How to Make Chef John's Turkey Chili - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish to warm you up on a cold evening, Chef John’s Turkey Chili is the perfect recipe. This chili is packed with tender chunks of turkey, savory beans, and a rich blend of spices that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you full and satisfied.

What sets this chili apart from the rest is the use of ground turkey instead of beef. The turkey adds a lighter and leaner taste to the dish while still providing a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s ...

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Ingredients

  • ¼ cup ancho chile powder
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground dried chipotle pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 ½ pounds ground turkey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 (12 ounce) cans pinquito or pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 40 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins
  • Servings: 6

  • Make the spice mix: Mix ancho chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, chipotle pepper, oregano, cocoa powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon in a bowl; set aside.
  • Make the chili: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Stir in onion; cook and stir until onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in ground turkey and garlic. Cook and stir until turkey is no longer pink, breaking up any large chunks, 7 to 8 minutes. Stir in spice mixture. Cook until fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Stir in tomato purée and water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook until turkey meat is broken down, about 1 hour. Stir in beans, and continue to simmer until flavors have blended, 20 to 30 more minutes.
  • Nutrition

    448 cal.

    • Total Fat: 19g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 140mg
    • Sodium: 1635mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 28g
    • Dietary Fiber: 9g
    • Total Sugars: 4g
    • Protein: 45g
    • Vitamin C: 12mg
    • Calcium: 133mg
    • Iron: 7mg
    • Potassium: 1024mg