Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

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This Healthy Turkey Chili recipe is easy to make in 30 minutes on the stovetop. Turkey chili is loaded with protein and veggies and bursting with flavor thanks to a homemade spice mixture. A nutritious and cozy fall meal. 

Overhead photo of a bowl of turkey chili with sour cream, cheese and green onions

Chili is one of our favorite fall and winter meals. We love beef chili, chicken chili, and of course I had to share our Turkey Chili Recipe with you! 

This turkey chili is a healthy alternative to regular chili. It’s loaded with nutrient-dense veggies, protein-packed lean ground turkey and a homemade spice blend that’s flavorful and delicious. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese for a cozy fall dinner! 

overhead view of a bowl of turkey chili with sour cream, cheese, chips and green onions

Turkey Chili Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions 

One of the great things about this healthy chili recipe is that it’s very customizable! Here are some notes about the ingredients and possible substitutions!

Overhead view of the labeled ingredients in this turkey chili recipe
  • Ground turkey. The main ingredient in this turkey chili recipe. You can substitute ground chicken if necessary. 
  • Minced garlic. Garlic powder can be used in place of minced garlic, just add it with the spice blend. 
  • Bell peppers. any color variety of bell pepper works well in this recipe. If you like to add some heat, add some spicier peppers.
  • Spice mixture. I have written this recipe with the spice ratios and combination that we love the most. If you change it I cannot guarantee the results. The one thing I will say is that you can add more chili powder, or some cayenne powder to increase the heat if you wish (we like mild chili). 
  • Fire roasted tomatoes. I love the flavor that the fire roasted tomatoes adds to this easy turkey chili. You can substitute regular canned, diced tomatoes.
  • Kidney Beans. I use one can of kidney beans because my husband does not prefer beans, so I don’t like to make our chili too “beany.” However you can add another can (2 cans total) if you love beans. You can also use any type of beans you like. My other favorites are black beans, great northern (white) beans, and garbanzo beans (chickpeas)!
  • Tomato sauce. I always have canned tomato sauce on hand (to make homemade pizza sauce). But you can substitute homemade tomato sauce as well.
  • Corn. Fresh and frozen corn both work well in this turkey chili.
overhead view of a bowl of turkey chili with sour cream, cheese, chips and green onions

How to Make Turkey Chili

Like I’ve said before, this healthy turkey chili recipe is easy to make and only takes 30 minutes on the stovetop. As always, we’ll walk through the process step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video.

Begin this recipe by making the spice mixture. Simply mix the spices together in a small bowl and set them aside. 

overhead view of the chili spice mixture for this turkey chili recipe

Then, cook the ground turkey, olive oil, onion and minced garlic in a large pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until turkey just begins to brown (7-10  minutes).

Next, add the bell peppers, cover and cook until peppers are soft (about 5 minutes).

two overhead photos showing how to make turkey chili

Once the veggies are soft, add tomatoes, tomato sauce and chilies, and the spice mixture and stir until evenly distributed.

two overhead photos showing How to Make Turkey Chili

Then add the corn and beans and stir until combined. Cover & cook over medium heat for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, reduce heat to a simmer until ready to serve.

two overhead photos showing How to Make Turkey Chili

Serve

People often ask,  “what can you add to chili?”  Once your chili is finished cooking, gather your favorite fixings and get ready to serve! Some of our favorite easy chili additions and side dish companions are: 

overhead photo of a pot of turkey chili with a spoon

Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. 

Freeze

You can freeze this turkey chili in an airtight container for up to 2 months!

Overhead photo of a bowl of turkey chili with sour cream, cheese and green onions

Turkey Chili Recipe FAQs

What kind of beans go in chili?

My top three are black beans, northern (white) beans, and kidney beans.

Can you freeze turkey chili?

Absolutely. Freeze it in an airtight container for up to two months.

Should I drain kidney beans for chili?

Yes, all the beans should be drained and rinsed before using in this turkey chili recipe.

Is Chili healthy to eat?

This chili uses lean ground turkey, lots of veggies and beans making it a healthy meal loaded with protein, fiber and nutrients.

overhead photo of a bowl of turkey chili with sour cream, cheese, chips and green onions

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Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

Laura
This Healthy Turkey Chili recipe is easy to make in 30 minutes on the stovetop. Turkey chili is loaded with protein and veggies and bursting with flavor thanks to a homemade spice mixture. A nutritious and cozy fall meal.ย 
5 from 9 votes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 10 Servings
Calories 154.9
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes

Ingredients 
 

Instructions 

  • Mix cumin, coriander, paprika, chili powder, sugar, sea salt and pepper together in a small bowl. Set aside.
  • Cook ground turkey, olive oil, onion and minced garlic in a large pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until turkey just begins to brown (7-10 minutes).
  • Add bell peppers, cover and cook until peppers are soft (about 5 minutes).
  • Add tomatoes, tomato sauce and chilies and stir until evenly distributed.
  • Add spice mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
  • Add corn and beans and stir until combined.
  • Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, reduce heat to a simmer until ready to serve.
  • Serve with your favorite chili fixings! Our favorites include: sour cream, green onions, cheddar cheese, and crushed tortilla chips!

Video

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions
  • Ground turkey. You can substitute ground chicken if desired.ย 
  • Minced garlic.ย Garlic powder can be used in place of minced garlic, just add it with the spice blend.ย 
  • Bell peppers.ย any color variety of bell pepper works well in this recipe. If you like to add some heat, add some spicier peppers.
  • Spice mixture. You can add more chili powder, or some cayenne powder to increase the heat if you wish (we like mild chili). Or use a packet of chili seasoning for ease.ย 
  • Fire roasted tomatoes. Regular canned, diced tomatoes can be used in place of fire-roasted.ย 
  • Kidney Beans. You can add another can (2 cans total) if you love beans. You can also use any type of beans you like. My other favorites are black beans, great northern (white) beans, and garbanzo beans (chickpeas)!
  • Tomato sauce. Homemade tomato sauce can be used in place of canned.
  • Corn.ย Fresh and frozen corn both work well in this turkey chili.
Store/Freeze
Store this turkey c hili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 154.9kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 12.3g | Fat: 5.8g | Saturated Fat: 1.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1.1g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 588.7mg | Potassium: 388.8mg | Fiber: 5.1g | Sugar: 5.6g | Vitamin A: 40.4IU | Vitamin C: 92.6mg | Calcium: 3.5mg | Iron: 14mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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5 from 9 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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5 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Made this recipe for the first time today. It will be the first of many times. So easy, inexpensive, and healthy, what more could you ask for. Thank you so much for sharing your talents.

  2. 5 stars
    This was so delicious! I have been using another simple chili recipe that I felt lacked flavor, but this one certainly does not! I also love that it is packed with veggies. I made mine with one can of kidney beans and one can of black beans. I left out the corn because I’m not a fan of corn. I also added about 3/4 cup of bone broth because I felt it needed a bit more liquid. For the sugar, I used coconut sugar.
    So yummy! I am the only one in the house that will eat it, so I will definitely be freezing some.