Smoky Chipotle Chili Recipe

Introduction

Smoky Chipotle Chili is a robust, flavorful dish that brings together the warmth of classic chili with the deep, smoky heat of chipotle peppers. This chili recipe is the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and smoky, making it a favorite for chili lovers and spice enthusiasts alike. It features a rich blend of beans, vegetables, and spices, along with the smoky kick from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, giving the dish a distinct flavor profile that is sure to satisfy.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal to warm you up on a cold day or need a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck or family dinner, Smoky Chipotle Chili is a great choice. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking by adjusting the spice level or adding extra ingredients. In this guide, you will learn how to make Smoky Chipotle Chili from scratch, along with tips for perfecting the recipe and variations to make it your own.

Why You’ll Love Smoky Chipotle Chili

• Unique Flavor: The smoky chipotle peppers bring a bold, deep flavor to the chili, elevating it from a simple bean stew to a truly memorable dish. The combination of smokiness and heat adds complexity that regular chili recipes simply can’t match.
• Customizable: Like all great chili recipes, this one is highly customizable. You can adjust the heat level to your preference, add extra vegetables or protein, or even top it with cheese, sour cream, or avocado for added richness.
• Perfect for Cold Weather: Smoky Chipotle Chili is a cozy, comforting dish that is ideal for chilly evenings. It’s perfect for warming you up after a long day or for serving at a winter gathering.
• One-Pot Meal: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s a one-pot meal that comes together quickly, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the chili improves in flavor the longer it sits, making it great for leftovers.
• Healthy and Filling: With a combination of beans, vegetables, and lean protein, Smoky Chipotle Chili is a hearty and nutritious dish. It’s naturally high in fiber, packed with vitamins, and full of plant-based protein if you choose a vegetarian version.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g
• Protein: 18-20g
• Fiber: 10-12g
• Sugar: 5-7g

Ingredients

For the Chili:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
• 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the can of chipotle peppers)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garnish (optional):

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• ½ cup sour cream
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chili Base

Begin by preparing the base for your chili. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become tender and the onion is translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.

2. Add the Spices and Chipotle Peppers

Once the vegetables are softened, add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper (if you want extra heat). Stir the spices into the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and release their full flavor. Add the chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce along with 2 tablespoons of adobo sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Beans

Next, add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, black beans, and corn kernels to the pot. Stir everything together to incorporate the ingredients evenly. The beans and corn add heartiness to the chili, while the tomatoes and tomato paste provide depth and richness to the base.

4. Add the Broth and Simmer

Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth if you prefer) and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the chili to a simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it cook for 30-40 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken. Stir occasionally to ensure the chili doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

5. Taste and Adjust the Seasoning

Once the chili has simmered for a while, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer more heat, add extra chipotle peppers, cayenne pepper, or chili powder. You can also add more salt and pepper to taste. If the chili is too thick, add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Serve the Chili

Once the chili is ready and the flavors have developed, it’s time to serve! Ladle the chili into bowls, and if desired, garnish with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. These toppings add richness, creaminess, and a refreshing contrast to the smoky heat of the chili.

Tips for Perfect Smoky Chipotle Chili

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your vegetables and spices, the more flavorful your chili will be. Opt for fresh onions, garlic, and bell peppers to create a base that bursts with flavor.
• Control the Spice Level: Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce provide a smoky heat, but they are not as fiery as some other peppers. If you want more heat, feel free to add extra chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or omit the cayenne pepper.
• Simmer for Flavor: Allow the chili to simmer for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. The longer you let it cook, the more intense and well-rounded the flavors will be.
• Use a Cast-Iron Pot: A heavy-duty, cast-iron Dutch oven or pot will help evenly distribute the heat and ensure that the chili cooks evenly. This will also allow the chili to stay warm for longer if you’re serving it at a gathering.
• Garnish Wisely: Garnishes can make a huge difference in flavor. Adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a handful of fresh cilantro can balance the heat and add richness to the dish. Lime wedges add a zesty kick that contrasts beautifully with the smoky flavor.
• Make It Ahead: Chili is one of those dishes that gets better the longer it sits. Make your Smoky Chipotle Chili a day ahead and store it in the fridge overnight. This allows the flavors to fully develop and intensify. Just reheat before serving.

Variations of Smoky Chipotle Chili

• Vegetarian Smoky Chipotle Chili: For a vegetarian version, simply omit any meat and use extra beans or vegetables in place of the protein. You can add sweet potatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
• Beef or Turkey Smoky Chipotle Chili: If you want a heartier chili, add ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Brown the meat with the onions and bell pepper before adding the spices and other ingredients for a rich, meaty chili.
• Smoky Chipotle Chili with Sweet Potatoes: Add cubed sweet potatoes to the chili for an added layer of sweetness and texture. The sweetness of the potatoes complements the smoky heat from the chipotle peppers and creates a well-balanced dish.
• Smoky Chipotle Chili with Bacon: For a smoky, savory twist, add crumbled bacon to the chili. The bacon adds a deliciously crispy and rich flavor that pairs well with the smoky chipotle peppers.
• Spicy Smoky Chipotle Chili: Increase the heat by adding more chipotle peppers, a diced jalapeño, or extra cayenne pepper. This will turn up the spice level while maintaining the smoky flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Smoky Chipotle Chili stores well and can be kept for several days, making it ideal for meal prep and leftovers.

• In the Refrigerator: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
• In the Freezer: Smoky Chipotle Chili freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Smoky Chipotle Chili

While Smoky Chipotle Chili is a complete meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Cornbread: A warm, buttery slice of cornbread is the perfect side for Smoky Chipotle Chili. Its slightly sweet flavor contrasts beautifully with the smoky heat of the chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Serve the chili with crispy tortilla chips for added crunch. They’re great for dipping and complement the chili’s texture.
• Rice: A side of fluffy white rice or brown rice makes the chili even more filling and provides a neutral base to balance the spicy heat.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices add a cooling element to the chili and offer a refreshing contrast to the smoky, spicy flavors.

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Conclusion

Smoky Chipotle Chili is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines the rich, savory taste of chili with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers. It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit your taste, and the one-pot nature of the dish makes cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or a gathering with friends and family, Smoky Chipotle Chili is sure to become a favorite.

With its deep, smoky flavor and just the right amount of heat, this chili is a satisfying and hearty meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Follow the tips and variations provided to create a dish that perfectly suits your preferences. Enjoy this delicious chili on its own or paired with your favorite sides for a complete meal.