DINNER

Spicy Buffalo Turkey Chili: Amazing 1-Hour Recipe

by Fatima Garcia

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22 de January de 2026

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Spicy Buffalo Turkey Chili has been my go-to comfort food, especially on chilly evenings or during big game days. I remember the first time I tried to recreate that amazing buffalo wing flavor in a hearty chili, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer! The aroma alone, a mix of zesty buffalo sauce and savory spices, fills my kitchen and makes my mouth water. This spicy buffalo turkey chili recipe is surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love the kick it brings! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Buffalo Turkey Chili

This spicy buffalo turkey chili is a winner for so many reasons! It’s packed with flavor and has just the right amount of heat. Here’s why it’ll become a favorite:

Incredible Flavor Fusion: It perfectly blends the classic comfort of chili with the irresistible tang of buffalo sauce.
Quick and Easy: This ground turkey buffalo chili recipe comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknights.
Healthy Choice: Lean ground turkey and plenty of beans make it a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Customizable Spice: You control the heat by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce and adding extra cayenne if you like.
Perfect for Game Day: Serve this buffalo turkey chili for game day alongside your favorite snacks.
Versatile Toppings: Load it up with cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños for a personalized touch.
Leftover Magic: The flavors meld even more overnight, making leftovers absolutely delicious.
A Buffalo Chicken Chili Alternative: It offers that beloved buffalo wing flavor in a hearty chili format.

Ingredients for Spicy Buffalo Turkey Chili

Gather these ingredients for a truly delicious spicy buffalo turkey chili recipe. This dish uses lean ground turkey as a base, making it a healthier alternative to traditional beef chili. The buffalo sauce is key for that signature tangy heat, and we’re using a mix of beans for great texture.

1 lb ground turkey – lean is best here to keep it from being greasy
1 medium onion, diced – about 1 cup, for aromatic depth
2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that classic chili flavor
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed – provides a creamy texture and fiber
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed – adds a different texture and earthy flavor
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes – the hearty base of our chili
1 cup chicken broth – helps thin the chili to the perfect consistency
½ cup buffalo sauce – use your favorite brand, adjust for spice preference for this buffalo turkey chili with spice
1 tablespoon chili powder – a foundational chili spice
1 teaspoon cumin – adds a warm, earthy note
1 teaspoon paprika – for color and mild sweetness
Salt and pepper to taste – to enhance all the flavors

How to Make Spicy Buffalo Turkey Chili

Let’s get this delicious spicy buffalo turkey chili simmering! It’s a straightforward process that really lets those bold flavors shine. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy gathering.

Step 1: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. You’ll start to smell its sweetness.
Step 2: Add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it up with your spoon and cook until it’s nicely browned all over, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 4: Now, add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans to the pot. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all those wonderful ingredients.
Step 5: It’s time for that signature flavor! Pour in the buffalo sauce, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Stir thoroughly to distribute these spices evenly throughout the chili mixture. This is where the magic of a ground turkey buffalo chili recipe truly begins.
Step 6: Bring the chili to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully for an amazing spicy turkey chili buffalo style.
Step 7: After simmering, taste your chili. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you want it spicier, now’s the perfect time to add a little more buffalo sauce.
Step 8: Serve this incredible homemade spicy buffalo turkey chili hot. Garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Pro Tips for the Best Spicy Buffalo Turkey Chili

Want to elevate your spicy buffalo turkey chili game? These tips will ensure your chili is packed with flavor and has the perfect texture every time. Make sure you have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking!

Use a good quality buffalo sauce for the best flavor; Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice.
Don’t skip sautéing the onions and garlic; this builds a crucial flavor base for your chili.
For an even richer flavor, use a combination of chicken broth and a little bit of water.
Taste and adjust seasonings at the end – this is key for a perfectly balanced chili.

What’s the secret to perfect Spicy Buffalo Turkey Chili?

The real secret to a perfect spicy turkey chili buffalo style is allowing it to simmer long enough for the flavors to meld. Don’t rush the simmering process; give it at least 30 minutes, or even longer on low heat, for the best taste.

Can I make Spicy Buffalo Turkey Chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! This homemade spicy buffalo turkey chili is even better the next day. Simply let it cool completely, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For more make-ahead meal ideas, check out these great make-ahead recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Spicy Buffalo Turkey Chili?

