Turkey Chili
- By Amy Dong
- Published Jan. 19, 2023
- Updated Jan. 26, 2023
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. Pairs well with chips, corn muffins, and more!
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Watch us Make Turkey Chili in the Crockpot
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 Siracha 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!
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.
Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe Common Questions
You can omit the meat from this turkey chili recipe. However, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, we recommend making our Vegetarian Chili or this Lentil Chili with Black Beans instead.
This turkey chili recipe is plenty flavorful on its own, but if you want to kick it up a notch, try adding an extra dash of Sriracha, or use your favorite hot sauce.
Turkey chili is similar in taste to beef chili but not quite the same. Due to its leanness, turkey chili tends to adopt the flavor of the spices added more easily while beef chili often has a heartier, fattier flavor.
Turkey chili is the perfect meal prep recipe, as you can make a big batch and divvy it up into separate containers to use throughout the week. Cooked chili can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to a month.
More to Cook and Eat
- White Chicken Chili Recipe (CrockPot) – Rich, creamy, and easy to make, this is hands-down the best comfort food you’ll ever taste.
- Butternut Squash Chili – Hearty and healthy, this chili makes for a crowd-pleasing recipe.
- Hearty, Chunky Chili – Thick, chunky, and full of flavor, this classic chili is the best way to warm up on a cold winter day.
- Healthy Fall Pumpkin Chili Recipe – We adore the bold flavors of this comforting, fall-inspired chili recipe!
- 30-Minute White Bean Turkey Chili – Perfect for busy weeknights, this satisfying meal is ready in just 30 minutes yet tastes like it took all day to make.
Did you make this?
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Turkey Chili
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