Cozy Award-Winning Turkey Chili Recipe That Wows Every Time

Chili enthusiasts rejoice as this award-winning turkey chili recipe delivers an explosion of robust flavors.

Packed with lean ground turkey and a perfect blend of spices, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds.

The hearty combination of beans, vegetables, and rich seasonings creates a comforting meal that stands out from traditional chili recipes.

Warm and satisfying, this chili brings depth and complexity to your dinner table.

Each spoonful offers a delightful balance of heat and richness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Home cooks and chili lovers will appreciate the simplicity and incredible taste of this remarkable recipe.

Turkey Chili That Steals the Show Every Time

• Whip Up Healthy Comfort: Packed with lean ground turkey and two types of beans, this chili delivers a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: With just one pot and straightforward ingredients, this recipe allows busy home cooks to create a delicious meal without complicated techniques or extensive prep work.
• Customize Your Bowl: Top with cheese, sour cream, green onions, or cilantro to make this chili uniquely yours, perfect for pleasing different taste preferences in one family meal.
• Boost Meal Versatility: Serve over rice, with cornbread, or enjoy as a standalone dish, making this chili an adaptable recipe for lunch, dinner, or casual gatherings with friends.

Turkey Chili – All the Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Turkey: Lean meat that provides a healthier alternative to beef and adds a mild flavor to the chili.

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper: A classic aromatic trio that creates a flavorful foundation for the chili and adds depth to the overall taste.

• Kidney Beans, Black Beans: Hearty legumes that contribute protein, fiber, and a satisfying texture to the chili.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provide a rich, tangy base and help create the classic chili consistency.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano: A robust blend of spices that gives the chili its signature warm and complex flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and helps create a perfect simmering environment for the chili to develop its flavors.

Preparing Award-Winning Turkey Chili at Home

Step 1: Brown The Turkey

In a spacious cooking vessel, sizzle ground turkey over medium flame until perfectly golden and crumbly.

Transfer the cooked meat to a separate plate.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

• Onions
• Garlic
• Bell peppers

Step 3: Combine And Create Flavor Layers

• Kidney beans
• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Sweet paprika
• Dried oregano

Stir everything together with enthusiasm.

Step 4: Simmer And Develop Depth

Pour chicken broth into the pot, allowing the mixture to gently bubble.

Reduce heat and let the chili dance slowly for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Final Touch And Serve

Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Ladle into warm bowls and crown with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Pro Tips for Standout Turkey Chili Flavor

• Add extra beans or lentils to increase protein content, making this chili even more nutritious for athletes or fitness enthusiasts.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin levels to personalize heat intensity, perfect for those with different spice tolerances.
• Prepare chili a day in advance to let flavors meld together, creating a more complex and rich taste profile.
• Portion and freeze leftovers in airtight containers for quick, convenient meals up to 3 months later.
• Replace beans with additional vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate version that's still hearty and satisfying.

New Takes on Turkey Chili for Your Cookbook

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground turkey with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or textured vegetable protein (TVP). Keep all other ingredients the same for a hearty meatless version.
• Low-Carb Chili: Swap kidney and black beans with diced zucchini, cauliflower, or additional bell peppers. Use less tomato sauce and increase spices for flavor intensity.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Chili: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and a splash of tequila. Incorporate fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for extra zest.

Turkey Chili – Serving with Fresh Garnishes

• Flavor Party Companions: Top with shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream for a creamy, tangy twist.
• Comfort Bowl Boost: Serve over fluffy white rice or alongside warm cornbread to soak up the delicious chili sauce.
• Healthy Side Kick: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetable medley to balance the hearty chili and add extra nutrition.
• Spice Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra hot sauce or diced jalapeños for those wanting an extra kick of heat and excitement.

Turkey Chili – Best Ways to Store for Lunch

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 4 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power. Stir every 30 seconds until thoroughly warmed, typically 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

• Is this chili spicy?

The heat level can be adjusted by reducing or increasing chili powder and adding optional cayenne pepper. Most people find this recipe mildly spicy but adaptable to personal taste preferences.

• Can I use different beans?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for kidney and black beans, you can substitute with pinto beans, great northern beans, or a mix of your favorite varieties. Just maintain similar bean quantities.

• How healthy is turkey chili compared to beef chili?

Turkey chili is significantly leaner, with about 70% less fat than traditional beef chili. Ground turkey provides high protein while keeping calories lower, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.

Award Winning Turkey Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary excellence in this hearty Turkey Chili, blending rich spices and tender meat for a soul-warming meal. Packed with robust flavors and nutritious ingredients, you’ll savor each satisfying spoonful of this crowd-pleasing classic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Meat:

• 1.5 pounds ground turkey
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 1–2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups chicken broth

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced avocado
• Lime wedges
• Crushed tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Sear ground turkey in a spacious pot over medium-high heat until completely golden and crumbly, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer cooked meat to a separate dish.
2. In the identical pot, sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, around 4-5 minutes.
3. Reintroduce browned turkey to the pot, combining with kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and classic southwestern spices including chili powder, cumin, paprika, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
4. Stream chicken broth into the mixture, allowing contents to reach a gentle bubbling state. Reduce temperature to low, covering pot and permitting chili to simmer for 35-40 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Allow chili to rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding.
6. Garnish with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced green onions for additional texture and complexity.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños for extra kick without overwhelming the dish.
• Swap ground turkey with lean ground chicken or plant-based crumbles for dietary flexibility and varied protein options.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach during the sautéing stage for increased vitamins and fiber.
• Prepare a larger batch and freeze in portions for quick weeknight meals, as the flavors develop and improve after 24-48 hours of refrigeration.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg