Sweet and Spicy Chili with Honey and Jalapeño

If you love bold flavor with a touch of sweetness and a punch of heat, this Sweet and Spicy Chili with Honey and Jalapeño is about to become your go-to recipe. It’s hearty, cozy, and completely addictive — ideal for chilly nights, potlucks, or when you just want something comforting with a kick.

Unlike traditional chili, this one adds natural sweetness from honey and the fiery brightness of fresh jalapeños, making every bite a vibrant flavor bomb. Whether you use ground beef or turkey, this is a chili that doesn’t hold back.

Why You’ll Love This Chili

• ✅ Balanced sweet heat that doesn’t overwhelm

• ✅ Made with clean pantry staples — no weird ingredients

• ✅ Customizable heat level (mild to fiery)

• ✅ Great for family dinners, tailgates, or freezer prep

• ✅ No pork, no alcohol, no wine — just real flavor

Ingredients

Base

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 1–2 jalapeños, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat)

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained

• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained

• 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

• 1½ cups low-sodium chicken or veggie broth

Seasonings & Sweet Heat

• 2½ tbsp chili powder

• 1½ tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp ground coriander

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 2–3 tbsp honey (to taste)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• Optional: ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice

How to Make Sweet & Spicy Jalapeño Chili

1. Sauté the Veggies

In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and sliced jalapeño. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

2. Brown the Meat

Push the veggies to the side and add ground beef or turkey. Break it apart and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. Add the Seasonings

Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.

4. Add the Tomatoes and Beans

Stir in tomato paste, fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, and kidney beans. Mix well to combine.

5. Sweeten and Simmer

Pour in broth, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover loosely, and let simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Adjust Flavor

Taste and adjust salt, honey (for more sweetness), or add red pepper flakes for more heat.

7. Serve and Garnish

Ladle into bowls and top with:

• Fresh lime juice

• Extra jalapeño slices

• Cilantro

• A drizzle of honey

• Avocado slices

• Crushed tortilla chips

Make It Your Way: Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or crumbled tofu instead of ground meat.

• Sweeter Twist: Add ¼ cup corn or diced sweet potatoes.

• Low-Carb Version: Skip the beans and increase veggies.

• Kid-Friendly: Reduce jalapeños and use mild chili powder.

How Spicy Is This?

This chili leans medium-spicy with a mild jalapeño burn that’s mellowed by the honey. To increase heat:

• Keep jalapeño seeds

• Add extra red pepper flakes

• Use hot chili powder

To decrease heat:

• Remove seeds and membranes from jalapeños

• Start with just 1 tbsp of chili powder

• Add more honey to balance

What to Serve with Sweet & Spicy Chili

• Cornbread or corn muffins

• Brown rice or quinoa

• Tortilla chips or nachos

• Cucumber salad (for cooling contrast)

• Guacamole or sliced avocado

Storage and Meal Prep

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Let cool completely and freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a pot over medium heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in the crockpot?
Yes! Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients to your crockpot. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Is this chili Whole30 or Paleo?
It can be! Skip the beans and swap honey for a Whole30-compliant sweetener like date paste. Use ground turkey and no canned tomatoes with additives.

Can I double this for a party or meal prep?
Absolutely. This chili doubles beautifully — just use a larger pot or slow cooker.

Is it good for kids?
Yes — with minor tweaks. Reduce or omit jalapeños and red pepper flakes. Add a touch more honey for kid-friendly sweetness.

Can I use other beans?
Yes! Pinto beans or navy beans also work well.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 370

• Protein: 25g

• Carbs: 27g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 8g

• Sugar: 9g

Note: Based on ground turkey version

Final Thoughts

Sweet and Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chili is not your average bowl of chili. It’s a crave-worthy combo of heat, richness, and natural sweetness that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re feeding a spice-loving family or just want to shake up your chili game, this one hits the sweet spot — literally.