Turkey Chili

Turkey Chili
This healthy turkey chili is perfect for weeknight dinner, gameday, and every occasion in between. (Courtesy of Amy Dong)
Amy Dong
9/7/2023
Updated:
9/7/2023
0:00

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

Made with pantry staples, it’s budget-friendly and great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.

One batch makes 10 servings and is easily doubled, making this turkey chili recipe a great option for feeding even the hungriest of crowds.

With two cooking options, it can be made on the stovetop or in the slow cooker for a hands-off meal.

The addition of warm spices and Sriracha makes it the most flavorful and delicious turkey chili recipe you’ll ever taste.

Guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out, this healthy turkey chili packs in tons of protein, nutrients, and fiber for comfort food you can feel good about.

Tips to Make Turkey Chili (2 Ways)

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal you can whip up on the stove or need a warm slow cooker dinner waiting for you when you come home, this is the recipe for you! No matter which method you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a winning meal, especially when you follow the tips below!
Brown the Meat

Whether you’re making this turkey chili recipe on the stovetop or in the slow cooker, you’ll want to start by browning the meat. This helps lock in flavor and ensures it cooks all the way through.

Adjust the Spice

Thanks to the use of Sriracha and warm spices, this healthy turkey chili recipe is bursting with flavor. However, feel free to use more or less of any ingredient to suit your preferences.

Simmer the Chili

If you prefer your chili on the thicker side, let it simmer uncovered until your desired consistency is achieved.

Customize the Ingredients

The great thing about chili is that you can easily mix and match ingredients to use up anything you have on hand and make it your own! For instance, for this healthy turkey chili recipe, some of our favorite variations include using beef instead of turkey, adding in corn kernels, switching up the types of beans, and stirring in extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and celery!

(Courtesy of Amy Dong)
(Courtesy of Amy Dong)

Serving Suggestions

This turkey chili recipe is unbelievably satisfying on its own, but it tastes even better loaded up with all your favorite toppings like Cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions! Then, to make it extra filling, try pairing it with a side like:
  • Sweet Corn Muffins – these are always a hit, and are perfect for pairing with chili.
  • Tortilla Chips – use regular tortilla chips or lime flavored tortilla chips for extra zest.
  • Rustic Bread – this hearty bread is absolutely perfect for serving with chili, soups, and stews.
  • Baked Potatoes – these are easy to make in the oven or even microwave, for an easy side.

How to Store Turkey Chili

Healthy turkey chili tastes even better the next day! So, go ahead and make a double batch to enjoy throughout the week, and follow the tips below to keep it fresh.

Refrigerator: Once fully cooled, leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezer: Place your chili in an airtight container, and keep it frozen for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: When you’re ready to eat, let your chili thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, warm up individual portions in the microwave. Or, add it back to a saucepot over medium heat or a slow cooker set to warm until your desired temperature is reached.

This healthy turkey chili recipe is the perfect comfort food for cold winter nights, game-day feasts, and everything in between. Made in the slow cooker or on the stovetop, it features lean meat, hearty beans, fresh veggies, and tons of flavor.

Turkey Chili

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins Cook Time: 4 hours hrs Total Time: 4 hours hrs 5 minutes mins Servings: 10 servings
(Courtesy of Amy Dong)
(Courtesy of Amy Dong)
Ingredients
  • 2 lbs ground turkey, lean*
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsps kosher salt
  • ¼ cup Sriracha
  • 32 oz tomato sauce, canned
  • 2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 16 oz kidney beans, canned, drained
  • 16 oz black beans, canned, drained
  • 16 oz Italian diced tomatoes, canned, with juices
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 large green peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ¼ tsp allspice
  • Optional: shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Stovetop Option
  • In a large, heavy pot over medium heat, brown the meat with the garlic powder and 1 tspsalt.
  • Add the remaining ingredients, stirring to combine.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high, bringing the ingredients to a simmer. Cover, and continue to simmer for 3-4 hours.
  • Portion into bowls, and serve hot with garnishes of choice, if desired.
Slow Cooker Option
  • In a skillet over medium heat, brown the meat with the garlic powder and 1 tsp salt. Drain excess fat.
  • Place all ingredients in a slow-cooker, stirring to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
  • Portion into bowls, and serve hot with garnishes of choice, if desired.
Equipment
  • 1 Large Pot/Dutch Oven, or Slow Cooker
Notes

*This recipe works just as well with ground beef.

*Use more or less Sriracha as desired, and feel free to use any hot sauce of choice.

*Option: Include sweet corn kernels or vary the types of beans, if desired.

Nutrition (per serving) Serving: 1serving | Calories: 306kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 617mg | Potassium: 1555mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 770IU | Vitamin C: 51mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 5mg

This article was originally published on chewoutloud.comFollow on Instagram
Amy is the author and recipe developer at Chew Out Loud. She is a huge dog-lover, avid runner, and a proud mama of three very busy boys. Visit ChewOutLoud.com.
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