#1 Easy Spicy Turkey Chili

Spicy Turkey Chili! That’s what I call a bowl of warmth and flavor. It all starts with roasting Anaheim peppers under the broiler until they get that perfect char. Once they’re cooled and chopped, it’s time to bring in the beans – cannellini and kidney, drained and rinsed, ready to soak up all those spicy juices. In my trusty slow cooker, I layer these with garlic, onions, and bell peppers, creating a colorful canvas for the star of the show: turkey! Ground and diced, seasoned and seared in a skillet until they’re just golden, adding heartiness to every spoonful.

Next comes the magic mix: a splash of Mexican beer and low-sodium chicken broth poured into the slow cooker. But wait – here’s where the real kick comes in. Chipotle peppers minced fine, a spoonful of their adobo sauce, plus cumin and smoked paprika for that deep, smoky flavor. Stir it all up and let the slow cooker work its charm for an hour – the aroma alone will have you counting down the minutes.

A Flavorful Journey

After the first hour, it’s time to thicken things up. A smooth blend of tomato paste with some of the cooking liquid goes back into the pot, ensuring every bite is rich and velvety. Then, another hour on high or a few more on low – patience pays off here, folks. The chili simmers down to perfection, the flavors melding into a symphony of spice and warmth. When it’s time to serve, I dial down the heat but keep it warm, ready for a sprinkling of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions and cilantro. It’s a feast for the eyes and the soul.

Chef’s Notes- Spicy Turkey Chili

• Roasting Peppers: Ensure peppers are evenly charred for the best flavor. Placing them in a sealed container after roasting helps to steam off the skins.
• Browning Meat: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the turkey; this ensures it gets a good sear and develops flavor.
• Flavor Development: Sauté the onions and garlic in the skillet after browning the turkey to deglaze the pan and incorporate those flavors into the chili.
• Adjusting Consistency: If the chili is too thick, add more broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning after the chili has cooked for a while, as flavors develop over time.
• Resting Time: Let the chili rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Garnishing: Fresh toppings like cilantro, green onions, and radishes add a refreshing crunch and contrast to the rich chili.
• Beer Choice: A Mexican lager is recommended, but any light beer works well. Avoid dark beers, which can overpower the other flavors.

Spicy Turkey Chili

Course: Main CourseCuisine: American, Mexican

Servings

4

bowls

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

2

hours 

Calories

350

kcal

Resting Time

10

minutes

Total time

2

hours 

30

minutes

Dive into a bowl of this hearty Spicy Turkey Chili, packed with robust flavors from roasted Anaheim chilies, chipotle in adobo, and a splash of Mexican beer. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a game day feast. It’s a simple, healthy, and affordable recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

• Ground Turkey

• 1 pound ground turkey

• 1 pound turkey breast, diced

• Beans

• 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 4 Anaheim peppers, roasted and chopped

• 1 cup Mexican lager beer

• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced

• 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from the can

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (reserve the juice)

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 cup yellow onion, diced

• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Seasoning

• salt and black pepper to taste

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Ground chicken or beef can replace ground turkey.

• Black beans can substitute for cannellini or kidney beans.

• Poblano peppers can be used instead of Anaheim peppers.

• Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

Directions

• Preparing Ingredients – In a slow cooker, combine the drained beans, chopped bell pepper, roasted Anaheim peppers, minced garlic, and diced onions.
• Browning Turkey – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the ground turkey and diced turkey breast with salt and pepper. Brown them in the skillet until they have some color but are not fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Transfer to the slow cooker.
• Mixing Flavors – In a bowl, mix the reserved tomato juice with minced chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. Add cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to this mixture. Pour it into the slow cooker and stir well.
• Adding Liquids – Pour the Mexican beer and chicken broth into the slow cooker. Stir everything together thoroughly.Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 1 hour.
  
• Thickening the Chili – In a bowl, whisk the tomato paste with some liquid ladled from the slow cooker until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker and stir well. Continue cooking on high for another hour or on low for an additional 3 hours.
• Serving – Reduce heat to keep warm until ready to serve. Garnish with cheese, sour cream, radishes, green onions, cilantro as desired.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• slow cooker
• large skillet
• baking sheet
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 350kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Potassium: 900mg
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 6g
• Vitamin A: 20IU
• Vitamin C: 50mg
• Calcium: 10mg
• Iron: 20mg

FAQ- Spicy Turkey Chili

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook it on the stovetop. After browning the turkey and sautéing the vegetables, combine all ingredients in a large pot. Simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.

What can I use instead of Mexican beer?

You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water if you prefer not to use beer. A non-alcoholic beer can also be a good substitute.

Can I make this chili less spicy?

Yes, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. You can also omit the peppers entirely if you prefer a milder chili.

How can I make this chili vegetarian?

Substitute the ground turkey with more beans or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

This recipe already uses canned beans. Ensure you drain and rinse them well before adding them to the slow cooker.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

What side dishes go well with this chili?

Cornbread, tortilla chips, rice, or a simple green salad pair nicely with this spicy turkey chili.

How can I thicken my chili?

If your chili is too thin, mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the chili. Let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, you can let it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground chicken, beef, or even pork can be used instead of turkey. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to match the meat’s flavor.

How do I roast the Anaheim peppers?

Preheat your broiler, place the peppers on a foil-lined baking sheet, and broil until charred on all sides. Let them cool, then peel off the skins, remove the seeds, and chop.

Can I add other vegetables to this chili?

Absolutely! Corn, zucchini, or even carrots can be added for more variety and nutrition.