This slow cooker turkey chili not only contains protein, a pleasantly tasteful sauce with a kick and crisp vegetables...it is made with chocolate and lots of love as well! If you’ve never had chocolate in your chili you are in for a real treat!

This is hands down my Husbands favorite chili recipe, he asks me to make it every Sunday, it is a meal he will never get sick of. It contains double the amount of protein from the flavorful turkey meat and tender beans, the right amount of spices to create that savory sauce with a kick, crisp vibrant vegetables that are good for our health and his favorite secret ingredient: chocolate.

I know you might think it is bizarre to put chocolate in a chili recipe. But, let me tell ya, it works! The reason it works is because I use the healthy kind of chocolate, the chocolate that isn’t too sweet and the kind that is actually nutritious for you. The secret is to use 70% chocolate. It is sweet, but not too sweet and when it gets all melty in the pot and mixes in with the herbs and spices it is to die for!

When you use 70% chocolate or higher it has higher a amount of cocoa content and contains fibers and minerals for you that are bodies need. So, not only does this chili recipe contain proteins and vegetables that are good for you it contains fibers and minerals!

Now, do not let the long list of ingredients scare you away. It contains a ton of common pantry spices, fresh vegetables and canned items. All easy peasy things. Your only job is to be responsible for adding them to the pot. There is no real cooking here besides cooking the turkey meat. The crockpot does all of the work for you, which makes this recipe a breeze! Can you say winning!? So, when you are in a rush or you just want a cozy home cooked meal without a pile of dishes and a ton of work this recipes comes in handy!

When it comes to the spice level that is completely up to you. I put my recommendation in the ingredients list below. However, if you you want it less spicy I recommend eliminating some of the jalapenos, habanero, or the Serrano peppers. You also could still include all three and put less in the pot to start and as it cooks add more along the way. I also will recommend either eliminating the red pepper flakes or adding them in as needed.

This is a wholesome feel good meal that will never go out of style. Once you try it, I know this is something we will all agree on. This recipe also pairs extremely well with my Honey Lavender Corn Bread Muffins.

Did you make this? If so, make sure to tag and follow @prettyplatebymichelle on instagram or leave a comment below and let me know what you thought! I would love to see your Pretty Plate and hear from you!