Perfectly spiced—packed with protein & fiber
This Healthy Turkey Chili is made with lean ground turkey breast, kidney beans, and tons of seasonings. It is perfectly spiced and packed with plenty of protein and fiber. The best part is that it can be made on the stovetop or your Crockpot! Pair with cornbread or make into a creative dish such as nachos, stuffed peppers, or a taco salad. After many test batches over the years, I have FINALLY created my absolute favorite chili recipe and I am so excited to share it. This one is definitely a recipe to save and repeat throughout the fall and winter!
Healthy Turkey Chili
This Healthy Turkey Chili is made with lean ground turkey breast, kidney beans, and tons of seasonings. It is perfectly spiced and packed with plenty of protein and fiber. The best part is that it can be made on the stovetop or your Crockpot! Pair with cornbread or make into a creative dish such as nachos, stuffed peppers, or a taco salad.
Carbohydrates 34g
Protein 28g
Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 1g
Fiber 10g
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper chopped
- 1 lb ground turkey breast
- 2-4 tbsp chili powder* (see notes)
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp oregano dried
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 can (28oz) diced or crushed tomatoes **
- 1 can (15oz) chicken broth **
- 2 cans (15oz) dark red kidney beans rinsed and drained**
- Toppings of choice: avocado, cilantro, jalapeño, cheese, sour cream, etc.
Instructions
Stovetop
- Place oil in a large pot and place over medium high heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Saute for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add ground turkey to pot. Break up the meat and cook until no longer pink.
- Add in chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Add in tomatoes, 1/2 can chicken broth, and beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30-45 minutes or until chili thickens.
- If too thick, add in other 1/2 can of chicken broth.
- Garnish with optional toppings. Makes approximately 6 servings, about 1 1/2 cups each.
Crockpot / Slow Cooker
- Cook the meat: Even though this is a Crockpot recipe, you want to cook the meat first in the skillet along with the garlic, onion, and bell peppers (as explained in steps 1-2 above).
- Add all ingredients to the Crockpot: Add cooked turkey mixture, spices, tomatoes, chicken broth, and beans to the Crockpot
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Notes
*Chili powder can vary brand to brand. If you don’t like spice, I would start with 2 tbsp and add as needed after fully cooked and taste-testing. If you like spice, go ahead and add 4 tbsp. I personally use 4 tbsp of McCormick’s Chili Powder.
**To reduce sodium intake, look for no-salt added or low sodium when buying canned ingredients
***The nutrition figures above are based on one serving (approximately 1 1/2 cups) and should be considered estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in foods, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe.
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Let’s Talk Basics
A basic chili recipe calls for meat, beans, veggies, spices, and liquid. Let’s talk through each so you can modify to your liking!
- Protein: I used ground turkey in this recipe, but it can easily be replaced with ground chicken or for a vegetarian dish you can replace with 2 cups dry lentils.
- Beans: Even though this recipe calls for kidney beans, you can use any of your favorites! Black, pinto, kidney, cannellini, or garbanzo are a few of my favorite chili additions! Not a bean lover? Feel free to omit the beans and add 1/2 pound more meat.
- Veggies: The secret nutritional bonus! I add onion, garlic, red pepper, green pepper, and tomatoes to mine. Feel free to omit any (other than the tomatoes- that helps give the texture and liquid) or add additional such as spinach or chopped carrots.
- TIP: Use pre-cut veggies found in the produce or frozen section to save SO MUCH TIME.
- Spices: This is what makes a chili recipe SHINE. This recipe calls for chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt. If you don’t love spice, cut back on the chili powder and cayenne. But if you do like spice…GO FOR IT. I personally think this spice combo is the favorite part of this chili recipe.
- Liquid: Some of the liquid comes from the tomatoes, but you also want to add some type of broth. I used chicken broth in this recipe, but you can also add a bone broth, or veggie broth, if preferred.
Step One: Saute the Veggies
Step Two: Cook the Meat
Step Three: Mix In Spices, Tomatoes, Beans, & Broth
I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU TRY IT!
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