1-First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients to ensure smooth cooking. Chop the onions, poblano peppers, and celery into bite-sized pieces, and measure out your spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chipotle chili powder. For dietary tweaks, use ground chicken if you’re aiming for a leaner option or a plant-based protein for vegan adjustments. This mise en place will take about 10-15 minutes and sets the stage for your Spicy Buffalo Turkey Chili.

2-Second Step: Cook the Base Melt the salted butter in a large pot over medium heat, which should take 1-2 minutes. Add the ground turkey, onions, poblano peppers, celery, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey browns and the veggies soften. If making a low-sodium version, reduce the salt and use low-sodium broth to keep flavors intact while cutting back on extras.

3-Third Step: Add Liquids and Simmer Once browned, pour in the hot sauce, red enchilada sauce, and broth, then bring the pot to a simmer on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Lower the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor. This step allows the spices to meld, creating that signature spicy chili taste; for gluten-free diets, double-check your sauces here.

4-Fourth Step: Incorporate Creamy Elements Stir in the yogurt or an alternative like melted cream cheese, followed by cheddar cheese, and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes until everything melts smoothly. Remove from heat and mix in the cilantro for a fresh finish. If you’re adapting for low-calorie needs, use non-fat yogurt to keep the creaminess without the extra calories, ensuring your Spicy Buffalo Turkey Chili remains balanced.

5-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy To finish the Spicy Buffalo Turkey Chili, ladle it into bowls and top with tortilla chips, avocado, more yogurt, green onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately for the best texture, and adjust seasonings as needed. For vegan variations, skip the cheese and use plant-based yogurt, letting you savor this buffalo turkey stew hot and fresh.