Every great love story starts with a little heat, and the best chili recipe is no different. The moment chipotle hits that hot oil, it releases a perfume so good it should come with a warning label. It’s smoky, it’s bold, and it’ll have your neighbors “just checking in” right around dinner time.
You don’t have to be a chef to make this work; you just need a spoon, a little faith, and an appetite for something that’ll hug you from the inside out. This isn’t one of those recipes that leaves you guessing. Nope. This is the best chili recipe, smoky, spicy, layered with depth, and designed to make you feel like you did something right today.
Spicy Adobo Turkey & Sausage Chili (No-Beans)
Equipment
- Large heavy pot or Dutch oven
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 ½ lb ground turkey 85/15
- 14 oz Sausage (of your choice) sliced into quarters
Produce
- 1 large yellow onion finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper finely diced
- 1 Anaheim pepper diced
- 1 jalapeño diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup baby bella or cremini mushrooms finely chopped
- 1 small zucchini diced
- 1 cup frozen super-sweet corn
- 1 lime juiced
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Canned & Sauces
- 1 15-oz can crushed tomatoes (Colavita preferred) (or more depending on your taste)
- 1 8-oz can tomato sauce
- 2-3 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth add more if you like a thinner chili
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 7-oz can chipotle peppers in adobo (slice them) (use 3-4 peppers + 1 tbsp adobo sauce for mild-medium spice OR entire can with sauce)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- ½ tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp oregano
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (3 tsp if you want it extra spicy)
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1½ tsp salt plus more to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp brown sugar or honey optional, only if yours is too spicy
- Other
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Sear the sausage: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside, keeping the flavorful oil.
- Brown the turkey: Add remaining olive oil and butter. Add ground turkey, season lightly, and let it brown undisturbed 3–4 minutes. Break apart and cook through. Remove and set aside, draining most liquid but leaving 1–2 tbsp for flavor.
- Sauté the veggies: Add onion, bell pepper, Anaheim, and jalapeño. Sauté 5–6 minutes until softened and slightly browned. Add mushrooms; cook 2 more minutes. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking 1–2 minutes until fragrant and caramelized.
- Bloom the spices: Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir 30 seconds to release oils and deepen flavor.
- Build the base: Return turkey and sausage to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chipotle peppers with adobo, broth, and salt. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer low and slow: Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add zucchini during the last 20 minutes and corn during the last 10–15 minutes.
- Finish with brightness: Stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust — add more adobo for smoke, more salt for depth, or more broth if too thick.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon into bowls and top with cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla strips.
Notes
- Add 4–6 chipotle peppers plus extra adobo sauce if you love bold heat and smoke.
- For a thinner chili, stir in up to 1 additional cup of broth during simmering.
- The Anaheim-and-jalapeño combo builds layered heat with balanced flavor.
- Chili thickens as it rests; the next day, it’s even richer and smokier.
Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided with this recipe is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients, brands, or preparation methods you use. Cooking times and results may also vary based on your equipment, conditions, and individual cooking skills. Please use your own judgment and adjust as needed during preparation.
Be mindful of food allergies and sensitivities when preparing this recipe. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they are suitable for your specific dietary needs or those of anyone you may be serving. Neither the recipe creator nor this blog assumes responsibility for adverse reactions caused by following the recipe.
These recipes are shared for informational purposes only and should not be considered dietary, nutritional, or medical advice. For personalized advice, always consult with a qualified professional. Happy cooking!