This thick, robust, hearty, and flavorful healthy Turkey Chili Recipe brings ground turkey, kidney beans, onions, and garlic together with the perfect blend of seasonings. This is one of our favorite chili recipes and one the whole family enjoys. I love to serve this with Cornbread or Beer Bread with Cheddar for a complete meal.
Fall is my favorite time of the year, and with it comes all kinds of delicious comfort foods like stews, soups, and chilis. What warms the soul better than a big pot of slow-cooked meat, vegetables, and beans? Dinner doesn’t get much better than that. Do you have some favorite fall comfort food recipes? Have you tried any of my other soup or chili recipes? White Chicken Chili, Tortellini Soup, Loaded Potato Soup, and this recipe are just a few of our favorites.
Turkey Chili Ingredients
- ground turkey
- onion
- garlic
- chili powder
- cumin
- dried oregano
- paprika
- onion powder
- ground black pepper
- ground cayenne pepper
- crushed tomatoes
- chicken broth
- kidney beans
- brown sugar
How to make Ground Turkey Chili
Start by browning the ground turkey over medium-high heat in a Dutch Oven or heavy stockpot on the stove top. When the turkey is about halfway browned, add the onion and cook until the onion is soft. Next, drain any excess fat from the pan. Then add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, paprika, onion powder, ground black pepper, and ground cayenne pepper. Then cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans, and brown sugar. Simmer for about 35-45 minutes or until all the flavors have melded together and the chili has thickened. Spoon into bowls and top with your choice of toppings.
Can you freeze this chili?
Yes, you most certainly can. First, let it cool for about 1 hour, then freeze in a covered airtight container or in sturdy freezer bags for up to 4 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in a saucepan on the stovetop or at reduced power in the microwave. I always use a reduced power so the beans do not explode.
Favorite Chili Toppings
- shredded cheddar cheese
- minced or sliced jalapeños
- chopped tomatoes
- bacon bits
- shredded cheese
- sour cream or Greek yogurt
- fried tortilla strips
- chopped or sliced avocado
- salsa
- chopped cilantro
- green onions
- crushed tortilla chips
How to kick the heat up in your chili
My daughter has a love for spicy food. She loves this chili, but in her opinion, it really is a mild chili. If you like your chili in the moderately spicy to the hot range, add some crushed red pepper, more cayenne pepper, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, sriracha, or sambal oelek. Just add a little as you go, and be sure to taste it so you don’t go over your heat threshold.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- I prefer using ground turkey meat which has both dark and white meat ground in it. The ground turkey breast is too lean and lacks flavor.
- Ground beef and ground pork can be substituted for ground turkey.
- Instead of trying to tilt the large pot over and drain the fat out, lean it a little bit until the fat drains to one side, and use a paper towel to absorb the excess grease. It is so much easier, and you won’t lose any of the meat while trying to get rid of the fat.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you love spicy food, be sure to read the section above on kicking up the heat.
- If you want to add more veggies, try bell peppers, sweet potatoes, celery, or carrots.
- To make it in a slow cooker, follow the recipe up to and including the step where you add the garlic and other spices. Once that step is complete, transfer everything over to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the beans) and cook on low for about 5 hours, then add the beans and cook for 1 hour.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Easy Turkey Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to taste
- 1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans 15 ounces of dark red kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground turkey in a Dutch Oven or heavy stock pot over medium heat. When the ground turkey is about halfway browned, add the onion and continue cooking until soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans, and brown sugar. Simmer for 35-45 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- I prefer using ground turkey meat which has both dark and white meat ground in it. The ground turkey breast is too lean and lacks flavor.
- Ground beef and ground pork can be substituted for ground turkey.
- Instead of trying to tilt the large pot over and drain the fat out, lean it a little bit until the fat drains to one side, and use a paper towel to absorb the excess grease. It is so much easier, and you won't lose any of the meat while trying to get rid of the fat.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you love spicy food, be sure to read the section above on kicking up the heat.
- To make it in a slow cooker, follow the recipe up to and including the step where you add the garlic and other spices. Once that step is complete, transfer everything over to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the beans) and cook on low for about 5 hours, then add the beans and cook for 1 hour.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
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Elizabeth
I like how packed full of protein chilis are. I’ve never tried using ground turkey before in my chilis, so this would be a great recipe to try! This recipe is also so easy because it uses seasonings most people already have in their pantries too. Thanks for sharing!
Anjali
This chili was hearty, super flavorful and satisfying! Loved the use of turkey for a healthier option too! It tasted amazing with some homemade cornbread!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Anjali! So glad that you liked the chili!
Sara
This was such a hearty yet light recipe that hits the spot! Easy and delicious; my kind of comfort food, indeed!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sara! So glad that you like the chili.
Christian Foremost
I love myself some chili, and this is one fabulous recipe! Thanks for sharing.
Blair Villanueva
This meal is perfect for our today’s horrendous weather, raining cats and dogs for the next couple of days. This will comfort our tummy!
Neely Moldovan
We always do turkey in our chili! This recipe sounds divine!
Rosey
Great chili recipe. The whole family really enjoyed it! It’s the perfect season for chili. It’s starting to get a little bit chilly.
alita
Seriously, this is the best healthy Turkey Chili. This version is simply the BEST for me! Perfectly spiced and packed with plenty of protein and fiber.
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place
Great recipe and my whole family loves it! Perfect for the cooling weather!
Stephanie
We love this turkey chili recipe in my house. It is a welcoming dish – especially as the weather turns cooler.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Stephanie! So glad that you like the chili!
Fleek
All your recipes are so spot on. I’m definitely going to try this one out, it looks really tasty and pretty easy to make.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! Enjoy!
Luna S
Using turkey instead of beef is a great alternative to help spice up the chili & bring a new flavor to it.
Dee
Can’t wait to try this!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, enjoy!
Lavanda Michelle
I love turkey Chili! Especially during the cooler season. I look forward to trying this recipe.
Clarice
Wow! This was delicious and easy to make. We added a little more cayenne because we like it spicy. Thank you for sharing the recipe of this Turkey Chili.
Chloe Arnold
This looks DIVINE! It’s rainy and overcast here, so perfect chili weather. I haven’t tried it with turkey, but I prefer it over red meat. Definitely trying this tomorrow!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Chloe! Enjoy!!