Avoid overcooking the ground turkey, which can make it dry. Also, don’t add all the buffalo sauce at once; start with less and add more to taste so it doesn’t become too spicy for your liking.

Best Ways to Serve Spicy Buffalo Turkey Chili

This vibrant spicy buffalo turkey chili is incredibly versatile and delicious served in so many ways! It’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish. For a classic chili experience, serve it piping hot in bowls topped with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, and some chopped green onions. It’s also fantastic piled high on cornbread or even as a topping for baked potatoes. If you’re looking for a true turkey chili buffalo wing flavor pairing, try serving it alongside celery sticks and blue cheese dip for an ultimate buffalo-inspired meal!

Spicy Buffalo Turkey Chili: Amazing 1-Hour Recipe - Spicy Buffalo Turkey Chili - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Spicy Buffalo Turkey Chili

This spicy buffalo turkey chili offers a flavorful and satisfying meal, and here’s a breakdown of its estimated nutritional content per serving. It’s a great option for those looking for a protein-rich dish with a zesty kick. This recipe is designed to be a healthier alternative, focusing on lean ground turkey and wholesome ingredients. For more information on healthy eating, you can consult resources like the NHS healthy eating guidelines.

Calories: 350 kcal
Fat: 10g
Protein: 30g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the brand of buffalo sauce and any added toppings.

How to Store and Reheat Spicy Buffalo Turkey Chili

Properly storing and reheating your spicy buffalo turkey chili ensures it stays delicious and safe to eat. This chili is fantastic for meal prep, as the flavors deepen overnight. Once your chili has cooled down completely, transfer it into airtight containers. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents freezer burn. Refrigerate your chili for up to 3-4 days. If you’re planning to keep it longer, pop it into the freezer. It can be stored in the freezer for about 3 months. For reheating, you can gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or reheat individual portions in the microwave until thoroughly heated. You can find more tips on food storage here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Buffalo Turkey Chili

What is buffalo turkey chili?

Buffalo turkey chili is a delicious fusion dish that combines the hearty, comforting elements of traditional chili with the tangy, spicy kick of buffalo sauce. It typically features lean ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and classic chili spices, all brought together with that signature buffalo “wing” flavor. It’s a fantastic alternative if you love buffalo chicken but want something heartier. Learn more about the history of chili here.

Can I make this spicy turkey chili buffalo style less spicy?

Absolutely! To make a milder version of this spicy turkey chili buffalo style, simply reduce the amount of buffalo sauce you add. You can start with ¼ cup and taste before adding more. Also, avoid adding extra cayenne pepper. The chili powder and paprika provide warmth without intense heat.

What are the best toppings for spicy buffalo turkey chili?

The best toppings for this spicy buffalo turkey chili really depend on your preference and what you love on buffalo wings! My favorites include shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the heat, chopped fresh green onions for a bit of bite, and thinly sliced jalapeños for an extra spicy kick. Blue cheese crumbles are also a fantastic option for that authentic buffalo flavor!

Is this a healthy spicy buffalo turkey chili?

Yes, this healthy spicy buffalo turkey chili is a great choice! It’s made with lean ground turkey, which is lower in fat than ground beef. It also includes fiber-rich beans and tomatoes. By controlling the amount of buffalo sauce and avoiding high-fat toppings, you can keep it a nutritious and satisfying meal. For more healthy recipes, explore our healthy recipes section.

Variations of Spicy Buffalo Turkey Chili You Can Try

This spicy buffalo turkey chili recipe is fantastic as is, but you can totally switch things up to suit your preferences or dietary needs! Here are a few fun variations to explore:

Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Swap the ground turkey for plant-based crumbles or extra beans like pinto and cannellini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure your buffalo sauce is vegan-friendly. This makes for a delicious healthy spicy buffalo turkey chili alternative.
Slow Cooker Method: For an “I’m not home” meal, dump all ingredients (except toppings) into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This is a super easy way to get that homemade spicy buffalo turkey chili flavor with minimal effort.
Smoky Chipotle Kick: Add a teaspoon or two of chipotle powder along with the other spices. This gives the chili a wonderful smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the buffalo sauce for a complex spicy turkey and buffalo chili.
Extra Veggie Power: Feel free to toss in some diced zucchini, bell peppers (any color!), or corn kernels during the last 15 minutes of simmering for added texture and nutrients.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia