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Best Sweet and Spicy Turkey Chili: Easy Healthy Recipe

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A comforting, easy-to-make turkey chili that balances the sharp kick of chipotle spice with the gentle sweetness of apricot jam. Perfect for weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground turkey (lean or extra lean)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, no salt added
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup turkey or chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 tablespoons apricot jam
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

  1. Prep the vegetables: Dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and rinse and drain the beans.
  2. Brown the turkey: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil if needed. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up, until no pink remains (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Push turkey to the side or remove temporarily. Add onion and bell pepper to the pot; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  5. Combine wet ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir well, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  6. Add the beans and sweetener: Stir in kidney beans, black beans, apricot jam, minced chipotle pepper, and adobo sauce. Stir until the jam is dissolved.
  7. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Taste and adjust: Add more salt, pepper, or broth as needed. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
  9. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream, cheese, or cilantro if desired.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, swap turkey for extra beans or lentils and use vegetable broth. To make it spicier, add more adobo sauce or a diced jalapeño. For a low-carb version, skip the beans and add diced zucchini or cauliflower rice. Toasting the spices before adding liquid enhances flavor. Let the chili rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, sweet and spicy chili, healthy chili, apricot chili, meal prep, easy dinner, gluten-free chili, lean protein

Find it online: https://islatable.com/best-sweet-and-spicy-turkey-chili-easy-healthy-recipe/