Skip to main content

Dark Meat Turkey Chili

Image may contain Dish Food Meal and Curry
Matt Duckor

Browning and then braising whole legs for this turkey chili adds both body and flavor to the final product—so much better than the ground stuff.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    8 Servings

Ingredients

2 guajillo chiles, stems removed
1 ancho chile, stem removed
1 canned chipotle chile in adobo, plus 1 Tbsp. adobo
1/4 cup olive oil
4 skin-on, bone-in turkey drumsticks (about 3 pounds)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 12-oz. can Pilsner or other light beer
2 15-oz. cans pinto beans, rinsed
Lime wedges, sour cream, chopped red onion, chopped fresh cilantro, and sliced avocado (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Toast guajillo and ancho chiles in a small dry skillet over medium-high heat, tossing, until darkened in color and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a blender and add 1 cup boiling water. Let sit 10 minutes. Add chipotle chile and adobo and blend until smooth, about 1 minute. Set chile purée aside.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, heat oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium-high heat. Season turkey generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches if needed, cook, turning occasionally, until browned all over, 10–12 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

    Step 3

    Reduce heat to medium and add onion and garlic to same pot; season with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft and translucent, 8–10 minutes. Mix in cocoa, cumin, oregano, and cayenne and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until onion is coated and paste begins to darken, about 2 minutes. Add reserved chile purée and bring to boil. Cook, stirring, until thickened and darkened in color, about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, beer, and 4 cups water; season with salt and return turkey to pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and gently simmer, uncovered, until meat is tender and just falling off the bone, 1 1/2–1 3/4 hours. Remove turkey from pot and let cool slightly. Remove skin and bones from meat; discard. Shred meat and return to pot. Add beans and simmer, adding more water as needed, until meat is beginning to fall apart and beans are very tender, 30–35 minutes; season chili with salt.

    Step 4

    Serve chili with lime wedges, sour cream, red onion, chopped cilantro, and sliced avocado.

Read More
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.