Creamy White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish that feels cozy but also packs a punch of flavor without being heavy, you’re in for a treat with my Creamy White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe. This chili is a game-changer because it swaps out the typical tomatoes for luscious white beans and creaminess, creating a texture and taste you’ll crave on chilly nights. Plus, it’s packed with lean protein and spices that melt together beautifully—trust me, once you try this, regular chili just won’t do.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to this Creamy White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe is in the simple but thoughtful combo of ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Using cannellini or navy beans gives it a silky body while the spices layer flavor beautifully. Before you shop, I recommend picking fresh onions and garlic for that aromatic base—trust me, it makes a difference!

• Olive oil spray: Keeps things light when sautéing without extra calories.
• Small onions: Chopped finely to melt into the chili and add sweetness.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh and chopped to boost that savory depth.
• 93% lean ground turkey: Lean but juicy, a brilliant swap for beef to keep it healthy.
• Diced green chilies: Adds subtle heat and a bit of tangy brightness.
• Kosher salt: Essential for balancing flavors—don’t skip it.
• Cumin: Earthy and warm, it’s a chili must-have.
• Oregano: Gives a fragrant herbal note that lifts the dish.
• Chili powder: Adjust this to your heat preference for perfect spice.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds an extra zing—take it slow if you’re spice shy.
• Bay leaf: Adds subtle background complexity during simmering.
• Cannellini or navy beans: Drained and rinsed, these add that creamy, thick texture.
• Chicken broth: Keeps the chili moist and flavorful, don’t substitute with water.
• Reduced-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt: Stirred in at the end for that final creamy touch.
• Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese: For topping, melty and slightly spicy options.
• Diced avocado, cilantro, sliced jalapeno, chopped scallions: Fresh garnishes that brighten every spoonful.

Variations

What I love most about this Creamy White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want more heat, a vegetarian twist, or a slow cooker convenience, it adapts beautifully. Don’t hesitate to experiment—after all, that’s how the best dinners happen.

• Spicy Boost: I sometimes add an extra jalapeno or swap out the red pepper flakes for chipotle powder to get a smoky kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap ground turkey for diced mushrooms or lentils—still retains that hearty feel without meat.
• Slow Cooker Friendly: Perfect for busy days—I often start this in the morning and come home to deliciously melded flavors.
• Instant Pot Quick Fix: When you’re short on time, the Instant Pot locks in flavor fast without compromising texture.

How to Make Creamy White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics With Love

Start by heating a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once warm, spray it lightly with olive oil spray to keep things light but non-stick. Toss in the finely chopped onions and garlic, stirring often, and let them soften and become fragrant for about 4 to 5 minutes. This step creates the flavor foundation—don’t rush it or skip it because those golden-cooked aromatics transform the chili.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey Until Perfectly Cooked

Next, add in your 93% lean ground turkey. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small pieces. Cook until the turkey is no longer pink and releases its juices, about 5 minutes. You’ll want to see it fully cooked with a little light golden color—that’s where the flavor deepens. If it sticks, just scrape the bottom gently; those browned bits are flavor gold.

Step 3: Layer in Your Spices and Chilies

At this point, stir in the diced green chilies along with kosher salt, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let it all cook together for about 2 minutes, stirring so the spices bloom and infuse the meat. This is when your kitchen starts to smell irresistible! Adjust chili powder and red pepper flakes according to your heat tolerance — I always start low and add more after tasting.

Step 4: Blend a Can of Beans for Creaminess

This is the trick that really sets this chili apart: pour one can of the rinsed white beans into a blender along with 1 cup of the chicken broth and blend until smooth. Then add this pureed mixture back into the pot along with the remaining beans, broth, and the bay leaf. This step builds that silky, creamy texture without any cream or cheese added yet—pure bean magic.

Step 5: Simmer Gently and Let Flavors Meld

Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow melding is when the flavors round out and the chili thickens wonderfully. I like to give it a gentle stir every 10 minutes to make sure nothing sticks and everything blends evenly.

Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream for Extra Creaminess

Once your chili is thick and rich, stir in the reduced-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. This gives the chili its signature creaminess and a slight tang that balances the spices perfectly. Don’t skip this step—it’s the final touch that makes this recipe stand out.

Alternative Cooking Methods: Slow Cooker & Instant Pot

If you prefer slow cooking, just follow steps 1 to 5 (reduce broth to 1 1/2 cups), then transfer everything to your slow cooker and let it cook on low for 8 hours. Busy days call for this method, and you’ll love coming home to a house smelling like comfort food heaven. For Instant Pot fans, reduce the broth as above, combine, and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Just remember, with an 8-quart pot or halve the recipe for smaller versions.

How to Serve Creamy White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of simple, fresh garnishes that add texture and brightness without overwhelming the chili’s flavor. My go-to toppings include shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for a melty, rich layer, diced avocado for silky creaminess, fresh cilantro for earthiness, and sliced jalapenos for an extra kick. A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top is the cozy finishing touch I always make sure to have ready, plus some chopped scallions for crunch and color.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I usually serve this chili with warm cornbread, which is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Another favorite is tortilla chips for a casual taco night vibe, or even a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add freshness. Rice or quinoa works well too if you want a more filling option.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this chili in individual mini cast iron skillets or rustic bread bowls—they make it feel so festive and cozy. You could even turn it into a chili bar, setting out all the toppings and sides so everyone can customize their bowl. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for game day or weekend family dinners!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this creamy white bean turkey chili keep like a dream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I always let it cool completely before sealing to avoid extra moisture buildup. When stored properly, the flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this chili multiple times with great success. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some room for expansion. It freezes well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I prefer warming the chili slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick. If it seems thicker than you want, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water. Microwaving works too—just heat in short bursts and stir well between to keep the creaminess intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe brings hearty comfort without the heaviness you sometimes get with traditional chili. When I first tried swapping beans and blending them for creaminess, I was hooked—and so was my family! It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day and is perfect for sharing with friends or cozy nights in. I can’t wait for you to make this recipe your own and discover just how delicious, versatile, and satisfying it can be. Trust me, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

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