Hello there, chili lover. Get ready to warm up your taste buds with a bowl of this 30-minute Spicy Ancho Turkey Chili.
This hearty and delicious dish is packed with lean ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and aromatic spices for a satisfying meal that’s ready in a flash.
So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delicious recipe.
Why I Put This Recipe Together
Who doesn’t love a comforting bowl of chili? But sometimes, we don’t have hours to spend simmering a pot on the stove.
That’s why I’ve created this quick and easy recipe.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome meal on the table in a hurry.
What Makes This Recipe the Best?
The secret to this chili’s depth of flavor lies in the combination of spices, including smoky ancho chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
These spices add warmth and complexity to the dish without overwhelming the other ingredients.
using lean ground turkey instead of beef keeps it light and healthy without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Alternative Ingredients
Here are some ingredients you can use in place of the ones above:
| Ingredient | Alternative |
| Lean ground turkey | Ground chicken or beef |
| Onion | Shallot or leek |
| Diced tomatoes | Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes |
| Black beans | Pinto beans or chickpeas |
| Kidney beans | Cannellini beans or navy beans |
| Chicken broth | Vegetable broth or water |
| Tomato paste | Ketchup or BBQ sauce |
| Ancho chili powder | Chipotle powder or chili powder |
| Ground cumin | Chili powder or taco seasoning |
| Paprika | Smoked paprika or chili powder |
Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground turkey over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon.
Step 2: Add diced onion and garlic to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Stir in diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, chicken broth, tomato paste, ancho chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors are well blended and chili has thickened.
Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Expert Tips
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapenos.
- Make it vegetarian by swapping the ground turkey for your favorite plant-based meat alternative or adding extra beans and veggies.
- This chili tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Utensils Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Ancho Turkey Chili
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, you can. In fact, chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.
Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for longer storage and easy reheating.
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef for the ground turkey in this recipe.
Just be aware that using beef may result in a slightly heavier and richer chili compared to the lighter turkey version. Feel free to use whichever protein you prefer or have on hand.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can. To make this chili in a slow cooker, simply brown the ground turkey and sauté the onion and garlic in a skillet as directed.
Then transfer the cooked turkey mixture to a slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until flavors are well blended and chili has thickened.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness?
Yes, you can easily customize the level of spiciness to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder chili, simply reduce the amount of ancho chili powder or omit it altogether.
For a spicier version, add extra chili powder or include a chopped jalapeno pepper or cayenne pepper to the pot.
Can I make this chili vegan?
Yes, you can. To make this chili vegan, simply omit the ground turkey and use additional beans and veggies to bulk up the dish.
You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor.
Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite plant-based protein sources and enjoy a delicious vegan-friendly meal.
Can I add other vegetables to the chili?
Yes, feel free to get creative and add extra veggies to the chili for added flavor and nutrition.
Bell peppers, corn, carrots, and zucchini all make tasty additions to this dish. Simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot along with the other ingredients.
Can I serve this chili with toppings?
Yes, you can. Chili is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of toppings to suit your taste preferences.
Some popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, sliced green onions, and crushed tortilla chips.
Feel free to get creative and customize your chili toppings to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Yes, you can easily adjust the recipe to make more or less chili depending on your needs.
Simply double or halve the ingredients accordingly, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of your pot and the heat level of your stove.
Have any comments or questions? Drop them in the comment box below. I will reply ASAP.
Also, check out my other recipes that are sure to make you go cray-cray with joy 😹.
You will find the recipe in full below 👇👇👇.
30-Minute Spicy Ancho Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons 30ml olive oil
- 2 tablespoons 30g ancho chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 small flour tortillas
- Taco toppings of your choice: diced tomatoes shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, etc.
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season with ancho chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and shred using two forks.
- In the same skillet, warm flour tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side, or until heated through and slightly golden.
- Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken and your choice of taco toppings.
- Serve tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Customize your tacos with a variety of toppings to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal.
