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Home » Buffalo Turkey Chili

Buffalo Turkey Chili

February 23, 2014 96 Comments


Buffalo Turkey Chili

 

Any recipe that has a “Buffalo” flavor immediately grabs my attention!  I’m so addicted to the distinctive hot buffalo flavor and just love how it has been used so creatively lately . . . and I normally don’t get into trendy foods.  Weird doesn’t fly in this household!

In this Buffalo Turkey Chili, the buffalo flavor shines through, but not in an overpowering way.  Ground turkey (or chicken) is used instead of beef . . . so I guess that means it has less cholesterol in it, making it a bit more healthy than beef versions of chili.  If you think that you’ll miss the beefy flavor of traditional chili recipes, you’ll never know the difference with the turkey/chicken in this recipe!

Plus if you want easy, this is a cinch to make!

Goodness, all that you do is sauté the best food buddies of onion, celery, garlic and carrots . . . brown the ground turkey or chicken . . . add some spices . . . then throw in some broth, tomatoes, beans, and hot sauce for that BUFFALO KICK!  Let it simmer and you’re good to go!

For a more true buffalo wing experience, serve this chili with crumbled blue cheese.

Even my husband, Mr. Bill, who is not a huge fan of buffalo wings, really enjoyed this chili.  And if he thinks that this chili recipe is a keeper, than you have to trust him (and me) that it is!

This chili is just the yummiest!

Buffalo Turkey Chili

 

Buffalo Turkey Chili

Buffalo Turkey Chili

Ingredients

  • 4 - 5 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 lbs. extra lean ground turkey or ground chicken
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 stalks of celery (plus leaves), finely chopped
  • 5 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 Tbsp. paprika
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1-½ cups of Frank's Red Hot Sauce (less if you prefer)
  • 1 can chopped tomatoes with jalapeños
  • 1 small can tomato paste
  • 1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
  • 1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • crumbled blue cheese
  • sliced lime
  • chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Cook the ground turkey (or chicken) in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling it as it cooks, and set aside.
  2. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a deep pot.
  3. Add onions, celery, carrots, and garlic . . . cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Add chicken broth and deglaze the pan.
  5. Add turkey/chicken, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beans, paprika, and hot sauce.
  6. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  7. Garnish with crumbled blue cheese, sliced lime, and chopped cilantro.
© Roz

 

Buffalo Turkey Chili

garnish with chunks of blue cheese, slices of lime, and chopped cilantro

 


Previous Post: « Fudgy Dark Chocolate Brownies with Raspberry Sauce
Next Post: An Italian Spring Cooking Class with Domenica Marchetti in Charleston, South Carolina, USA »

Reader Interactions

 

I read each and every comment and respond to questions asap, so ask away!  As I always say, “If you’ve made a recipe, please take a photo and I’ll be happy to share your experience and photo of the recipe with all of us in this blog community!”

The kindness of giving a thumbs up 5-star rating is greatly appreciated!

~ Roz

Comments

  1. Isabel Laessig says

    February 23, 2014 at 2:55 AM

    Great minds think alike. I made Slow cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili. Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous.

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 23, 2014 at 9:04 AM

      I love the convenient option of using the slow cooker as you did Isabel! Smart lady you are!

      Reply
  2. Liz says

    February 23, 2014 at 7:16 AM

    Wow, this looks amazing, Roz! I would never have thought of using blue cheese with chili, but it now makes perfect sense! xo

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 23, 2014 at 9:11 AM

      I agree Liz, and it’s so essential for the ‘buffalo’ twist. Mr. Bill will of course, only use Ranch dressing with anything buffalo!

      Reply
  3. Renee says

    February 23, 2014 at 7:39 AM

    My husband and I both like buffalo sauce flavor but neither of us like eating those little wings. This is a great way to enjoy the flavor but in a whole new way.

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 23, 2014 at 9:27 AM

      This buffalo chili is certainly not as messy as picking up wings . . . and the flavor is identical! Thanks Renee!

      Reply
  4. Tara says

    February 23, 2014 at 8:30 AM

    You have got me gal with the flavors of this chili, huge lover of Frank’s!! YUM!!!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 23, 2014 at 9:31 AM

      Tara, what would a buffalo-lovers kitchen pantry be without a stash of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce! A staple in this home!

      Reply
  5. Larry says

    February 23, 2014 at 8:34 AM

    Looks delicious Roz and I also like the “Buffalo” flavor but never thought about it for chili. I like the garnishes you used as well.

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 23, 2014 at 10:03 AM

      Thanks Larry! It’s definitely a good recipe, especially if you’re a Buffalo-flavor fan like we are!

      Reply
  6. Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says

    February 23, 2014 at 8:38 AM

    What a great idea and why didn’t I think of it. Really looks good Roz and great photos.

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 23, 2014 at 10:04 AM

      Thank you so much Lea Ann, it’s always so fun to try new recipes and tweak them for how you like them . . . and we do love Buffalo-flavored recipes!

