Gluten-free Chipotle Turkey Chili with Apples is smokey with a hint of cinnamon. Warming,  mouthwatering, and ready in 30 minutes!
Fall is in the air, and Chipotle Turkey Chili with Apples is simmering on repeat on my stove.
This smokey, spicy chili with a hint of sweet on account of the tart chopped apple inside and don top of each bowl is unique and delicious — plus it goes from fridge to table in 30 minutes!
Lean ground turkey is sauted with tart diced apple, spiced with smokey chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, then simmered with tomato sauce, chicken broth, and wait for it – apple cider.
SO FALL.
There’s a hint of cinnamon in this chili too, which provides a delicious, warming aroma with each spoonful.
Start the chili by cooking 1lb 99% fat-free ground turkey with 1 peeled and chopped Granny Smith Apple, and 1 large shallot (or 1 small onion.) Season with salt and pepper then cook until the turkey is no longer pink. Add fresh garlic then saute for 1 minute.
Granny Smith apples are very tart and crisp, providing great texture and flavor in this chili, but not sweetness.
Next add lots of chili-riffic spices including 2 chopped chipotle chilies in adobo sauce + 1 Tablespoon sauce, and 2 teaspoons each chili powder and cumin.
Next add in 1 cup chicken broth, 1 can tomato sauce, and 1 cup apple cider, which gives the chili amazing flavor.
‘Tis the season!
Finally add 1 bay leaf and 1 cinnamon stick which adds a very subtle cinnamon flavor to the chili. Like I said, you smell it more than you taste it, which I think is amazing.
Let the chili simmer and bubble for 10 minutes or so, then top with lots of sharp cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and freshly diced tart apple!
If you like chili, this is definitely one recipe to add to your repertoire.
I love how smokey it is from the chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, which you can get in a can in the Mexican-foods aisle in the grocery store, and the tart apple both in the chili and top was really something to write home…or, you!…about. Enjoy!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb 99% fat-free ground turkey
- 2 Granny Smith apples, 1 peeled and both chopped
- 1 large shallot or small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- salt and pepper
- 2 gluten free chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon adobo sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup apple cider, not apple juice
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, tortilla chips
Directions
- To a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat add the turkey, peeled chopped apple, and shallots. Season with salt and pepper then cook until turkey is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Add garlic then cook for 1 more minute. Add chopped chipotle chilies and sauce, chili powder, and cumin then stir and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add tomato sauce, chicken broth, apple cider, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick to the pot then turn heat up to high and bring chili to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium then cook for 10 more minutes. Scoop into bowls then top with shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips. Chop remaining apple (do not peel) then sprinkle on top.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
Made this yesterday and used beef instead of turkey since we have lots of ground beef in the freezer. Turned out great! We ate it all in 2 meals :) My husband doesn’t like beans (texture man) so I was happy to find a recipe that didn’t include them!
A chili recipe that is!
This makes me miss MN and Minneapolis so much!! I’ve heard Uptown had become quite the popular place. I have been making all sorts of soups since the weather is full-on fall here.
HUGE hit with my husband, who sneaked up on it and ate it without the chips, cheese or apples on top…and I didn’t get any. Had to lick the pot. I will be making it again tomorrow — sooooooo good!
When I first opened up your page. The inner 5 yr old said ugh… not so sure about apples and chili. But it looks delish, will definately be giving it a try.
Doesnt traveling with an infant just make traveling that more adventurous??? Lol. When we went on a little two day road trip I think we packed up his entire room! :)
I never would have thought to add apples to chili but it adds a nice “Fall touch.”
P.S. I went to college in the Twin Cities and I’m dying to go back and visit my friends and family!
I was all set to make pumpkin chili (what can I say? I’m in Fall mode!), but then I saw this delicious looking recipe, and my plans changed immediately. Can’t wait to try it out tonight and post on the blog tomorrow.
Love your recipes!
Lincoln is so adorable! What a luv bucket!! So great that you got the first trip out Of the way! I got 1000 miles one way cOming up soon! Yikes! With cranky teens!
This chili sounds so good – love the apples in there – def need to give it a try!
Oh, how I love going to your blog when I wake up wondering what to do with my ground turkey. Looks like a winner, it’s for dinner! Lincoln is so stinkin’ cute!
So glad you had fun on your road trip! And this chili – such a comforting bowl for the cooler weather! And a genius addition of the apples!
I’m not sure how I came across your blog, but I really like it! I just had to say I have a nephew named Lincoln, and his sister’s name is Finley (Fin for short) and they live in Iowa!
You have totally grabbed my attention with this recipe! I love chili (and thought it was fall, but weirdly it is going to be near 80 again this week!) but I’ve never tried adding apples or cinnamon!! I’m going for it!!!
What a super fun family weekend!! You little one is just so sweet! :)
The Fisher Price Black and White and Peek ‘n Play Apptivity apps work great for those meltdowns in the car