Award Winning Chili Recipe (The BEST Chili You'll Ever Have) (2024)

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1. In alarge Dutch Ovenheat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onion and sauté on medium-high heat for 5 minutes.

3. In a medium sauté pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add ground turkey thighs and breast.

5. Add cooked meat to a pot with an onion and pepper mixture.

7. Dilute tomato paste with 1 cup of chicken broth and add it to a pot. Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, brown sugar, cocoa powder, the remaining chicken broth, and ½ teaspoon of salt.

2. Add garlic and both types of peppers and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.

4. Cook, stirring constantly and breaking up the big chunks with a fork, until the liquid evaporates and the meat is thoroughly cooked and slightly brown, about 7-10 minutes.

6. Pour in the diced tomatoes and beans.

8. Give everything a good stir and bring the chili to a boil. Cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. If the soup becomes too thick, add ½ cup of chicken broth. Simmer for 1 hour.

Tips For Making the Best Award-Winning Chili

• Use a Dutch Oven: For the best chili recipe, use a Dutch oven. It distributes heat evenly and keeps the chili at a steady simmer, which is key for developing deep, rich flavors.
• Trust the Cocoa Powder: The unusual combination of spices that I put in my award-winning chili makes it super delicious. I bet you never added cocoa powder to your Chili. But trust me, it works and makes this hearty homemade soup grand prize-worthy.
• Choose the Right Meat: This recipe uses ground turkey, but you can also use ground beef or Italian sausage for a different flavor. The secret ingredient is to use a combination of meats to add depth to the taste.
• Don't Rush the Cooking: Allow the chili to simmer for at least an hour. This slow cook-off allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken, creating a hearty comfort food.
• Top it Off: Serve your homemade chili recipes with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions. For a crunch, add corn chips or tortilla chips. These toppings add a variety of textures and flavors that make the chili even more delicious.

Serving Suggestions

• Add any of your favorite toppings to this contest-winning chili, such as shredded cheese like sharp cheddar, Monterey, or pepper Jack.
• For a hearty dinner, serve this award-winning chili recipe over a bed of baked potatoes and top it off with a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese. The soft, fluffy potatoes perfectly complement the robust flavors of the chili.
• Looking for a fun twist? Try serving this chili atop a pile of crispy tortilla chips for a homemade chili mac. The crunch of the chips adds an exciting texture to the dish.
• For a lighter option, serve this chili with a side of fresh, diced tomatoes and green onions. The freshness of the vegetables balances the rich, deep flavors of the chili.
• For a true comfort food experience, serve this chili with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. The creaminess of the sour cream and the sharpness of the cheese enhance the flavor of the chili, making it a dish to remember.

If my chili is too spicy, what should I do?

Don't worry if your chili has a bit more spice than you'd like. You can easily adjust the heat by reducing the amount of cayenne pepper you add. If it is already too spicy, a dollop of sour cream or creme fraiche can help cut through the heat. Adding more toppings like cheese, avocado, or tomatoes can also help balance the flavors.

What are the best beans to add to Chili?

Beans that have a firmer skin, such as kidney beans, cannellini beans, or black beans, are ideal for chili as they retain their shape during the long cooking process. It is best to avoid softer beans like butter beans, which can become mushy.

What is the secret to award-winning chili?

The secret to award-winning chili lies in the balance of spices. The right amount will highlight the individual ingredients without overpowering them. This allows each flavor to shine through, creating a rich and complex chili that's sure to impress.

What can you add to Chili for more flavor?

If your chili is lacking in flavor, consider adding more smoked paprika and ground cumin. These spices can really enhance the overall taste of your chili. Plus, a touch of sugar can help cut through the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a more balanced flavor profile.

Refrigerator: To ensure your leftover chili maintains its flavor, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This comfort food can be kept fresh for 2-3 days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the chili in a microwave or saucepan.

Freezing: This best chili recipe is freezer-friendly. After allowing it to cool to room temperature, place the chili in an airtight sealed container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Thawing: Thaw your homemade chili by transferring it from the freezer to the refrigerator. Allow it to thaw for approximately 24 hours. Once thawed, transfer the chili to a saucepan and reheat until it begins to simmer.

Reheat Instructions: If the chili has been stored in the refrigerator, reheat it over medium heat on the stovetop until it starts to simmer. For the best taste, serve immediately after reheating.

Award Winning Chili Recipe

This Award-Winning Chili recipe is the best chili you’ll ever have. If you're tired of one-note chili recipes, this is the flavorful, cook-off-winning chili you've been dreaming of, complete with a secret ingredient that sets it apart from the rest.

Print Pin Rate

Servings: 8

Calories: 414kcal

Author: Iryna Bychkiv

Ingredients

Instructions

Video

Notes

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