      Reply
  7. Renee - Kudos Kitchen says

    February 23, 2014 at 8:47 AM

    Blue cheese and cilantro on top? YES PLEASE!!!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 23, 2014 at 10:13 AM

      Gotta have blue cheese with buffalo recipes!

      Reply
  8. Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says

    February 23, 2014 at 9:52 AM

    Wow! love the Frank’s Red Hot Sauce and the crumbled blue cheese on top!! delicious!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 23, 2014 at 10:48 AM

      Thanks Alice — Frank’s and blue cheese are excellent friends in recipes!

      Reply
  9. Adri says

    February 23, 2014 at 11:24 AM

    Roz, this sounds wonderful! And that is indeed quite an array of chili recipes. There are enough to keep a family in chili all winter long! I’m off now to vote. Best of luck to you!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 23, 2014 at 11:52 AM

      Oh Adri, you just made my day!!! Baci, baci, baci!

      Reply
  10. Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says

    February 23, 2014 at 11:36 AM

    I love all things Buffalo Flavor and I love that you added turkey instead of beef! What a great dish!!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 23, 2014 at 12:01 PM

      Grazie mille Jennifer. I’ve been wanting to make a beef-less chili for the longest time!

      Reply
  11. [email protected]'s Recipes says

    February 23, 2014 at 12:14 PM

    I made a chili con carne today too. We had it for the lunch and the leftover will be tomorrow’s lunch. Your buffalo turkey chilli looks scrumptious, Roz.

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 23, 2014 at 12:27 PM

      Thanks so much Angie! Chili is so perfect for February and winter!

      Reply
  12. Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says

    February 23, 2014 at 1:12 PM

    Blue cheese on top of chili? Brilliant!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 23, 2014 at 1:46 PM

      Blue cheese is a must with anything buffalo, I think. Thanks for your compliment Dorothy!

      Reply
  13. Shaina says

    February 23, 2014 at 1:52 PM

    Buffalo definitely seems like the perfect flavor twist to put in chili…and with blue cheese on top, even better!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 23, 2014 at 1:56 PM

      Oh thanks so much Shaina! Buffalo and blue is truly a classic combination.

      Reply
  14. Velva says

    February 23, 2014 at 3:17 PM

    This is a really creative way to serve up chili. I love it! I would not miss the beef in this creation.

    Velva

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 23, 2014 at 3:33 PM

      You’d never know there wasn’t beef in this chili, Velva!

      Reply
  15. Chiara says

    February 23, 2014 at 5:26 PM

    Looks delicious Roz, a very good recipe !Have a great week !

    Reply
    • Manu says

      February 23, 2014 at 6:17 PM

      Is that blue cheese??? Yessss it is… I won me over! This chili looks fantastic Roz!!

      Reply
      • Roz says

        February 23, 2014 at 7:24 PM

        Grazie mille mia bella amica Manu! Grazie

        Reply
    • Roz says

      February 23, 2014 at 7:05 PM

      Chiara! So good to have you stop by! I hope you have a great week too!

      Reply
  16. Katie says

    February 23, 2014 at 6:29 PM

    Oooh, the combo of buffalo flavored chili with the blue cheese sounds like a taste treat to me!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 23, 2014 at 7:06 PM

      Thanks so much Katie! It’s quite unusual for chili but great for buffalo and blue fans!

      Reply
  17. Melanie says

    February 23, 2014 at 7:06 PM

    Love the garnish of blue cheese – yum!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 23, 2014 at 7:25 PM

      It really worked out well Melanie, perfect accent to the buffalo flavor!

      Reply
  18. Amanda @ MarocMama says

    February 23, 2014 at 8:22 PM

    OMG with the blue cheese?!!? This is going on my meal plan for next week!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 23, 2014 at 10:51 PM

      Amanda, please let me know what you think of this chili; I’d love to know! Thanks!

      Reply
  19. susan says

    February 23, 2014 at 10:11 PM

    A clever new way to eat buffalo wings, minus the mess!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 23, 2014 at 10:56 PM

      You sure got that right! Once of the big plusses of this chili, Susan!

      Reply
  20. 2 Sisters Recipes says

    February 24, 2014 at 8:35 AM

    Roz, Indeed your chili sounds amazing and love the turkey instead of beef! Its so much healthier! I casted my vote! Best of luck to you!
    xxoo Anna and Liz

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 27, 2014 at 7:48 PM

      Oh you sweetheart(s)! Wuv you! Mwah!

      Reply
  21. Laura says

    February 24, 2014 at 9:43 AM

    We are BIG fans of Franks Hot Sauce in this house. I would love to try this one.

