Peach Whiskey Chili Recipe

Introduction

This Peach Whiskey Chili offers a delicious twist on classic chili with the sweetness of fresh peaches and a hint of warming whiskey. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 large peaches, peeled and diced (fresh or frozen)
• 2 Tablespoons whiskey or bourbon
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder
• 1 Tablespoon molasses
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for topping
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: Stir in the diced peaches and cook until they soften, about 4 minutes.
5. Step 5: Pour in the whiskey to deglaze the pot, stirring to incorporate all the browned bits.
6. Step 6: Add the cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and molasses. Stir well to combine all the spices.
7. Step 7: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until ready to serve.
8. Step 8: Stir in the drained kidney beans and heat through.
9. Step 9: Serve the chili hot, topped with a scoop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, and sliced green onions.

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen peaches when fresh ones are out of season to maintain the sweet flavor.
• For a milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
• Swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add a splash of lime juice before serving for a subtle tangy brightness.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef and add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.

What if I don’t have whiskey or bourbon?

You can substitute with a splash of apple cider vinegar or extra broth to keep the flavor balance without the alcohol.

Peach Whiskey Chili Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 100 reviews

This Peach Whiskey Chili is a flavorful twist on classic chili, combining the sweetness of ripe peaches and the warmth of whiskey with savory ground beef, smoky spices, and hearty beans. Perfect for a comforting meal with a unique fruity kick, it balances heat, sweetness, and depth of flavor in every bite.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 large peaches, peeled and diced (fresh or frozen)
• 2 Tablespoons whiskey or bourbon
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder
• 1 Tablespoon molasses
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

For Serving

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
2. Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Cook the ground beef: Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 8-10 minutes until it is fully browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add peaches: Stir in the diced peaches and cook for an additional 4 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their sweetness into the chili.
5. Deglaze with whiskey: Pour 2 tablespoons of whiskey or bourbon into the pot to deglaze, stirring well to lift any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
6. Add spices and molasses: Stir in cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and molasses. Mix well to blend the spices evenly into the mixture.
7. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer: Pour in the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and stir. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop flavors.
8. Incorporate kidney beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and heat through.
9. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish each serving with a scoop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprig of fresh cilantro, and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein option.
• If fresh peaches are not available, frozen peaches work well.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to control the chili’s heat level.
• Molasses adds depth and sweetness; you can substitute with a little brown sugar if unavailable.
• Whiskey or bourbon is optional but enhances the flavor complexity.
• Leftover chili can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: Peach Whiskey Chili, chili recipe, fruit chili, beef chili, whiskey chili, spicy chili, comfort food, easy dinner