Tomato-Braised Turkey Stew with Guatemalan Chilies

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

A hearty turkey stew simmered in a rich tomato base infused with Guatemalan chilies and traditional spices, delivering a warm and vibrant flavor. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 80 minutes pairs tablespoons vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced, teaspoon ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 60 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Pat dry 1.5 pounds of turkey thighs, then brown them, skin-side down, for 5-6 minutes until golden and crisp, then flip and cook 3 more minutes; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Lower heat to medium; add 1 diced medium white onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, soak 3 Guatemalan dried chilies in hot water for 15 minutes, then puree them with 3 chopped medium ripe tomatoes until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the chili-tomato purée into the pot with the onion and garlic, add 1 teaspoon ground cumin and 1 teaspoon ground coriander, and cook for 8 minutes stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and deepens in color.
  5. Step 5: Return the browned turkey thighs to the pot and add 3 cups chicken broth, 1.5 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 45 minutes until the turkey is tender.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving to add brightness and fresh aroma.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato-Braised Turkey Stew with Guatemalan Chilies take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 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 Tomato-Braised Turkey Stew with Guatemalan Chilies?

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 tablespoons vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato-Braised Turkey Stew with Guatemalan Chilies?

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 Tomato-Braised Turkey Stew with Guatemalan Chilies 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.

What goes well with Tomato-Braised Turkey Stew with Guatemalan Chilies?

Latin American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes