Smoky Cacao-Chipotle Turkey & Sweet Potato Chili
Published Jan 25, 2026
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A Cozy, Protein-Packed Chili with Mole-Inspired Depth and Smoky Chipotle Heat
This bold, comforting chili brings together smoky chipotle heat, naturally sweet roasted-style tomatoes, tender sweet potatoes, and lean ground turkey—all finished with a surprising ingredient that adds depth and intrigue: cacao powder. Inspired by the complex flavors of traditional Mexican mole, this chili is rich, savory, and layered, yet still approachable and perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals.
Table of Contents
Why Add Cacao to Chili?
Cacao Creates Mole-Like Depth
In classic Mexican mole sauces, a small amount of chocolate or cacao is used not to make the dish sweet, but to deepen and round out the flavors of chiles, spices, and tomatoes. In this chili, BareOrganics Cacao Powder plays the same role:
- Adds subtle bitterness that balances sweetness from sweet potatoes and tomatoes
- Enhances the smokiness of chipotle and paprika
- Creates a darker, richer color and more complex aroma
- Gives the chili that unmistakable “mole-style” background note without overpowering
The result is a chili that tastes slow-simmered and deeply developed, even though it comes together relatively quickly.
Health Benefits of Cacao Powder
Rich in Antioxidants
Cacao powder is one of the most antioxidant-rich foods in the world, containing flavonoids that help combat oxidative stress and support overall cellular health.
Supports Heart Health
Flavanols in cacao have been linked to improved blood flow and circulation, helping support cardiovascular health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Mood-Boosting Compounds
Cacao naturally contains small amounts of compounds such as theobromine and phenylethylamine, which are associated with improved mood and a sense of well-being—perfect for comfort food season.
Mineral Content
Unsweetened cacao powder provides magnesium, iron, and potassium, all of which support muscle function, energy production, and electrolyte balance.
Because only a modest amount is used, you get the functional benefits without turning the dish into dessert.
Why Turkey and Sweet Potatoes Work So Well
Lean Protein for Staying Power
Ground turkey keeps the chili high in protein and lower in saturated fat, making it hearty without feeling heavy.
Natural Sweetness and Texture
Sweet potatoes soften into tender, creamy cubes that balance the heat of chipotle and the bitterness of cacao, creating a naturally sweet contrast that mimics the sweet-savory balance found in mole sauces.
Flavor Layers in This Chili
Smoky
From chipotle peppers and smoked paprika.
Savory
From cumin, oregano, garlic, onion, and tomato paste.
Sweet
From sweet potatoes and fire-roasted tomatoes.
Deep & Earthy
From BareOrganics Cacao Powder, which ties everything together and gives the chili its signature mole-inspired complexity.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Cold Weather
Make-Ahead Friendly
This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. It stores well in the refrigerator and freezes beautifully.
Cozy and Nourishing
With warming spices, slow-simmered texture, and protein-rich ingredients, it’s ideal for fall and winter meals that are both comforting and nutrient-dense.
Garnish Ideas for Visual Appeal
Fresh and Creamy Contrast
- Sliced avocado
- Drizzle of coconut cream or dairy-free crema
Bright and Herbal
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Squeeze of lime
A Touch of Heat
- Thinly sliced red chiles or jalapeño for color and spice
These toppings not only enhance flavor but also make the deep, dark mole-style chili visually striking for photography and serving.
This Smoky Cacao-Chipotle Turkey & Sweet Potato Chili proves that a small amount of high-quality cacao can transform a familiar comfort dish into something layered, sophisticated, and nutritionally meaningful—bringing the soul of mole into a modern, gluten-free, weeknight-friendly bowl.
Smoky Cacao-Chipotle Turkey & Sweet Potato Chili
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped, plus 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon BareOrganics Cacao Powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 cups gluten-free chicken broth
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons masa or cornstarch, optional
For Garnish
- Sliced avocado
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Thinly sliced red chilis or jalapeño
- Drizzle of crema or coconut cream
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 to 6 minutes. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chopped chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Stir in the BareOrganics Cacao Powder and tomato paste and cook for another 1 minute, letting the mixture darken and become fragrant.
- Add the fire-roasted tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chili has thickened. Stir in the black beans and cook for 5 minutes more.
- Finish with fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you want thicker chili, stir the masa or cornstarch with a little water until smooth, stir into the chili and cook a few minutes until thickened.
- Ladle into bowls and top with avocado, cilantro, sliced chilies, and a drizzle of crema or coconut cream.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
