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- 1 pound ground turkey - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice) - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced - 1 tablespoon ground cumin - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Sour cream, for serving (optional) - Grated cheese, for serving (optional) I often choose brands that focus on quality. For ground turkey, I like Butterball or Perdue. They provide lean meat with great flavor. For canned goods, I recommend Muir Glen for tomatoes and Goya for beans. Their products offer taste and consistency. Look for organic options when possible. They often have better flavor and fewer additives. You can swap ground turkey for lean beef or chicken. If you want a vegetarian option, use lentils or crumbled tofu. For canned beans, any variety works well. I like pinto or navy beans as alternatives. If you can't find chipotle peppers, use smoked paprika for a mild flavor. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Gather all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier. 2. Dice the onion and red bell pepper. Mince the garlic too. 3. Drain and rinse the black and kidney beans. Set them aside. 4. Measure out the chipotle peppers, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes. 3. Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute. 4. Turn the heat up to medium-high. Add the ground turkey. 5. Break the turkey apart with a spoon. Cook until it turns brown, about 5-6 minutes. 6. Add in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, black beans, kidney beans, and chipotle peppers. 7. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. 8. Stir everything well. Bring this to a gentle boil. 9. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Stir it occasionally. 10. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more chipotle or spices if you like. 1. Serve the chili hot in bowls. 2. Garnish with fresh cilantro on top. 3. Add a dollop of sour cream and some grated cheese if you want. 4. Enjoy your Smoky Chipotle Turkey Chili! To boost the flavor of your Smoky Chipotle Turkey Chili, consider these tips: - Use fresh herbs. Add fresh cilantro at the end for brightness. - Add extra chipotle. If you love heat, mix in more minced chipotle peppers. - Include a splash of lime juice. This adds a nice zing to the dish. - Let it sit. Allow the chili to rest for a bit before serving. This helps the flavors deepen. You can easily make this chili in different ways. - Slow Cooker: Brown the turkey and veggies first. Then, add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. - Instant Pot: Sauté the turkey, onions, and peppers in the pot. Add remaining ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on high for 20 minutes. Quick release and serve! When serving your chili, try these ideas: - Top with sour cream. This adds creaminess and coolness. - Sprinkle with cheese. Grated cheese melts nicely on hot chili. - Pair with bread. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. - Add chips for crunch. Crushed tortilla chips on top give a nice texture. These simple tips will help you create a flavorful and enjoyable Smoky Chipotle Turkey Chili! Pro Tips Choose the Right Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey for a healthier chili, but ensure it has enough fat to keep the dish moist and flavorful. Customize Heat Levels: Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers based on your heat preference; start with less and add more as needed to find your perfect spice level. Flavor Enhancement: Letting the chili simmer longer allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If time permits, simmer for an hour for a richer taste. Bean Variations: Feel free to mix different types of beans like pinto or navy beans for variety in texture and flavor. {{image_2}} You can make a delicious vegetarian version of Smoky Chipotle Turkey Chili. Instead of turkey, use lentils or mushrooms. Lentils add protein and a great texture. Mushrooms bring a nice umami flavor. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegan option. Use canned beans, like black and kidney beans, for added heartiness. This version is just as tasty and filling. To adjust the heat, add more or less chipotle peppers. For a milder chili, use just one tablespoon of minced chipotle. You can also add bell peppers for sweetness. If you want more heat, toss in jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. You can add fresh corn or zucchini to your chili for extra flavor. Sweet corn brings a nice crunch and pairs well with smoky spices. Add diced zucchini for a tender bite. You can toss these in during the last ten minutes of cooking. This way, they stay bright and fresh. Feel free to get creative and mix in your favorite veggies! Storing your Smoky Chipotle Turkey Chili is easy. First, let it cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you can enjoy it later without any worries. When you are ready to eat your chili, grab a pot. Pour in the chili and heat it over medium heat. Stir often to make sure it warms evenly. If it's too thick, add a splash of water or broth. Heat it until it reaches a nice, warm temperature. For a quick option, you can use the microwave. Just cover the bowl and heat it for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to warm it evenly. Freezing your chili is a great way to save it for later. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Leave some space at the top, as the chili will expand when it freezes. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy it again, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave for a quick meal. To make your chili less spicy, reduce the chipotle peppers. Use only one tablespoon instead of two. You can also add more diced tomatoes or beans to balance the heat. Sour cream on top can cool it down, too. Yes, you can swap ground turkey for lean ground beef. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be tasty. Just make sure to drain any excess fat after cooking the beef. This keeps your chili from being too greasy. Chili lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. Frozen chili stays good for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating. This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps for making Smoky Chipotle Turkey Chili. We explored ingredient choices, preparation, cooking methods, and storage tips. Understanding variations and substitutes helps you personalize the dish. With these insights, you can create a flavorful meal your friends and family will love. Remember, cooking is about having fun and experimenting. Enjoy making your chili, and don't be afraid to try new things!

Smoky Chipotle Turkey Chili

A hearty and spicy turkey chili with smoky chipotle flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • 1 serving sour cream, for serving (optional)
  • 1 serving grated cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, black beans, kidney beans, chipotle peppers, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, stirring occasionally.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more chipotle or spices if desired.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, and topped with sour cream and grated cheese if using.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chipotle peppers.
Keyword chili, chipotle, spicy, turkey