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- Ground turkey and beans - 1 pound ground turkey - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed - Spices and herbs - 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle can) - 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Vegetables and toppings - 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Sour cream or Greek yogurt for topping (optional) - Shredded cheese for topping (optional) In this spicy chipotle turkey chili, you get a rich mix of flavors. The ground turkey adds lean protein. The black beans and kidney beans give great texture. Each spice brings warmth and depth. Chipotle peppers add a smoky kick. Don't forget the diced tomatoes. They keep the chili juicy and bright. Onions and garlic build a solid base of flavor. Olive oil helps to sauté the veggies. Fresh corn adds sweetness and crunch. Toppings like sour cream and cheese create a creamy finish. Using fresh cilantro brightens every bite. Each ingredient plays a role in this comfort meal. You can easily adjust the spices to your taste. Cooking should be fun and personal! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Sautéing the onion and garlic First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and translucent. Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir and let it cook for one more minute. This step builds a great base of flavor. 2. Browning the ground turkey Next, add 1 pound of ground turkey to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook for 5-7 minutes until it turns brown. Make sure it cooks all the way through. This gives the turkey a nice, savory taste. 3. Adding and mixing ingredients Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Cook this mixture for another 2-3 minutes. This toasts the spices and boosts the flavor. Then, add the canned diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Mix everything well until combined. 1. Simmering the chili Once mixed, bring the chili to a simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. This allows all the flavors to blend nicely. 2. Adjusting seasoning After 30 minutes, taste the chili. If you want more spice, add more chipotle or chili powder. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This step ensures your chili has just the right kick. Choosing the right chipotle peppers To make your chili shine, pick chipotle peppers that suit your taste. Use fresh or dried chipotle peppers for a smokier flavor. If you like heat, add more peppers. For a milder taste, use less. Look for peppers in adobo sauce, as they add a rich, spicy kick. Toasting the spices Toasting spices brings out their full flavor. After browning the turkey, add your spices to the pot. This helps release their oils and boosts their taste. Stir them for a few minutes. You'll notice a strong aroma, which means you’re on the right path! Best pot for chili A large, heavy pot is best for making chili. A Dutch oven works great since it heats evenly. This helps avoid hot spots and burning. Make sure the pot has a lid for simmering. This keeps all the flavors inside. Stirring tips to avoid sticking To prevent your chili from sticking, stir often. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot. This helps mix all the ingredients well. If you notice sticking, lower the heat or add a splash of water. Keeping a close eye on your chili will give it the best texture. Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: If you love heat, feel free to add more chipotle peppers or a splash of hot sauce to intensify the spiciness of your chili. Enhance the Flavor: Allow the chili to simmer longer than 30 minutes if you have time; this will deepen the flavors and create a richer taste. Bean Variety: Experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto or navy beans, to customize the texture and flavor of your chili. Make it Ahead: Chili often tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time and storing it in the fridge overnight for a quick meal. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in this chili. Ground beef or chicken works great too. If you want to try plant-based options, use lentils or tempeh. Both add good flavor. For beans, you can mix and match. Use pinto beans or chickpeas if you like. They will still taste amazing. Don't be afraid to add more beans for extra fiber. You can also use different veggies. Bell peppers add crunch and color. Zucchini or carrots can make it heartier. Just chop them small so they cook well. Do you want a milder chili? Cut back on chipotle peppers. Start with one pepper, then taste. Add more if you want more heat. To make it spicier, add extra chipotle or chili powder. You can even try hot sauce for a kick. Just remember to taste as you go! To keep your spicy chipotle turkey chili fresh, let it cool first. Pour the chili into an airtight container. Seal it well. Store it in the fridge. It can stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Always check for smell or color changes before eating. Freezing is a great way to save your chili for later. First, let it cool completely. Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage. Squeeze out air before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the chili for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or microwave, stirring it well. Enjoy your chili anytime! Yes, you can use turkey breast. Just chop it into small pieces. This change will give you a different texture. The flavor will still be great. Ground turkey blends well with spices. Turkey breast adds more protein but may be drier. You can add a bit more olive oil to keep it moist. To store leftover chili, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze it. In the freezer, it lasts for about three months. Just make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when you made it. Spicy Chipotle Turkey Chili pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with cornbread for a classic touch. Rice is another great option if you want something hearty. Tortilla chips add a nice crunch and are fun to dip. Top your chili with sour cream or cheese for extra flavor. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and taste. Enjoy it however you like! This blog post covers making a tasty Spicy Chipotle Turkey Chili. We started with ingredients like ground turkey, beans, and spices. Next, I walked you through each step, from sautéing garlic to simmering the chili. We discussed tips for enhancing flavor and cooking techniques. Variations let you customize the meal, while storage tips help keep your chili fresh. In closing, you now have the tools to create a delicious chili. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!

Spicy Chipotle Turkey Chili

A hearty and spicy chili made with ground turkey, beans, and chipotle peppers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt for topping (optional)
  • Shredded cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  • Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
  • Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to toast the spices.
  • Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), black beans, kidney beans, and corn to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a spicier chili, add more chipotle or chili powder.
  • Once ready, ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of shredded cheese, if desired.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by adding more chipotle or chili powder if desired.
Keyword beans, chili, soup, spicy, turkey