This Healthy Turkey Chili is a comforting and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with lean ground turkey, a variety of beans, and plenty of aromatic spices, it offers rich flavor and plenty of protein while keeping things light and healthy. Whether you’re craving a hearty dinner or preparing a big batch for meal prep, this chili is sure to satisfy your hunger and leave you feeling nourished.

With its vibrant mix of vegetables, including red bell peppers, onions, and corn, and the depth of flavor from chili powder, cumin, and oregano, this turkey chili offers a delicious balance of spice and savory goodness. The addition of beans provides fiber, while the lean turkey keeps the dish lower in fat compared to traditional beef chili. Whether enjoyed on a cold winter’s night or as a healthy weeknight dinner, this turkey chili is versatile and can be easily customized to your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Healthy Turkey Chili because it is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The lean ground turkey offers a source of high-quality protein without all the fat, making it a healthier alternative to traditional beef chili. The combination of beans—black beans, kidney beans, and white chili beans—adds a hearty texture, while the inclusion of vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and corn enhances the chili’s flavor and nutritional value.

This recipe is easily customizable, so you can adjust the level of spiciness or add your favorite ingredients. The chili is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by omitting cheese or sour cream. It’s also a great option for meal prepping, as it stores well in the fridge or freezer and can be reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Olive oil
Medium yellow onion, chopped
Medium red bell pepper, chopped
Minced garlic
Lean ground turkey
Chili powder (plus more to taste)
Ground cumin
Kosher salt (plus more to taste)
Dried oregano
Chicken broth (depending on how thick you like your chili)
Cans of petite diced tomatoes
Cans of dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
Cans of black beans (drained and rinsed)
Cans of white chili beans (drained and rinsed)
Corn (canned or frozen, optional)

Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocados, tortilla chips

Variations

This Healthy Turkey Chili is versatile and can be easily adjusted to fit your preferences or dietary needs:

Vegetarian Chili: Skip the turkey and add more beans or vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a hearty, plant-based version.
Spicy Chili: Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to give your chili a spicy kick.
Sweet and Savory: Stir in a tablespoon of honey or a splash of maple syrup for a sweet contrast to the savory spices.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes for additional texture and nutrition.
Low Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and rinse the beans well to reduce the overall sodium content.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Add the lean ground turkey to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and dried oregano. Let the spices cook for another minute to enhance their flavors.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Beans

Pour in the petite diced tomatoes and add the kidney beans, black beans, and white chili beans. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Add the Broth and Simmer

Add the chicken broth, starting with 1 cup. Stir everything together and bring the chili to a simmer. Adjust the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the chili has thickened to your desired consistency. Add more broth if needed.

Step 6: Add the Corn

Stir in the corn (if using), and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more chili powder or salt, if desired.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the chili hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado slices, or tortilla chips. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a mild chili, start with less chili powder and gradually add more to taste. For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Use Lean Turkey: Choose lean ground turkey (93% or higher) to keep the chili low in fat.
Simmer for Flavor: The longer the chili simmers, the more the flavors will develop. If you have time, let it cook for 45 minutes to an hour for maximum flavor.
Rinse the Beans: Be sure to drain and rinse the canned beans to remove excess sodium and improve the flavor of the chili.
Make it Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Make it in advance and refrigerate it for easy reheating.

How to Serve

Healthy Turkey Chili is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

On Its Own: Serve the chili as a standalone dish with a side of cornbread or a fresh salad for a light yet satisfying meal.
With Rice: For a heartier meal, serve the chili over a bed of white, brown, or cauliflower rice.
In a Bowl: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips for a comforting, fully loaded bowl of chili.
As a Topping: Use the chili as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or even tacos for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover turkey chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chili cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a little more chicken broth if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with lean ground beef, though it will be higher in fat.

2. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this turkey chili in a slow cooker. Brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

3. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition.

4. Is this chili spicy?

The chili has a mild to medium spice level, but you can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or hot sauce, or by including jalapeños.

5. Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?

Yes, frozen corn works perfectly in this recipe. Just add it when you would normally add the canned corn.

6. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this chili vegetarian by omitting the ground turkey and using more beans or vegetables.

7. How can I make this chili more flavorful?

Let the chili simmer for longer to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra spices, salt, or hot sauce.

8. Can I use different types of beans?

Yes, feel free to substitute or mix in different beans, such as pinto beans or garbanzo beans.

9. How can I make this chili thicker?

To thicken the chili, let it simmer uncovered for longer, or mash some of the beans to create a creamier consistency.

10. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.

Conclusion

Healthy Turkey Chili is a flavorful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a meal prep option. With lean turkey, a variety of beans, and an abundance of spices, it offers a rich, satisfying meal without all the heaviness of traditional chili. Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or ingredients, this chili is versatile and can be made ahead of time for added convenience. Whether you serve it with rice, on its own, or in a bowl topped with all your favorites, this turkey chili is sure to become a family favorite.