Spicy Turkey Chili with Chocolate
This Spicy Turkey Chili with Chocolate is a delicious fusion of Mexican-inspired turkey mole and classic American chili. Made with lean ground turkey, smoky chipotle peppers, and a touch of rich chocolate, it’s hearty, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with a little heat and a subtle sweetness. This bold and comforting dish is ideal for cozy nights, game day gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a unique twist on traditional chili. This recipe makes 6-8 servings.
prep time
30 minutes
cook time
30 minutes
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large red Peri & Sons onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped (any color will do)
2 jalapeños, chopped (seeds removed to make less spicy, if desired)
1 pound ground turkey
2 teaspoons ground chipotle chile powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 large tomatoes, diced or 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, do not drain
1/3 cup (about 2 ounces) bittersweet chocolate chips
For Serving: Grated cheddar cheese, Mexican crema or sour cream, minced onion, chopped cilantro, tortilla chips, avocado, and/or thinly sliced jalapeño
1 large red Peri & Sons onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped (any color will do)
2 jalapeños, chopped (seeds removed to make less spicy, if desired)
1 pound ground turkey
2 teaspoons ground chipotle chile powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 large tomatoes, diced or 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, do not drain
1/3 cup (about 2 ounces) bittersweet chocolate chips
For Serving: Grated cheddar cheese, Mexican crema or sour cream, minced onion, chopped cilantro, tortilla chips, avocado, and/or thinly sliced jalapeño
Directions
Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 large chopped onion, 3 cloves chopped garlic, 2 chopped peppers, and 2 chopped jalapeños and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and starting to soften and brown.
Add 1 pound ground turkey, 2 teaspoons chipotle chile powder, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, and 1 teaspoon oregano and cook, breaking up with the back of a spoon until beginning to brown. Add 3 chopped tomatoes and 1 1/2 cups broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until vegetables and turkey is cooked, about 30 minutes.
Add 1 can kidney beans with their juices, and 1/3 cup chocolate chips and stir until chocolate is melted. Taste and add more salt or pepper as needed.
Serve with all the toppings like grated cheese, cilantro, or sour cream if desired.
Chef's notes:
Veggie Swaps: Bell peppers add sweetness and color, but feel free to use poblano or Anaheim chiles for extra flavor. You can also toss in corn or diced zucchini for more veggie power.
Kid-Friendly: To make it family-friendly, serve the chili with toppings on the side so everyone can customize their bowl. You can also set aside a portion before adding the chipotle or jalapeños for sensitive palates.
Turkey Tips: Ground turkey keeps things lighter than traditional beef chili, but you can swap in ground chicken or even beef if that’s what you have on hand.
Leftover Love: Leftover chili makes an epic topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or even a quick chili-mac with pasta.
Add 1 pound ground turkey, 2 teaspoons chipotle chile powder, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, and 1 teaspoon oregano and cook, breaking up with the back of a spoon until beginning to brown. Add 3 chopped tomatoes and 1 1/2 cups broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until vegetables and turkey is cooked, about 30 minutes.
Add 1 can kidney beans with their juices, and 1/3 cup chocolate chips and stir until chocolate is melted. Taste and add more salt or pepper as needed.
Serve with all the toppings like grated cheese, cilantro, or sour cream if desired.
Chef's notes:
Veggie Swaps: Bell peppers add sweetness and color, but feel free to use poblano or Anaheim chiles for extra flavor. You can also toss in corn or diced zucchini for more veggie power.
Kid-Friendly: To make it family-friendly, serve the chili with toppings on the side so everyone can customize their bowl. You can also set aside a portion before adding the chipotle or jalapeños for sensitive palates.
Turkey Tips: Ground turkey keeps things lighter than traditional beef chili, but you can swap in ground chicken or even beef if that’s what you have on hand.
Leftover Love: Leftover chili makes an epic topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or even a quick chili-mac with pasta.
