Smoky Chipotle Turkey Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish packed with lean turkey, smoky chipotle peppers, and plenty of beans to keep it filling. The chipotle adds a gentle heat and a deep smoky kick that makes this chili stand out from the usual bowl. It’s a great way to enjoy a warming meal without feeling weighed down.
I love making this chili on a chilly evening because it fills the house with such a cozy, inviting smell. The best part for me is how the smoky chipotle blends with the spices and slowly simmers all together. Sometimes I add a little extra chipotle if I want a bigger kick, but it’s easy to adjust based on what you like.
My favorite way to serve this chili is with some shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream on top, along with a side of crunchy cornbread or tortilla chips. It’s one of those meals that’s perfect for sharing with friends or leftovers that taste better the next day. Whenever I make it, everyone ends up asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: It’s lean and healthy, perfect for a lighter chili. If you prefer, ground chicken or even lean beef works well too.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: These give the chili its smoky heat. If you want less spice, start with one pepper or use chipotle powder instead.
Beans: Kidney and black beans add texture and protein. You can swap in pinto beans or just use one type if you prefer.
Tomatoes & Sauce: The diced tomatoes and tomato sauce create the chili’s rich base. You can use crushed tomatoes or add a bit of tomato paste for extra depth.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano bring warmth and complexity. Feel free to adjust the amounts to match your taste.
How Do You Build Deep Flavor in Chili Without a Long Cook Time?
The key is layering flavors carefully and toasting spices.
- Sauté the onion until soft to bring out its sweetness.
- Add garlic right after to keep it fragrant without burning.
- Brown the turkey well—that’s where much of the flavor starts.
- Toast the chipotle, chili powder, cumin, and paprika in the pot after browning the meat; this wakes up those spices and deepens their taste.
- Simmer the chili uncovered to thicken and let flavors blend; stirring occasionally prevents sticking.
Adding lime juice at the end brightens everything up and balances the smoky heat wonderfully.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Dutch oven or heavy pot – perfect for browning turkey and simmering chili evenly without burning.
- Wooden spoon – great for stirring the chili gently and scraping bits off the bottom.
- Chef’s knife – helps you chop onions, garlic, and chipotle peppers quickly and safely.
- Cutting board – provides a stable surface for prepping your ingredients.
- Measuring spoons and cups – essential for getting spices and liquids just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground turkey for lean ground beef or chicken if you want a different flavor or texture.
- Add corn or diced bell peppers for extra sweetness and color.
- Mix in a handful of dark chocolate or cocoa powder for a richer, deeper chili taste.
- Top with diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce if you like it spicier.
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 pound ground turkey
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle peppers can)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- Juice of 1 lime
Toppings (Optional):
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This chili recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 to 40 minutes to simmer on the stove, so plan for around 45 to 55 minutes total. This time allows the flavors to blend and the chili to thicken nicely.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Turkey:
Add the ground turkey to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook it thoroughly until it’s browned, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Add the Spices and Chipotle:
Mix in the chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for about 2 minutes to let the spices release their aroma.
4. Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth:
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the chili to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking and to help it thicken.
6. Finish and Serve:
Stir in the juice of one lime just before serving to add a fresh, bright flavor. Serve the chili hot, topping it with sour cream, shredded cheese, diced avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges if you like.
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works well as a substitute and will give the chili a similar lean texture. Just cook it the same way you would the turkey, ensuring it’s browned and cooked through.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftover Chili?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water if it’s too thick when reheating.
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 on high for 3-4 hours for best results.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Chipotle Peppers in Adobo?
If you can’t find chipotles in adobo, use chipotle chili powder or smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor. You may want to reduce the quantity of chili powder to control heat.
