Chipotle Turkey Chili is a smoky, hearty, and nutritious twist on classic chili, featuring lean ground turkey and the bold, spicy flavor of chipotle peppers. This dish is perfect for cool evenings or game-day gatherings, offering a satisfying combination of tender turkey, beans, and a rich, tomato-based sauce. The chipotle peppers add a unique smoky heat, balanced by earthy spices and a touch of sweetness from tomatoes. This chili is a great one-pot meal, packed with protein and fiber, and can easily be customized with your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, or cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle peppers can)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: diced avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- Sauté the turkey and vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once the turkey is browned, add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft.
- Add chipotle and spices: Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes, beans, and broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, black beans, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chipotle for extra heat if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like diced avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped cilantro.
This Chipotle Turkey Chili is smoky, filling, and bursting with flavor, offering a healthy yet indulgent twist on a classic comfort dish! It’s perfect for making ahead and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
