more to your taste.
• Mirasol peppers are often used in salsa verde, so this is a great way to use them as a substitute.
• If you're looking for a bit more heat, you can always leave the seeds in when using Miras

10. Chipotle Pepper

Chipotle pepper is a great option! Here's why:

• The taste profile of chipotle peppers is similar to that of green chilies, with a smoky flavor that can add depth to dishes.
• Chipotle peppers have a moderate level of spice, with Scoville units ranging from 2,500 to 8,000. This makes them a good substitute for green chilies if you're looking to add some heat to your dish.
• Chipotle peppers are readily available in canned form, making them easy to use as a substitute. Simply measure out the required amount and add it to your dish.

Here are some general tips for using chipotle peppers as a substitute for green chilies:

• Start with less than the recipe calls for, and add more to taste. Chipotle peppers can be quite spicy, so it's best to err on the side of caution.
• If the dish you're making is already quite spicy, you may want to leave out the seeds from the chipotle pepper. This will help to keep the level of spice in check.

11. Ancho Chili Pepper

Ancho chili pepper has a similar taste profile to green chiles. In addition, ancho chili pepper comes in at around 2,000 on the Scoville scale, making it slightly milder than green chilies. Ancho chili pepper is still a delicious alternative for anyone who isn't a fan of spicy food. Here are some tips for using ancho chili peppers:

• When substituting ancho chili peppers for green chiles, use 1 cup of chopped ancho chili peppers for every 1 cup of green chiles.
• Ancho chili peppers can be used in any dish that calls for green chilies, including sauces, soups, and stews.

12. Serrano Pepper

Serrano peppers have a similar taste profile to green chilies, but they are significantly hotter. In fact, Serrano peppers typically fall somewhere between 10,000 and 25,000 on the Scoville scale. This makes them about five times hotter than jalapeño peppers.

• When substituting Serrano peppers for green chiles, it is important to use them sparingly. A little bit of Serrano pepper can go a long way in terms of heat.
• As a general rule, one Serrano pepper can be substituted for three or four green chiles.
• When it comes to measurements, one Serrano pepper is equivalent to approximately one ounce of green chilies.
• In addition to being used as a substitute for green chiles, Serrano peppers can also be used in place of jalapeño peppers in recipes. They can be diced and added to salsa or guacamole, or they can be used to make spicy sauces and marinades.

13. Jalapeno Pepper

Jalapeno peppers are a great substitute for green chilies. They have a similar taste profile, but they are also significantly hotter. They measure between 2,500 and 8,000 Scoville units, which is about four times hotter than most green chilies.

• You may also want to consider removing the seeds and ribs, as this will help reduce the heat.
• When using jalapeno peppers, be sure to wear gloves and avoid touching your face. If you do get the peppers on your skin, wash them off immediately with soap and water.
• Finally, when cooking with jalapeno peppers, be sure to ventilate the area well to avoid exposing yourself to too much of the pepper's fumes.

14. Tabasco Pepper

Tabasco peppers are a popular substitute for green chiles. They have a similar taste profile, but they are also much hotter. Tabasco peppers measure 2,500 to 5,000 on the Scoville scale, while green chiles only measure up to 2,500. This means that Tabasco peppers are twice as hot as green chiles.

• When substituting Tabasco peppers for green chiles, it is important to use half as much.
• In addition, Tabasco peppers can be used in any dish that calls for green chilies, including enchiladas, chili con carne, and salsa.
• When shopping for Tabasco peppers, look for peppers that are bright red and free from blemishes.
• Avoid peppers that are dull in color or have spots. Tabasco peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• To use them, simply remove the stem and seeds and dice the pepper into small pieces.

15. Habanero Pepper

When it comes to peppers, habanero is the new green chile. It offers a similar taste profile with a little more heat. That said, it's not as hot as you might think. In fact, its heat level is just about perfect for those who like a little spice in their life but don't want to be blown away. Here are some tips for using habanero pepper as a substitute for green chile:

• When substituting habanero for green chile, use half as much of the former as you would the latter. This will give you the same amount of heat without being overwhelming.
• If you want a little extra flavor, consider roasting the habanero pepper before using it in your recipe. This will bring out its sweetness and add an extra layer of complexity to the dish.
• Habanero can be used in any dish that calls for green chile, whether it be a soup, stew, chili, or even enchiladas.

People Also Ask [FAQs]

⭐ Featured Substitutes

Wrap Up: Green Chiles Substitute

• Green chiles are a popular ingredient in many dishes, but sometimes they can be hard to find or too spicy for some.
• There are a variety of chili peppers that can be used as substitutes for green chiles.
• If you're looking for a substitute, there are several options available. Poblano Peppers offer a similar taste with less heat, while Tabasco peppers provide more spice. Habanero pepper is also a great option and can be used in any dish that calls for green chile.
• Each pepper has its own unique flavor and heat level, making it ideal for different dishes.
• With so many options available, there's sure to be a perfect substitute for you.