Kak'ik-Inspired Turkey Chili with Guatemalan Spices

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant turkey chili inspired by the Guatemalan Kak’ik stew, featuring rich tomato broth and warming spices for a flavorful twist. This Latin American-inspired chicken recipe (gluten free), ready in about 65 minutes, pairs ground turkey, olive oil, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toast 3 dried guajillo chilies in a dry pan over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant. Soak them in 1 cup hot water for 15 minutes, then blend until smooth, adding soaking water as needed.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 diced roma tomatoes, the blended guajillo chile sauce, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground allspice, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until the chili thickens and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges for squeezing over the chili.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Kak'ik-Inspired Turkey Chili with Guatemalan Spices take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Kak'ik-Inspired Turkey Chili with Guatemalan Spices?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground turkey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kak'ik-Inspired Turkey Chili with Guatemalan Spices?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Kak'ik-Inspired Turkey Chili with Guatemalan Spices for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Kak'ik-Inspired Turkey Chili with Guatemalan Spices gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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