Chipotle Turkey Chili

Chipotle Turkey Chili

Julia

This Chipotle Turkey Chili transforms simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful, satisfying meal that's both healthy and indulgent. Lean ground turkey provides a lighter protein base than traditional beef chili, while chipotle peppers in adobo sauce infuse every spoonful with that signature smoky heat that makes this dish utterly addictive. The combination of kidney beans and black beans adds hearty texture and fiber, making this a complete, nutritious dinner that will keep you full and satisfied.

What sets this chili apart is the careful balance of smoky chipotle, aromatic cumin, and bright tomatoes that create layers of complex flavor. As the chili simmers, the spices meld together, the turkey becomes tender, and the broth thickens into a rich, velvety consistency. The beauty of this one-pot wonder is that it actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Naturally gluten-free, this recipe proves that healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. Whether you're following a gluten-free diet by necessity or choice, you'll love how this chili delivers all the cozy comfort of traditional chili with a modern, health-conscious twist. The smoky chipotle peppers add depth without overwhelming heat, though you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference.

Serve this chili with your favorite gluten-free toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro for a customizable dinner that everyone will love. It's perfect for cold winter nights, game day gatherings, or any time you're craving a warming, nourishing meal that comes together in one pot with minimal fuss.

Nutrition

1 hour
None servings
385 calories
Fat 12.00g
Carbs 38.00g
Protein 35.00g

Ingredients

2 tbspolive oil
1 largeyellow onion, diced
1 largered bell pepper, diced
4 clovesgarlic, minced
1.5 lbsground turkey, lean (93/7)
2 pepperschipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced, plus 2 tbsp sauce
2 tbspground cumin
2 tbspchili powder
1 tspsmoked paprika
1 tspdried oregano
28 ozcrushed tomatoes, canned
2 cupschicken broth, gluten-free
15 ozkidney beans, drained and rinsed
15 ozblack beans, drained and rinsed
1.5 tspkosher salt
0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
2 tbsplime juice, fresh
0.25 cupfresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
shredded cheddar cheese, for serving (optional)
sour cream, for serving (optional)
diced avocado, for serving (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
measuring spoons
measuring cups
wooden spoon or spatula
ladle
chef's knife
serving bowls
can opener
large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot (6-8 quart capacity)

80/20 Diet

This chili fits the 80/20 principle with over 80% of ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods—lean turkey, beans, fresh vegetables, and spices—while allowing for minimal processed components like canned tomatoes and broth for convenience.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients including olive oil, garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika, this chili features lean protein and fiber-rich beans while avoiding processed ingredients and refined carbohydrates that can trigger inflammation.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with whole, minimally processed ingredients including fresh vegetables, lean ground turkey, canned beans and tomatoes without additives, and simple spices—no refined sugars, artificial ingredients, or heavily processed components.

Diabetic Diet

This chili supports blood sugar management with lean protein, high-fiber beans that have a low glycemic index, and no added sugars, creating a balanced meal that promotes stable glucose levels throughout the day.

Flexitarian Diet

This recipe showcases flexitarian principles by centering plant-based ingredients like beans and vegetables while using lean turkey as a lighter protein option, creating a primarily plant-forward meal that's satisfying and nutritious.

Gluten-Free Diet

This naturally gluten-free chili uses gluten-free chicken broth and contains no wheat, barley, rye, or gluten-containing ingredients, making it a safe and flavorful option for those following a gluten-free diet by necessity or choice.

Heart-Healthy Diet

Heart-healthy with lean ground turkey instead of beef, olive oil for healthy fats, fiber-rich beans, and abundant vegetables, while keeping saturated fat low and providing potassium and antioxidants that support cardiovascular health.

High-Fiber Diet

Excellent source of dietary fiber from the combination of kidney beans, black beans, and vegetables, providing approximately 8-10 grams of fiber per serving to support digestive health and sustained fullness.

High-Protein Diet

With 1.5 pounds of lean ground turkey plus protein-rich kidney and black beans, this chili delivers substantial protein per serving (likely 25-30g+) to support muscle maintenance and satiety goals.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense chili is ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing lean protein from turkey, complex carbohydrates from beans, and abundant fiber to promote satiety and stable blood sugar throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This satisfying chili supports intuitive eating principles by offering a balanced, nourishing meal that honors both taste and nutrition without restriction, featuring wholesome ingredients that provide genuine satisfaction and fullness.

Mindful Eating

Perfect for mindful eating with its complex layers of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors that encourage slow appreciation, featuring varied textures from tender turkey, creamy beans, and crisp vegetables that engage multiple senses.

Weight Watchers

Made with lean ground turkey (93/7), fiber-rich beans, and plenty of non-starchy vegetables, this chili aligns perfectly with Weight Watchers principles by emphasizing lean protein and nutrient-dense ingredients while keeping saturated fat minimal.

Instructions

1
2 min

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.

2
6 min

Add diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and onion is translucent, about 5-6 minutes.

3
1 min

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.

4
8 min

Add ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring frequently and breaking up any large chunks, until turkey is no longer pink and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes.

5
2 min

Add minced chipotle peppers with adobo sauce, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano to the pot. Stir well to coat the turkey and vegetables with spices, cooking for 1-2 minutes until very fragrant.

6

Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add drained kidney beans and black beans, stirring everything together.

1 min
7
3 min

Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the chili to a boil over medium-high heat.

8
30 min

Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. The chili should thicken and the flavors will meld together.

9

Remove from heat and stir in fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.

1 min
10

Ladle chili into bowls and top with desired toppings such as chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced avocado. Serve hot.

2 min

Frequently Asked Questions