Craving a warm, hearty bowl of chili without the guilt? Turkey chili is a fantastic way to enjoy all the cozy flavors of a classic chili while keeping it lean and nutritious. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or game-day gatherings, these five recipes bring creative twists on the beloved comfort food.
In this listicle, we’ll explore five standout turkey chili recipes that are easy to make, packed with protein and veggies, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a chili purist or you love experimenting with new ingredients like pumpkin or quinoa, there’s a healthy turkey chili here for you.
1. Classic Hearty Turkey Chili
Ingredients
– 1 lb lean ground turkey
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté until soft.
2. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes, beans, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 20–25 minutes.
5. Adjust seasoning and serve hot with chopped cilantro or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Why We Love It
This classic turkey chili is a balanced crowd-pleaser: lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and robust spices make it both satisfying and healthy.
2. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Turkey Chili
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 tbsp coconut oil
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
– 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes
– 1 small jalapeño, minced (optional)
– 2 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
Instructions
1. In a Dutch oven, melt coconut oil and brown the turkey. Remove and set aside.
2. Add sweet potato cubes to the pot; cook until they start to soften.
3. Return turkey to the pot along with black beans, tomatoes, jalapeño, spices, and broth.
4. Simmer for 30 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Serve with sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime.
Why We Love It
This recipe packs in extra vitamins from sweet potatoes and fiber from black beans, with a hint of sweetness to balance the spice.
3. White Bean and Kale Turkey Chili
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 3 cups chopped kale
– 1 tsp thyme
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add turkey and cook through.
2. Stir in beans, tomatoes, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add kale and cook for another 5 minutes until wilted.
Why We Love It
This chili is a nutritional powerhouse—white beans deliver plant-based protein and kale adds iron and antioxidants.
4. Spicy Chipotle Turkey Chili with Quinoa
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 tbsp avocado oil
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 can (7 oz) chipotle peppers in adobo, chopped
– 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, rinsed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt to taste
– 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
Instructions
1. Heat avocado oil and cook turkey until browned.
2. Add chipotle peppers, cumin, and salt; stir for 1 minute.
3. Mix in beans, tomatoes, quinoa, and broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Why We Love It
Quinoa boosts the protein and fiber content, while chipotle peppers deliver a smoky, fiery kick.
5. Slow-Cooker Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Ingredients
– 1.5 lbs ground turkey
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp nutmeg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
1. Brown turkey, onion, and garlic in a skillet, then transfer to slow cooker.
2. Add pumpkin, tomatoes, beans, spices, and broth. Stir well.
3. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
4. Serve garnished with green onions or pumpkin seeds.
Why We Love It
Pumpkin adds a creamy texture, vitamin A, and a subtle sweetness that makes this chili stand out from the crowd.
With these five healthy turkey chili recipes, cold-weather comfort and wholesome nutrition go hand in hand. Whether you’re cooking on the stovetop or letting your slow cooker do the work, each recipe offers unique flavors and health benefits. So grab your favorite bowl, invite friends and family, and enjoy a heartwarming feast that feels indulgent without the extra calories.