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 27, 2014 at 9:06 PM

      Laura,
      Frank’s Hot Sauce is a classic and just the best!
      Thanks for your visit! I’ll be right over,
      Roz

      Reply
  22. Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says

    February 24, 2014 at 10:55 AM

    This sounds delicious! Love the big chunks of blue cheese!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 28, 2014 at 4:19 AM

      Blue cheese chunks just top this chili off perfectly, Sarah! Thanks!

      Reply
  23. Julie @ Texan New Yorker says

    February 24, 2014 at 11:14 AM

    I absolutely love buffalo chicken/turkey chili. I discovered it a few years back and we must have it once a year or so. Your pictures are incredible too!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 28, 2014 at 4:32 AM

      Julie, like you, we just love buffalo chicken or turkey chili too now! Thank you for your compliments!

      Reply
  24. Jane's Adventures in Dinner says

    February 24, 2014 at 3:02 PM

    Yumm! I’d just have to hide the blue cheese from my husband.

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 28, 2014 at 4:38 AM

      Jane, I’m lucky cuz my husband gives me his serving of blue cheese!

      Reply
  25. Shari Kelley says

    February 24, 2014 at 4:25 PM

    This chili recipe looks wonderful, Roz! I love the flavor of buffalo sauce, too, and am always drawn to those recipes. I think my kids would love it also. I’m going to have to make it for them. I was glad to hear your husband liked it, as my husband isn’t as wild about this flavor as I am. Sounds like he would enjoy it, though, since your husband did. Thanks for another great recipe. Can’t wait to try it, and I hope you win the contest!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 28, 2014 at 4:53 AM

      Shari, my husband actually enjoyed this chili with a huge (buttered) hoagie bun . . . sort of like a buffalo sloppy joe! I tried it his way and it was actually really good!

      Reply
  26. mjskit says

    February 24, 2014 at 10:21 PM

    1.5 cups of Frank’s hot sauce?! WOW! This chili rocks!!!!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      February 28, 2014 at 4:55 AM

      After adding a ½ cup, I knew I had to pour in just about the entire bottle of Frank’s hot sauce. It really was yummy with that extra punch, MJ!

      Reply
  27. Kitchen Belleicious says

    February 25, 2014 at 11:07 AM

    just saw another blogger with a turkey recipe and I loved it but I am loving this just as much! We love our chili and I have used ground chicken before but never turkey! I must give that a try

    Reply
    • Roz says

      April 24, 2014 at 11:17 PM

      Jessica, this was my first try with turkey too, and it turned out just as relish as with chicken. Trying to reduce the beef in this family and this was one fun way to do so.

      xo
      Roz

      Reply
  28. Courtney @ Neighborfood says

    February 25, 2014 at 1:30 PM

    I love buffalo flavors too! ESPECIALLY if you add blue cheese. So delicious!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      June 3, 2014 at 5:54 PM

      I totally agree with you Courtney, blue cheese and buffalo flavors are a perfect combination!

      Reply
  29. Martin D Redmond says

    February 25, 2014 at 3:37 PM

    Amazing recipe Roz! I must try this! Pinning!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      June 3, 2014 at 12:36 PM

      You are too kind Martin. If you make this, please stop back and let me know what you think!
      Roz

      Reply
  30. Pam says

    February 25, 2014 at 4:20 PM

    Woo hoo! We’re fans of “anything” buffalo so this recipe is great. It’s a must try!!!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      June 23, 2014 at 10:29 AM

      I couldn’t agree with you more about ‘anything’ buffalo in recipes Pam! Hope you enjoy this if you choose to prepare this recipe!
      Be well,
      Roz

      Reply
  31. Bea says

    February 25, 2014 at 4:26 PM

    Oh, what a beautiful looking chili. It looks amazing.

    Reply
    • Roz says

      June 23, 2014 at 10:40 AM

      Pretty tasty stuff Be a . . . especially if you like the ‘buffalo’ flavor. You can even tone it down or amp it up, depending on your preferences! Thanks for your comment and visit!
      Roz

      Reply
  32. Tammi @ Momma's Meals says

    February 26, 2014 at 9:45 AM

    Just when you think Chili can’t get any hotter you’ve thought to add hot sauce!?? I love it!! Loving the blue cheese topping even more though!!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      June 23, 2014 at 10:48 AM

      Thanks Tammi, glad you enjoyed this recipe! Hope you’re doing well!
      Roz

      Reply
  33. Julie says

    February 27, 2014 at 6:41 PM

    I’d like a bowl right now, please!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      June 23, 2014 at 1:50 PM

      Thank you Julie! I appreciate your visit and nice comment!
      Be well,
      Roz

      Reply
  34. Kim says

    February 22, 2021 at 4:30 PM

    just made this today and its SO GOOD!!

    Reply

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Welcome!

Welcome!

Ciao, I'm Roz!
From my family's kitchens and restaurants in the U.S. and Italy, I share classic, delicious recipes . . . and always served with 'amore'! I'll help you master the art of cooking with easy to follow instructions and cooking tips. Get ready for the compliments! Buon Appetito!

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