If you’re searching for a comforting, heartwarming meal that combines cozy fall flavors with a healthy twist, look no further than this Apple Sage Turkey Chili Recipe. This chili is a delightful balance of tender ground turkey, sweet apples, fragrant sage, and a medley of spices that create a dish bursting with flavor and aroma. It’s perfect for chilly nights when you want something nourishing, colorful, and a little unexpected, yet so incredibly satisfying. Each spoonful offers layers of taste that feel both familiar and exciting all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple Sage Turkey Chili Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Every item you use plays a key role in building flavor, texture, or that inviting color, making this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the turkey and infuse the base with rich, smooth flavor.
- Ground turkey: The lean protein star that keeps the chili hearty without heaviness.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens down in the pot.
- Garlic: Brings a punch of savory warmth and aromatic complexity.
- Apples: Provide a subtle sweetness and juicy texture that’s unexpected but brilliant in chili.
- Dried sage: Infuses the chili with its signature earthy, slightly peppery taste.
- Ground cumin: Offers a warming, smoky backdrop that complements the meat and beans.
- Chili powder: Gives that classic chili spice and a touch of heat.
- Smoked paprika: Adds depth with a mild smokiness that elevates the entire pot.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who crave a bit more kick, this is your go-to spice.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Diced tomatoes: Bring acidity and body, creating a luscious sauce.
- White beans: Add creaminess and fiber, making the chili filling and nutritious.
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist while adding subtle savory notes.
- Apple cider vinegar: A splash brightens and balances out the sweetness beautifully.
- Fresh sage leaves (garnish): Finishing touch that releases a fresh herbal fragrance with each bite.
How to Make Apple Sage Turkey Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks. Browning the turkey thoroughly is crucial because it builds a rich foundation of flavor that will carry through the entire chili. You want it nicely golden with no pink spots remaining before moving on.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic starts releasing its irresistible fragrance. This step softens the veggies and develops sweetness, which balances the savory turkey and spices perfectly.
Step 3: Add Apples and Spices
Now for the magic touch—the diced apples, dried sage, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. Stir everything well to ensure the spices coat the ingredients evenly. Let this mixture cook for about two minutes; it allows the flavors to bloom and the apples to begin softening just enough to add their signature touch without turning mushy.
Step 4: Combine Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, the drained white beans, and chicken broth. Stir everything together so the liquids disperse evenly. This combination will create the rich, hearty base of the chili while making sure every bite has the perfect mix of textures.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the pot to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld into one another beautifully, and the apples will soften just enough to add subtle sweetness without losing their shape. The simmer also thickens the chili to a wonderful consistency that invites you to dive right in.
Step 6: Brighten with Vinegar
Right before serving, stir in the apple cider vinegar. This little splash adds a bright, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness and enhances all the flavors. Give the chili a quick taste and adjust salt and pepper to your preference—this step is all about perfect final balance.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Dish up your Apple Sage Turkey Chili Recipe hot and finish by sprinkling fresh chopped sage leaves on top. The fresh herbs add an aromatic lift and a pop of color that makes the meal as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Apple Sage Turkey Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sage leaves are the star garnish here, enhancing the herbal notes while adding fragrance. You can also add dollops of sour cream or grated sharp cheddar cheese for creamy richness. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or a few crunchy tortilla chips on the side offer lovely texture contrasts.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm cornbread, crusty bread for dipping, or fluffy steamed rice to soak up all the savory juices. For a fresh element, serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, balancing out the hearty chili perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family meal, scoop the chili over baked sweet potatoes or inside warm pita pockets topped with avocado slices. You can also turn it into a chili bowl by layering it with cooked quinoa, a spoonful of Greek yogurt, and chopped nuts for crunch. These ideas keep the Apple Sage Turkey Chili Recipe exciting and versatile throughout the season.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your Apple Sage Turkey Chili Recipe will stay delicious for up to 4 days. The flavors may even deepen overnight, making leftovers just as wonderful as fresh.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully, making it perfect for batch cooking and busy days. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your chili gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly. Either way, it will be just as comforting the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even vegetarian meat substitutes can work well. Just adjust cooking times as needed and consider the fat content for flavor balance.
What type of apples work best in this chili?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal. They hold their shape during cooking and offer the perfect sweet-tart counterpoint to the savory spices.
Is the cayenne pepper necessary for this recipe?
No, cayenne is optional. It adds a touch of heat if you like your chili spicy, but you can easily omit it to keep the flavors mild and kid-friendly.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the turkey first then transfer all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Add the apple cider vinegar at the end to preserve its brightness.
What if I don’t have fresh sage for garnish?
No worries! Dried sage works well within the chili itself, so just omit fresh leaves or replace them with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a different but fresh garnish.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Sage Turkey Chili Recipe has become a beloved favorite because it marries familiar chili comfort with unexpected, delightful twists like sweet apples and fragrant sage. It’s simple to make but feels special enough to share with family and friends on cozy evenings. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how those flavors come alive, warming you right to the soul.
Print
Apple Sage Turkey Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Apple Sage Turkey Chili is a savory and slightly sweet twist on classic chili, featuring ground turkey, diced apples, and fragrant sage. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it brings together warming spices and hearty white beans in a flavorful, comforting pot.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Apples and Spices: Stir in the diced apples, dried sage, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spices are well incorporated.
- Add Liquids and Beans: Add the diced tomatoes, white beans, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the apples to soften.
- Finish with Vinegar: Stir in the apple cider vinegar for a bright finish to the chili. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh sage leaves for a fragrant touch.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
- Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- This chili can be made vegetarian by replacing turkey with extra beans and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezes well up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
