Save This hearty cherry chipotle turkey chili has transformed my weeknight dinner rotation with its perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors. The unexpected addition of cherries creates a delicious depth that complements the chipotle heat beautifully, all while keeping prep simple in just one pot.
I first created this recipe during cherry season when I had an abundance from our local farmers market. My family was skeptical about fruit in chili until they tasted it now they request this dish year round regardless of the season.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey: provides lean protein while absorbing all the wonderful flavors in the pot. Look for 93% lean for the best balance of flavor and health.
- Yellow onion and red bell pepper: create a sweet aromatic base. Choose firm peppers with bright vibrant color.
- Garlic: adds essential savory notes. Fresh cloves will give you the most robust flavor.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: bring smoky heat that defines this chili. Adjust quantity based on your spice tolerance.
- Cherries: add unexpected sweetness that balances the heat perfectly. Fresh or frozen both work wonderfully.
- Black beans and kidney beans: provide hearty texture and plant protein. Rinse well to remove excess sodium.
- Crushed tomatoes: form the base of the sauce. San Marzano variety offers superior flavor if available.
- Warm spices including cinnamon: create complexity that makes this chili special. Fresh spices make a noticeable difference.
- Chicken broth: adds depth and necessary liquid. Homemade is best but low sodium store bought works well too.
Instructions
- Brown the Turkey:
- Heat your Dutch oven over medium heat until hot then add the ground turkey. Break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon and cook until no pink remains about 6 to 8 minutes. This creates the protein foundation for your chili and builds the first layer of flavor through browning.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the diced onion red bell pepper and minced garlic to the browned turkey. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. The onions should become translucent but not brown. This aromatic base will infuse the entire chili with essential flavor.
- Bloom the Spices:
- Add all the seasonings chipotle peppers adobo sauce chili powder smoked paprika cumin cinnamon oregano salt and pepper. Stir continuously for one full minute allowing the heat to release the essential oils in the spices. Your kitchen will fill with an incredible aroma indicating the spices are properly blooming.
- Build the Base:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to caramelize slightly and remove any raw flavor. This concentrated tomato adds richness and umami to the final dish.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes chicken broth cherries and both types of beans. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients ensuring the cherries and beans are evenly distributed throughout the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and let cook for 30 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow simmer allows all flavors to meld together creating a cohesive harmonious chili.
- Adjust and Serve:
- Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed adding more salt pepper or chipotle if desired. Ladle into bowls and offer a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their serving.
Save The chipotle peppers are truly the heart of this recipe. I discovered their transformative power years ago when a Mexican chef friend insisted I try them in my cooking. The smoky depth they bring is unmatched by any other ingredient and pairs magically with the sweet cherries. My husband who typically avoids spicy foods makes an exception for this chili claiming the fruity sweetness perfectly balances the heat.
Storage and Meal Prep
This chili actually improves with time as the flavors continue to develop and meld together. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The chili will thicken as it sits so when reheating you may want to add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Heat gently on the stovetop or microwave until steaming hot. For longer storage freeze in portion sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Creative Serving Ideas
Transform this versatile chili into multiple meals throughout the week. Serve it traditionally in bowls with your favorite toppings or try these creative variations. Spoon it over baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for a hearty dinner. Use as a topping for nachos with melted cheese. Fill warm tortillas for quick chili tacos topped with avocado and lime. Create a breakfast skillet by warming the chili and adding eggs to poach directly in the mixture. The sweet and spicy flavor profile works surprisingly well with morning meals.
Seasonal Adaptations
Summer version Use fresh cherries at peak season and add diced zucchini or yellow squash in the last 10 minutes of cooking
Fall harvest Incorporate diced butternut squash replacing half the cherries with diced apple
Winter comfort Add extra cinnamon and a touch of cocoa powder for deeper warming notes
The Cherry Chipotle Connection
The unique combination of cherries and chipotle creates a flavor profile known in culinary circles as a perfect complement. The natural sweetness of cherries contains compounds that actually enhance our perception of smoky flavors while simultaneously tempering heat. This scientific pairing explains why this unlikely combination works so beautifully together. Indigenous Mexican cooking has long paired fruit with chiles in traditional mole sauces which inspired this modern interpretation. The sweet heat combination triggers multiple pleasure centers in the brain making this chili particularly satisfying and craveable.
Save Toast whole spices like cumin seeds and grind them fresh before adding to intensify the flavor profile. For a thicker chili mash about one quarter of the beans before adding them to the pot. Let the chili rest off heat for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and deepen.
Recipe FAQ
- → What gives this chili its smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and smoked paprika, which blend with cumin and chili powder for extra depth.
- → Can I use fresh or frozen cherries?
Both fresh and frozen pitted cherries work well. Tart cherries add brightness, while sweet cherries offer a richer flavor.
- → Is this chili suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats beautifully and also freezes well for up to three months, making it ideal for advance meal planning.
- → How can I increase the spiciness?
For more heat, add extra chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, or a pinch of cayenne to taste during cooking.
- → Are there garnish suggestions for serving?
Top with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, grated cheddar, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra flavor.
- → Can I substitute another protein for turkey?
Absolutely. Ground chicken or beef can be used in place of turkey with delicious results.