If you love hearty comfort foods like classic beef chili or nourishing bowls such as seasonal vegetable soup, you’re going to adore this spicy turkey & cocoa chili. It’s a bold twist on tradition, using ground turkey for a lighter base, smoky spices for warmth, and a touch of unsweetened cocoa for rich depth of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot, add onion and garlic, and cook until golden.
- Cook the turkey: Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink.
- Spice it up: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cocoa powder, salt, and pepper.
- Build the chili: Mix in tomatoes, beans, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Top with avocado slices, sour cream, or cornbread on the side.
Why I Love This Recipe
The cocoa powder doesn’t make the chili taste sweet—it enhances the smokiness and depth of the spices. Paired with lean turkey and hearty beans, it’s a healthier spin on a classic dish while still being incredibly satisfying.
FAQs
Does the chili taste like chocolate?
Not at all. Cocoa adds richness, not sweetness.
Can I make it less spicy?
Yes, just reduce the chili powder or skip the paprika for a milder version.
What are the best toppings?
Avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro work beautifully.
Can I freeze this chili?
Yes! Store it in portions and freeze for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
This spicy turkey & cocoa chili is the perfect balance of bold, smoky, and hearty flavors. It’s lighter than beef chili but just as comforting, making it great for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. If you’re craving more cozy meals, don’t miss our crockpot chicken & vegetable stew and other warming recipes on the blog.
With love,
Chef Yolanda
Spicy Turkey & Cocoa Chili
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A bold twist on chili with lean ground turkey, smoky spices, and a touch of cocoa for rich depth. Lighter than beef chili yet hearty, smoky, and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until golden and fragrant.
- Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cocoa powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes to bloom spices.
- Mix in crushed tomatoes, pinto beans, and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot with avocado slices, sour cream, shredded cheese, or cornbread on the side.
Notes
Cocoa adds depth without sweetness. Adjust spice by reducing chili powder or paprika. Freezer-friendly up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: spicy turkey chili, cocoa chili, ground turkey, pinto beans, comfort food, smoky chili, healthy chili