The Heartiest White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe Ever Made

My weekend dinner plans always spark excitement around this hearty white bean turkey chili that combines robust flavors with nutritious ingredients.

Lean proteins dance with creamy beans in a robust southwestern-inspired medley.

Comfort meets health in every delightful spoonful of this chili.

Weeknight cooking feels effortless when you can toss together such a satisfying meal in under an hour.

Packed with protein and warming spices, this dish brings soul-soothing comfort to your table.

Fragrant herbs and tender turkey create a symphony of taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this simple yet impressive recipe that promises to become your new favorite winter staple.

White Bean Turkey Chili That’s Hearty And Light

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This chili transforms complex meal prep into a quick, hassle-free dinner ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families seeking delicious, nutritious meals.
• Nutrition-Packed Protein Punch: Lean ground turkey combined with white beans delivers a powerful protein boost, making this chili an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals wanting balanced, satisfying meals.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows endless variations – swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs without compromising flavor.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Affordable ingredients like canned beans, ground turkey, and pantry spices create a cost-effective meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank, ideal for economical home cooking.

What’s Simmered in White Bean Turkey Chili

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that creates the chili's hearty base, choose fresh and low-fat for healthier option.
• White Beans: Creamy protein source that adds texture and thickness to the chili.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor foundation that builds depth and aroma for the chili.
• Red Bell Pepper, Green Chilies: Fresh vegetables that provide sweetness and mild heat, adds color and nutrition.
• Corn: Optional vegetable that brings sweetness and additional texture.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Oregano: Warm spice blend that creates complex, authentic chili flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances overall taste.
• Lime Juice: Bright, acidic component that balances and lifts the chili's flavors.

• Greek Yogurt, Fresh Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Optional finishing touches that add freshness, creaminess, and extra zest.

White Bean Turkey Chili Cooking Guide

Step 1: Kickstart The Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in diced onion and let them soften up for 2-3 minutes.

Quickly add minced garlic and let it dance around for about 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic magic.

Step 2: Brown The Protein

Introduce ground turkey to the pot and break it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown and loses its raw appearance.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Red bell pepper
• Diced green chilies
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the spices toast and mingle for about 2 minutes, creating a rich, complex base.

Step 4: Build The Chili

Pour in white beans and chicken broth.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently.

Let the chili bubble away for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Final Touches

Stir in corn kernels and a splash of fresh lime juice.

This adds brightness and a subtle sweetness to the chili.

Step 6: Serve And Garnish

Ladle the chili into warm bowls.

• Greek yogurt
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Extra lime wedges

Dive in and enjoy the comforting, zesty flavors of your homemade white bean turkey chili!

Turkey Chili Tips Using White Beans

• Replace ground turkey with shredded chicken or lean ground chicken for a different protein variation without changing the recipe's core flavor profile.
• Adjust chili powder and green chilies to control heat intensity – add more for extra kick or reduce for milder taste suitable for sensitive palates.
• Rinse canned white beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and prevent excess liquid, ensuring a thicker, more concentrated chili consistency.
• Swap turkey with plant-based crumbles or diced extra-firm tofu, maintaining the recipe's hearty texture and spice blend.
• This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; store in airtight containers and reheat gradually to preserve its robust flavors and tender bean texture.

Turkey Chili That Heats Up With Full Spice

• Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Thaw chili in refrigerator overnight, then warm in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

Spicy Sips For Turkey Chili

• Pair Perfectly with Zesty Margaritas: Mix tequila, lime juice, and triple sec for a tangy cocktail that cuts through the chili's richness and complements its bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Create Cornbread Companions: Bake a skillet of golden, slightly sweet cornbread with jalapeño bits to soak up the chili's broth and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Serve with Crisp Amber Ale: Choose a hoppy amber ale that balances the chili's spiciness and enhances the smoky paprika notes with its malty undertones.
• Top with Crunchy Tortilla Strips: Slice corn tortillas into thin strips, quickly fry until crispy, and sprinkle over the chili for an added layer of crunch and traditional Mexican flair.

Turkey Chili Options

• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu, maintaining the same spice profile and cooking method for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chili: Substitute white beans with riced cauliflower and add extra bell peppers for volume, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the hearty chili texture.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients except corn and lime juice into a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, creating a hands-off preparation approach.
• Spicy Southwest Upgrade: Increase chili powder, add diced jalapeños, and incorporate a splash of tequila for a bolder, more intense flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.

FAQs

• How spicy is this white bean turkey chili?

The heat level is mild to medium, thanks to green chilies and chili powder. If you prefer more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or use a hotter variety of green chilies.

• Can I make this chili with a different protein?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a similar texture and flavor profile.

• Is this chili healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with lean protein from turkey, fiber-rich white beans, and nutrient-dense vegetables. The recipe is lower in calories and higher in protein compared to traditional beef chili.

• Do I need to pre-cook the white beans?

No, this recipe uses canned white beans which are already cooked. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the chili, which saves time and makes preparation easier.

White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty White Bean Turkey Chili delivers comfort and warmth with robust southwestern flavors packed into each spoonful. Protein-rich ingredients and zesty spices create a satisfying meal that nourishes and delights you with its bold, wholesome goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey
• 2 cans (15 ounces or 425 grams each) white beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (4 ounces or 113 grams) diced green chilies
• 1/2 cup corn (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (for serving)
• Juice of 1 lime

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium flame, introducing finely chopped onions and allowing them to become translucent and tender.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and briefly sauté until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence.
3. Introduce ground turkey to the pot, methodically crumbling and browning the meat until no pink remains and a rich golden color develops.
4. Sprinkle a blend of robust spices including cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano, then fold in diced red bell peppers and mild green chilies, enabling the spices to bloom and intensify their flavors.
5. Pour in white beans and chicken broth, elevating the temperature until the liquid reaches a vigorous bubble, then reduce heat and allow the mixture to gently simmer.
6. During the simmering process, periodically stir the chili to prevent potential scorching and ensure even flavor distribution.
7. After approximately 20 minutes, when the liquid has slightly reduced and flavors have melded, introduce sweet corn kernels for additional texture.
8. Brighten the dish with a splash of fresh lime juice, awakening the complex flavor profile.
9. Ladle the steaming chili into serving bowls, garnishing with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt, freshly chopped cilantro, and complementary lime wedges for an extra citrusy punch.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and green chilies for mild or spicy preferences.
• Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content.
• Use dried white beans instead of canned for reduced sodium and deeper flavor, just soak overnight and extend cooking time by 30-45 minutes.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach during the simmering stage for increased vitamins and fiber.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg