Go Back

Best Turkey Chili Recipe

chef Laya
Prepr Time 15 minutes
Cooking Time 45 minutes
ToTal Time 1 hour
Serving 8

Ingredients
  

  • 1 –2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb 450 g ground turkey (85–93% lean)
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 –3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
  • 2 –3 cans 15 oz each beans (kidney, pinto, black, or cannellini), drained and rinsed
  • 2 cans 14.5 oz each diced or crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 –2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 –2 cups 240–480 ml chicken or turkey broth
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar sour cream, diced avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, diced red onion, jalape ños, tortilla chips

Instructions
 

Instructions (Stovetop Method)

  • Brown the turkey: In a large Dutch oven or skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if desired.
  • Sauté½½ vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the turkey. Sauté½½ for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  • Add remaining ingredients: Stir in beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and 1–2 cups of broth. Bring to a boil.
  • Simmer: Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  • Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add more chili powder or cayenne for extra heat if desired.
  • Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, lime, or other favorites.

Instructions (Slow Cooker Method)

  • Brown the turkey: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown ground turkey until no longer pink (6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat.
  • Transfer to slow cooker: Add browned turkey, sauté½½ed onion, garlic, and bell pepper to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  • Add remaining ingredients: Stir in beans, tomatoes, spices, and 1–2 cups of broth.
  • Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
  • Season and serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve with desired toppings.

Notes

  • Bean varieties: Use all one type or mix kidney, pinto, black, and cannellini beans.
  • White turkey chili: Substitute cannellini beans, add 1 can of green chiles, and stir in 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese at the end.
  • Spicier chili: Add diced jalape ños, 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne, or hot sauce.
  • Instant Pot: Use Sauté½½ function to brown turkey and vegetables. Add remaining ingredients, seal lid, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Quick release.
  • Make-ahead: Chili tastes better the next day. Store for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
  • Freezing: Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)
Calories: ~280
Total Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg
Sodium: ~520 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30 g
Dietary Fiber: 9 g
Sugars: 6 g
Protein: 22 g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes (stovetop) or 6–8 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 1 hour (stovetop) or 6–8 hours (slow cooker)