Nothing beats a hot bowl of chili when the weather turns cold, but if you want something new and festive, this Turkey Cranberry Chili Recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It combines savory spices, tart cranberries, and lean ground turkey to create a dish that combines unexpected flavors that come together to create a hearty, satisfying meal that will become a new seasonal favorite whether you are using up leftover Thanksgiving food or just in the mood for something warm and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Cranberry Chili Recipe
- Special Flavor Combination: The rich, savory turkey is beautifully counterbalanced by the sweet-tart cranberries.
- Healthy & Lean: Compared to beef-based chilies, this one is healthier because turkey is a lean protein.
- Excellent for Leftovers: A wonderful way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving.
- Easy to Make: You can have this ready in less than an hour with only a few basic ingredients and little preparation.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: This chili is a fantastic choice for meal prep because it gets even better the next day.
Ingredients for Turkey Cranberry Chili
A variety of robust, savory ingredients are used in this recipe to produce a dish that is both balanced and comforting. What you will need and the importance of each ingredient is as follows:
- One pound of ground turkey, or leftover turkey that has been shredded Turkey, a lean, high-protein substitute for ground beef, keeps this chili flavorful and light.
- One small diced onion enhances the flavor of the chili by adding a savory depth and a hint of sweetness as it caramelizes.
- Two minced garlic cloves add a powerful, fragrant foundation that deepens the flavor and brings out the inherent qualities of the components.
- One fifteen-ounce can of diced tomatoes with juices The juiciness and acidity contribute to the thickness of the chili and serve to form a delicious basis.
- One cup of cranberries, either fresh or frozen, gives a distinct acidity that enhances the turkey’s richness and adds depth to the flavor.
- One can (15 oz) of rinsed and drained black beans In addition to being a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, beans give the meal structure and heartiness.
- Two cups of chicken broth: This adds more flavor depth and helps the chili’s consistency by keeping it from being overly thick.
- To ensure even cooking and bring out their inherent sweetness, the onions and garlic are sautéed in 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- One tablespoon tomato paste: This concentrated tomato flavor enhancer thickens and improves the umami profile of the chili.
- One teaspoon of chili powder gives the food a familiar chili heat without being overbearing.
Optional Add-ins
- 1 tsp cumin: A common ingredient in chili, cumin gives the turkey and beans a smokey, earthy flavor.
- Half a teaspoon of smoked paprika adds a touch of smokiness, which makes the meal richer and more complex.
- Half a teaspoon of cinnamon is a secret ingredient that adds a touch of sweetness and warmth, making the cranberries even more tart.
- To bring out the most in each ingredient and balance all the tastes, add salt and pepper to taste.
- One tablespoon of optional honey or maple syrup helps balance the cranberries’ tartness and produce a well-rounded flavor.
This Turkey Cranberry Chili Recipe strikes the ideal combination of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors with the careful selection and blending of these components, creating a dish that will stick in your memory.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Add the olive oil to a big saucepan or Dutch oven that has been heated to medium heat. Add the chopped onion after it is hot and stir often. The onion should soften and become somewhat transparent after 3–4 minutes of sautéing. Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Keep in mind that burning the garlic can cause it to become bitter.
2. Brown the Turkey
Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break up the ground turkey before adding it to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. It is usual to see some liquid escaping from the turkey while it cooks. To prevent the chili from becoming very watery, you can drain any extra moisture a little.
3. Build the Flavor Base
After the turkey is done, coat it evenly by adding the tomato paste and stirring it into the meat. Next, add the cinnamon, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. To allow the spices to bloom, stir for around one minute. To create a rich and tasty chili, this step is essential since it helps the flavors develop and deepen.
4. Add the Main Ingredients
Add the black beans, chicken stock, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Mix everything up thoroughly. Add the frozen or fresh cranberries after that. You may use them straight out of the freezer without having to thaw them. To evenly spread the cranberries throughout the chili, stir once more.
5. Let It Simmer
On medium-high heat, bring the chili to a moderate boil. After it begins to bubble, lower the heat to low and simmer it for approximately half an hour without cover. To avoid sticking, stir from time to time. The cranberries will begin to decompose and release their tartness into the chili as it simmers. Use the back of a spoon to gently mash the cranberries if you like your chili chunkier.
6. Adjust the Seasoning
Taste the chili after half an hour. To balance the flavors, add a spoonful of honey or maple syrup if it is too tart. Add additional chili powder for extra spiciness. As necessary, adjust the salt and pepper. To ensure that all the flavors blend correctly, heat it for an additional five minutes.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, take the chili off of the stove and allow it to settle for a few minutes. The flavors can settle as a result. Spoon the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, Greek yogurt, or fresh cilantro. For a full dinner, serve it with crusty bread or cornbread. This recipe is a great option for meal prep because it gets even better the next day!
