High-Protein Turkey Chili
Lean ground turkey makes a lighter base for this hearty chili, while beans, peppers and tomatoes provide the body you expect from a long-simmered pot. Warm spices build depth quickly, so the chili tastes satisfying without needing to cook all afternoon.
Brown the turkey well before adding the liquids, scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. The texture thickens as it rests, which makes leftovers especially good the next day.
Turkey Chili Gets Better as the Pot Simmers
- About 38 g protein per serving
- One-pot meal
- Freezer-friendly
- Plenty of fiber from beans
- Great for batch cooking
High-Protein Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lb lean ground turkey 680 g
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 can / 15 oz / 425 g black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can / 15 oz / 425 g kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can / 28 oz / 795 g crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth 240 ml
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart, until no longer pink.
- Add onion and bell pepper and cook until beginning to soften.
- Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and oregano for 30 seconds.
- Add beans, crushed tomatoes and broth.
- Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check the turkey is fully cooked to at least 165°F / 74°C, adjust seasoning and serve.
Notes
A Better Result Starts Before the Timer Does
- Brown the turkey well before adding liquids.
- Drain and rinse beans to control sodium.
- Simmer uncovered for a thicker chili.
- Add broth gradually if you prefer a thicker texture.
A Simple Plate to Build Around This
- Cornbread
- Brown Rice
- Green Salad
- Avocado
A Few Good Recipes to Follow This One
If you enjoyed this recipe, try one of these next:
Useful Answers for the First Batch
Can I freeze turkey chili?
Yes. Cool promptly, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, but brown the turkey first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook until the vegetables are tender and turkey is fully cooked.
How can I make chili less spicy?
Use mild chili powder and skip additional hot peppers or cayenne.
