There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chili to bring comfort and satisfaction. This White Bean Turkey Chili is packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and bold flavors. It’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly nights, meal prep, or a healthy weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s easy to make and incredibly delicious!
Trust me, once you try this, you’ll have it on repeat all season long!
Why You’ll Love White Bean Turkey Chili
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you need a nourishing meal for your family, a protein-packed post-workout dish, or a comforting bowl of goodness on a cold day, this chili has you covered. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Protein-Packed
Ground turkey and white beans provide a hearty dose of protein, keeping you full and satisfied.
Rich and Flavorful
Loaded with aromatic spices, garlic, and onions, this chili has a bold and satisfying taste.
Easy and Quick
Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a perfect weeknight dinner.
One-Pot Wonder
Everything comes together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze!
Healthy and Nourishing
With lean turkey, fiber-rich beans, and wholesome ingredients, this is a nutritious, well-balanced meal.
Ingredients in White Bean Turkey Chili
Here’s what makes this chili so flavorful and satisfying:
Ground Turkey
A lean and protein-packed base that keeps the chili hearty without being heavy.
White Beans
Creamy and fiber-rich, they add texture and make the chili extra satisfying.
Onion and Garlic
The flavor foundation—these aromatic ingredients add depth and richness.
Green Chiles
A touch of mild heat and smokiness to enhance the flavor profile.
Chicken Broth
Provides a savory base and keeps the chili perfectly soupy.
Cumin and Oregano
Earthy, warm, and aromatic, these spices give the chili its signature taste.
Chili Powder
Adds a mild kick without overpowering the dish.
Lime Juice
A bright finishing touch that enhances all the flavors.
Fresh Cilantro
A fresh, herbaceous garnish for extra color and taste.
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps:
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Cook the Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart as it cooks. Brown it evenly until no longer pink.
Season It Up
Stir in the cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom.
Add Beans and Broth
Pour in the white beans, green chiles, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
Simmer to Perfection
Let the chili simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Finish with Lime and Cilantro
Squeeze in fresh lime juice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh, bright finish.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra cilantro, and enjoy a warm, comforting meal!
How to Serve White Bean Turkey Chili
This chili is delicious on its own, but here are some serving ideas to elevate your meal:
With Avocado
Sliced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.
With Tortilla Chips
Crispy tortilla chips provide the perfect crunch.
Topped with Cheese
A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or cotija cheese takes it to the next level.
With a Side of Cornbread
Sweet, buttery cornbread is the ultimate pairing.
As a Meal Prep Option
Store in individual containers for a quick, protein-packed lunch.
Additional Tips
Make It Spicier
Add jalapeños or extra chili powder for a bolder kick.
Make It Creamier
Stir in a little Greek yogurt or sour cream for a rich, creamy texture.
Freeze for Later
This chili freezes beautifully—just store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Swap the Protein
Use shredded chicken instead of turkey for a delicious variation.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use canned beans?
A1: Yes! Canned white beans work perfectly. Just rinse and drain them before adding.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Q3: Can I freeze this chili?
A3: Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for easy reheating.
Q4: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A4: Reheat on the stove over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
Q5: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A5: Yes! Brown the turkey first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Q6: What if I don’t have green chiles?
A6: You can substitute with a small amount of diced bell pepper or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Q7: Can I add more veggies?
A7: Definitely! Try adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
Q8: What’s the best broth to use?
A8: Low-sodium chicken broth works best, but you can also use vegetable broth.
Q9: Can I make it dairy-free?
A9: Yes! Just skip any cheese or sour cream toppings.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Of course! Just use a larger pot and adjust seasoning to taste.
Final Thoughts
This White Bean Turkey Chili is hearty, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving up a cozy dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!
Print
White Bean Turkey Chili
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This White Bean Turkey Chili is a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Made with lean ground turkey, creamy white beans, and warming spices, it’s a healthy, high-protein recipe that’s also easy to make. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas or healthy homemade recipes, this chili is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup corn (optional)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (for serving)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Brown the turkey: Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add spices and veggies: Stir in red bell pepper, diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Simmer: Add white beans and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish & serve: Stir in corn (if using) and lime juice. Serve warm with Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, and extra lime wedges. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or green chilies.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 55mg