If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, comforting dinner that won’t derail your healthy eating goals, this Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this chili comes together—packed with lean protein, filled with flavor, and easy enough to throw together any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lean and Protein-Packed: Using extra lean ground turkey gives you a filling meal without the extra fat.
- Full of Fiber: The kidney beans and corn add great texture and keep your digestion happy.
- Adjustable Heat Levels: I love how you can easily tweak the spice to suit your taste buds perfectly.
- Versatile and Easy: Whether on your stovetop or slow cooker, it’s a total weeknight lifesaver.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe, I like to stick with fresh aromatics and pantry staples that work beautifully together to develop rich flavor without any fuss. Getting good quality canned beans and tomatoes really makes a difference here!
- Olive oil: A small amount helps soften veggies and brings out their sweetness.
- Yellow onion: The base of almost every great chili, it adds subtle sweetness.
- Garlic cloves: Adds that warm, cozy punch of flavor.
- Red bell pepper: I love the color and slight sweetness it adds to the mix.
- Extra lean ground turkey: Using 99% lean turkey keeps this chili healthy and still juicy.
- Chili powder: I use a mild brand to keep the flavors warm without overpowering heat.
- Ground cumin: Brings that earthy depth that every chili needs.
- Dried oregano: Adds a touch of herbaceous brightness.
- Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch to give a subtle kick without burning your mouth.
- Salt: Key for balancing flavors, adjust to taste.
- Diced or crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, bringing acidity and body.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and richness without heaviness.
- Dark red kidney beans: Protein and fiber that make the chili hearty.
- Sweet corn: Adds slight sweetness and lovely texture contrast.
Variations
I love how flexible this Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe is—feel free to make it your own! Over time, I’ve played around with ingredients depending on what’s in season or what I have on hand, and it’s always delicious.
- Add some heat: When I’m craving a spicier bowl, I like adding diced jalapeños or swapping in a hotter chili powder for a fiery kick.
- Veggie boost: I sometimes toss in diced zucchini or shredded carrots to sneak in extra veggies—no one ever complains!
- Slow cooker version: For busy days, I brown the meat and veggies, then dump it all in the slow cooker to simmer all day—so hands-off and cozy.
- Make it a soup: If you prefer a thinner chili, just add an extra cup or so of broth to loosen it up.
How to Make Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe
Step 1: Build your flavor base
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Throw in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until they’re soft and fragrant. You’ll notice the kitchen starts to smell amazing at this point—it’s one of my favorite stages!
Step 2: Brown the turkey and spice it up
Next, add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink—this usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Then toss in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir everything together for 20 seconds or so, letting the spices toast just a bit to release their flavor fully.
Step 3: Simmer until thick and tasty
Pour in the canned tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans, and corn. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes. This slow simmering lets the chili thicken up and the flavors meld beautifully. I like to stir it every now and then to prevent sticking. Before serving, taste and adjust salt and spice levels if needed—you’ll want it just right.
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe
- Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the turkey well adds depth and a subtle caramelized flavor that makes the chili taste complex.
- Mild vs. Spicy: I learned early on that different chili powders have very different heat levels—always start low and add more later if you want more kick.
- Simmer Slowly: Rushing the simmer stage loses flavor development—plan for at least 30 minutes to let everything marry perfectly.
- Season Gradually: Add salt in increments and taste as you go to avoid over-salting your chili.
How to Serve Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Here’s where the fun really begins! I love topping my chili with shredded cheese, slices of creamy avocado, fresh cilantro leaves, crunchy tortilla chips, and a dollop of sour cream. Each garnish adds a layer of texture or cool creaminess that makes every bite a little celebration.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides for this chili are simple and wholesome—cornbread fresh out of the oven, a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or some steamed brown rice if I want something extra filling.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy game day or casual dinner party, I like serving the chili in small bowls with a toppings bar set up alongside. Everyone loves building their own bowls with their favorite toppings. It makes the meal interactive and super fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chili in airtight containers in the fridge. It actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had more time to mingle. Just make sure to let it cool before refrigerating to keep the texture perfect.
Freezing
This Healthy Turkey Chili freezes beautifully! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and label them. When you’re ready, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat—an excellent option for a quick meal later.
Reheating
I gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop using low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If it seems too thick, I add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it back up, keeping the chili creamy and fresh.
FAQs
-
Can I make this Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground turkey for a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or cooked lentils. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and consider adding a little extra seasoning for depth.
-
How spicy is this chili?
This recipe is on the mild side thanks to the mild chili powder and just a touch of cayenne. If you like it hotter, you can add more cayenne, jalapeños, or a spicy chili powder, but I recommend starting slow.
-
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works just as well and yields a similarly lean and flavorful chili. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and use the same lean percentages for the best results.
-
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers keep well in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Always cool the chili completely before storing, and reheat gently for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe is truly one of my all-time favorites because it balances nutrition with flavor so well—you get a warm, satisfying meal without any heaviness. I’m excited for you to try it and experience just how easy and delicious healthy eating can be. Promise me you’ll keep this recipe tucked in your weeknight dinner rotation because it’s a winner every time!
Print
Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Seriously the Best Healthy Turkey Chili recipe is a flavorful and nutritious dish featuring lean ground turkey, kidney beans, and sweet corn, perfectly spiced with chili powder, cumin, and oregano. It is an easy stovetop meal that comes together in under an hour and is packed with protein and fiber, making it an excellent option for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chili Base
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound extra lean ground turkey or chicken (99%)
- 4 tablespoons chili powder (mild, such as McCormick)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced or crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15 oz) cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, rinsed and drained
Toppings (Optional)
- Cheese
- Avocado
- Tortilla chips
- Cilantro
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Place olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables begin to soften and are fragrant.
- Cook turkey and add spices: Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it is no longer pink. Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook and stir the spices with the meat mixture for about 20 seconds to release their flavors.
- Add liquids and beans: Pour in the diced or crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, rinsed kidney beans, and sweet corn. Stir everything to combine well. Bring the chili to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer and develop flavors: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer, uncovered, for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings and salt as needed.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon the chili into bowls and garnish with your choice of cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, or sour cream. Enjoy your hearty and healthy turkey chili!
Notes
- This chili uses extra lean ground turkey and plenty of beans and corn to keep it healthy and high in protein and fiber.
- You can prepare this chili on the stovetop as directed or in a slow cooker for convenience; just brown the meat and sauté vegetables first, then transfer ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Use mild chili powder to keep the chili flavorful but not spicy; adjust chili powder to suit your heat preference gradually.
- Leftovers taste great and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to customize the toppings to your preference for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 336 kcal
- Sugar: 9.5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 3.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46.7 g
- Fiber: 17.4 g
- Protein: 31.8 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