Expert Tips for the Best Turkey Cranberry Chili
- Leftover Turkey Trick: Add the leftover roasted turkey in step 4 and shorten the simmering time to 15 to 20 minutes if you are using it in place of ground turkey.
- Thicker Chili: Mash some of the black beans before adding them for a heartier consistency.
- Cranberry Substitutions: Dried cranberries can be used in place of fresh or frozen cranberries; simply cut the quantity to 1/2 cup and add them later in the simmering process.
- Add a chopped jalapeño or an additional teaspoon of chili powder to make it hotter.
Serving Suggestions
This Turkey Cranberry Chili Recipe pairs wonderfully with:
- Cornbread: The tangy cranberries are complemented by the sweetness.
- Quinoa or rice are excellent ways to increase the meal’s filling content.
- Slices of avocado: Provide a cold, creamy contrast.
- For a tart finish, use sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Tortilla chips: They give the chili a wonderful scoopable texture and crunch.
- Shredded Cheese: Adding Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese to a meal adds depth and flavor.
- Fresh cilantro or green onions provide a burst of freshness to counterbalance the robust, flavorful chili.
You should also try our Blue Jam Garlic Aioli or Ballard Cheeze recipe
Every bite will be a great experience thanks to these additives, which also let you personalize your bowl according to your tastes.
Best Occasions to Serve Turkey Cranberry Chili
This unique chili is a fantastic choice for many occasions:
- Dinners in the fall and winter: A filling, hot dish ideal for chilly nights.
- A tasty way to use up surplus turkey from the holiday feast is with the Thanksgiving Leftover Revamp.
- Gatherings on Game Day: A popular dish that goes well with cold beverages and cornbread.
- Family meals are filling, tasty, and simple to make for a cozy supper.
- A distinctive meal that makes an impression on guests is served at holiday potlucks.
- Meal prep is ideal for hectic weeks because it tastes even better the following day.
Turkey Cranberry Chili is a must-try recipe for these kinds of celebrations, and it is ideal for sharing and savoring with loved ones.
Nutritional Benefits of Turkey Cranberry Chili
This chili isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients:
- LHigh-quality protein is available in Turkey to support the upkeep of muscles.
- Antioxidants: Packed in antioxidants, cranberries help maintain a healthy immune system.
- Black beans are high in fiber, which helps with digestion and prolongs feelings of fullness.
- Low in Fat: Turkey chili has fewer calories and saturated fat than beef chili.
How to Store and Reheat Turkey Cranberry Chili
This chili is simple to store and reheat if you have leftovers. Before putting the chili in an airtight container, just let it cool to room temperature. You can keep it in the fridge for up to five days. To keep the consistency of the chili after reheating, add a little water or chicken stock. Heat the chili in a saucepan over low to medium heat. To expedite the process, microwave each part separately in a microwave-safe dish, stirring often to guarantee even heating.
Freeze the chili for up to three months in resealable bags or freezer-safe containers for extended storage. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or stovetop as directed when ready to eat. This chili is a great meal prep choice for hectic weeks because it maintains its flavor and texture well.
Variations of Turkey Cranberry Chili
This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste. Here are some delicious variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth rather than chicken broth and substitute lentils or chickpeas for the turkey.
- Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or additional chili powder.
- smokey Flavor: For a more complex, smokey flavor, add a little pinch of chipotle powder or smoked paprika.
- Additional Veggies: To boost nutrients, add diced bell peppers, carrots, or sweet potatoes to the chili.
- Creamy Twist: To achieve a creamy texture, mix in a little amount of Greek yogurt or coconut milk just before serving.
This Turkey Cranberry Chili Recipe is a tasty and filling dish that everyone will enjoy, regardless of how you alter it!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it possible to prepare this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Before putting everything in a slow cooker, brown the turkey, onions, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 hours on high or 6–8 hours on low.
2. Is it possible to freeze this chili?
Absolutely! Allow the chili to cool fully before storing it for up to three months in an airtight jar. Reheat on the stovetop after thawing overnight in the refrigerator.
3. In place of turkey, what may I use?
You may make a vegetarian version by using lentils or more beans for the turkey, or you can use ground chicken.
4. How should leftovers be stored?
Store in the refrigerator for up to five days in an airtight container. If necessary, reheat in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of broth.
5. Can I use additional veggies?
Yes! Bell peppers, sweet potatoes, or carrots would all be great additions.
Final Thoughts
The ultimate comfort dish with a distinctive seasonal touch is this recipe for turkey cranberry chili. This chili is guaranteed to become a family favorite, whether you are using up leftovers from Thanksgiving or you are just in the mood for something comforting. Enjoy a bowl of warm, filling goodness by giving it a try today!