Turkey Chili Recipe: A Comforting Meal for Any Season

There’s nothing more satisfying than a bowl of warm, hearty chili on a chilly day, and our turkey chili recipe is the perfect balance of lean protein, vegetables, and spices. This turkey chili recipe is versatile, delicious, and easy to make.

Why choose turkey for chili?

Traditional chili recipes often call for ground beef, but turkey is a leaner alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Using ground turkey in chili creates a lighter, healthier option without sacrificing the richness of the dish. Here are a few reasons why turkey is an excellent choice for chili:

• Lower in Fat: Ground turkey, especially lean ground turkey, has less fat than ground beef, making it a healthier option.
• High in Protein: Turkey is packed with protein, which makes it a great filling, high-protein meal.
• Versatile: Ground turkey takes on the flavors of the spices and other ingredients, making it perfect for chili.

The perfect Turkey Chili Recipe

This turkey chili recipe is packed with vegetables, rich spices, and a perfect balance of flavors. It’s incredibly easy to make, and it simmers to perfection for a meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients you will need to make this recipe

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey (lean)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (black or kidney beans)
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish (optional)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for topping (optional)
• Shredded cheese, diced avocado, jalapeno slices for topping (optional)

How to make this satisfying meal

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften (about 5-7 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot and break it apart with a spoon. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the turkey is browned and cooked through. Make sure the turkey is fully crumbled and no longer pink.
3. Add the Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to allow the spices to toast and become fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors can meld and the chili thickens to your liking. If the chili becomes too thick, feel free to add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Add the Beans: Stir in the beans, and let the chili simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or spices as desired.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the turkey chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, sour cream, or shredded cheese if desired. Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Serving suggestions for this Turkey Chili

• Toppings: Elevate your turkey chili with various toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, jalapeno slices, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.
• Side Dishes: Pair your chili with warm cornbread, crispy tortilla chips, or a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Chili Bar: If you’re hosting a gathering, create a chili bar with different toppings and sides so everyone can customize their bowl.