Smoky Turkey Chili (with Bacon and Chocolate)
Some recipes are made for quiet weeknights. Others, are made for the kind of winter afternoons when the house feels especially full — boots by the door, snow piling up outside, something warm simmering on the stove. This smoky turkey chili is that kind of recipe.
It started as an alternative to traditional beef chili, but somewhere along the way it became something richer and deeper. Bacon hits the pot first, followed by onions and smoked spices. The turkey browns, the tomatoes soften, and the whole kitchen fills with that unmistakable cold-weather comfort smell.
It’s hearty without being heavy. Smoky, layered, and just slightly sweet from corn and a small touch of brown sugar.
And then there’s the chocolate.
Not enough to taste sweet — just enough to round out the acidity of the tomatoes and deepen the savory notes. It adds warmth in the way good winter food should: subtle, balanced, and quietly memorable.
This is the kind of chili you make on a snow day. The kind you ladle into bowls after sledding or a long walk in the cold. The kind that tastes even better the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Chili
- Deep smoky flavor from bacon and smoked paprika
- Rich and savory but lighter than beef chili
- A subtle chocolate finish that enhances flavor (not sweetness)
- Thick, hearty texture perfect for toppings
- Freezer friendly and even better the next day
🍫Dark Chocolate: The Secret Ingredient in Smoky Turkey Chili
Chocolate in chili is actually rooted in traditional Mexican cooking, where unsweetened chocolate or cocoa is sometimes added to sauces and stews. It doesn’t make the chili sweet. Instead, it adds:
- Depth
- Warmth
- A slightly velvety finish
- Balance to acidity and spice
Here, just a small amount transforms the chili from good to memorable.
Smoky Turkey Chili Ingredients
- BACON (Diced)
- GROUND TURKEY (Dark)
- ONION (Small Dice)
- RED BELL PEPPER (Diced)
- CORN (Fresh, Canned or Frozen)
- GARLIC (Minced)
- TOMATO PASTE
- SMOKED PAPRIKA
- CHILI POWDER
- CUMIN
- OREGANO
- SALT
- PEPPER
- CAYENNE PEPPER (Optional)
- FIRE ROASTED DICED TOMATOES
- CHICKEN BROTH
- WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE
- BROWN SUGAR (Light or Dark)
- DARK CHOCOLATE
- CIDER VINEGAR
Step-by-Step Instructions for Smoky Turkey Chili
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy.
- Add ground turkey to pot and cook until just browned, breaking up into bite-sized pieces.
- Add onions, diced bell pepper and corn to the pot. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
6. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, oregano, brown sugar, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. 7. Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce and cook 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor. 8. Add fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken stock, and drained beans. 9. Bring to a gentle simmer, partially covered, for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. 10. Taste for seasoning and adjust salt, spice, or sweetness as needed. 11. Remove from heat and stir in dark chocolate until melted. Add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar to balance richness.
Other Cozy Meals You Might Like
🥕 How to Make This Chili Vegetarian
This smoky chili easily transforms into a deeply satisfying vegetarian version without losing its richness.
Swap the Meat
Replace the turkey and bacon with:
- 1 additional cans of beans (black + pinto work beautifully)
- OR 8 oz finely chopped mushrooms sautéed until browned for a meatier texture
- OR a plant-based ground alternative
Build Back the Smokiness
Since bacon adds both fat and smoke, compensate with:
- 1–2 teaspoons olive oil
- An extra ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- A small pinch of chipotle powder (optional)
Replace the Broth
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
Keep the Chocolate
The dark chocolate works beautifully in vegetarian chili — it deepens flavor without adding sweetness.
The result is a thick, smoky vegetarian chili that still feels hearty and complex — perfect for serving with cornbread or loaded with toppings.
Smoky Turkey Chili (with Bacon and Chocolate)
Smoky Turkey Chili with bacon and a hint of dark chocolate is a rich, hearty twist on classic chili. Made with lean ground turkey, warming spices, tender beans, and subtle sweetness from corn, this deeply flavorful chili is perfect for game day, cozy dinners, or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Meat & Bacon
- 3 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1–1.5 lbs ground turkey (dark meat or 93% lean works best)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned/drained)
Canned & Pantry
- 1 (14 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken stock or low-sodium broth
- 2 (15 oz) can beans of choice (pinto, black, or kidney), drained and rinsed
Spices & Flavor
- 2 TBSP chili powder
- 3 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to heat preference)
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
The Secret Touch
- 1–2 squares (about 1 oz) dark chocolate (70% is ideal)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (brightens flavor at the end)
Instructions
1️⃣ Render Bacon & Brown Turkey
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy.
- Add ground turkey to pot and cook until just browned, breaking up into bite-sized pieces.
2️⃣ Sauté Vegetables
- Add onions, diced bell pepper and corn to the pot. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Season & Simmer
- Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, oregano, brown sugar, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce and cook 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Add fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken stock, and drained beans.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, partially covered, for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust salt, spice, or sweetness as needed.
4️⃣ Add Chocolate & Brightness
- Remove from heat and stir in dark chocolate until melted.
- Add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar to balance richness.
5️⃣ Serve
- Ladle into bowls.
- Optional garnishes: shredded cheddar, avocado, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, or a few crispy tortilla strips.