Smoky Chipotle Turkey Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings warmth and a little kick to your dinner table. It’s packed with lean ground turkey, tender beans, and a smoky chipotle pepper that adds a nice depth of flavor without being too spicy. The combination of tomatoes and spices makes it rich and satisfying, perfect for chilly days or whenever you want a comforting meal.
I love making this chili because it’s both tasty and easy to throw together in one pot. Using turkey keeps it lighter, but the chipotle gives it that bold, smoky punch that makes you want to come back for more. A little tip from me is to let it simmer gently so all those flavors can meld beautifully—that wait is always worth it!
My favorite way to enjoy this chili is with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some crunchy tortilla chips on the side. It’s a great dish for cozy nights in, game day, or even meal prepping because it tastes even better the next day. I’m pretty sure once you try this chili, it’ll become a go-to recipe for your weeknight dinners too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: Turkey keeps this chili lean but still hearty. You can swap it for ground chicken or lean ground beef if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: These give the chili its smoky, spicy kick. If you can’t find chipotle, smoked paprika adds smokiness but less heat. Use less if you want a milder taste.
Beans: Black and kidney beans add creaminess and protein. Feel free to use canned pinto beans or chickpeas as alternatives.
Tomatoes & Green Chiles: These build a rich, slightly tangy base. Fire-roasted tomatoes make it extra flavorful. If you don’t have green chiles, mild diced bell peppers work fine.
How Do You Build Deep, Balanced Flavors in Chili?
The secret is layering flavors and slow simmering:
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Cook until soft and fragrant to start your flavor base.
- Brown the Turkey Well: Browning adds richness and texture—don’t rush this step!
- Add Spices Early: Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, and oregano with the liquids to release their aromas and infuse the chili.
- Simmer Gently: Let the chili cook on low for at least 20-30 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning Last: Taste near the end and tweak with salt or more spices to get your perfect flavor.
Taking these steps will give you a chili that’s smoky, rich, and just right every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven – it holds heat well and lets the chili simmer evenly without burning.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – perfect for stirring the chili gently as it cooks.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping onions, garlic, and peppers precisely and safely.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to keep your spice and liquid amounts just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef depending on your preference for richer or lighter chili.
- Add diced bell peppers or zucchini to sneak in more veggies and a sweet crunch.
- Mix in a cup of shredded smoked cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a creamy, melty finish.
- If you like more heat, add an extra chipotle pepper or some cayenne powder to boost the spice level.
How to Make Smoky Chipotle Turkey Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from chipotle can)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
For Garnishing:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced fresh jalapeño
- Chopped fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This chili takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 40 minutes to cook, including simmering time. So it’s perfect for a cozy dinner that’s ready in about an hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Turkey:
Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up as you go. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes.
3. Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Chiles:
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and diced green chiles. Stir to combine.
4. Season the Chili:
Mix in the minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors.
5. Simmer:
Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add Beans and Corn:
Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, and corn kernels. Let the chili simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes to thicken.
7. Final Taste and Serve:
Taste your chili and adjust the salt or spices if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro.
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for This Chili?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents excess moisture in the chili.
How Long Does This Chili Keep in the Fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warming.
Can I Make This Chili in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the turkey and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for best flavor and texture.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Reduce the chipotle peppers or adobo sauce for milder chili, or add extra chipotle or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want more heat. You can always serve with cooling toppings like sour cream to balance the spice.
