Turkey Chili Verde: A Flavorful and Hearty Comfort Dish

Turkey Chili Verde is a zesty, savory dish packed with bold flavors and a spicy kick from the salsa verde and jalapeño peppers. Made with ground turkey, white beans, and a variety of aromatic spices, this chili is both satisfying and healthy. The addition of fresh toppings like cilantro, red onions, avocado, and sour cream provides the perfect balance of freshness and creaminess.

This dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing feast. Whether you enjoy it with some crusty bread, tortilla chips, or simply on its own, Turkey Chili Verde is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

If you’re looking for more chili recipes, check out Chili Recipes or explore Turkey Chili Recipes.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Turkey Chili Verde: A Spicy, Hearty Chili with Ground Turkey and Salsa Verde

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This flavorful Turkey Chili Verde is a vibrant and hearty dish made with ground turkey, a medley of spices, and salsa verde. It’s packed with bold flavors from bell peppers, jalapeños, and cumin, making it a perfect warm and comforting meal. Topped with cilantro, avocado, and cheese, it’s great for a cozy dinner or meal prep. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a delicious twist!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chili:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 pounds ground turkey (dark or white meat, or a combination)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
• 3–4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 yellow, red, or green bell pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 24 ounces of store-bought salsa verde (see notes)
• 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles (mild or hot, depending on your taste)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 15-ounce cans of white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), drained

For Toppings (Optional):

• Chopped cilantro
• Chopped red onions or sliced scallions
• Grated cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Sour cream or plain yogurt
• Sliced avocado
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Turkey:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the turkey from the pot and set it aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

Add the Garlic and Spices:

• Add the chopped garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, dried oregano, and kosher salt to the pot. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the Liquids and Beans:

• Pour in the salsa verde, diced green chiles, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Simmer the Chili:

• Return the cooked turkey to the pot, along with the drained white beans. Stir everything together. Let the chili simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally. If needed, adjust the seasoning with more salt.

Serve the Chili:

• Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your desired toppings, such as chopped cilantro, grated cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped red onions, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add extra hot diced green chiles.
• If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some of the white beans with a fork before adding them to the pot.
• Salsa verde is the key to this chili’s vibrant flavor. You can find it in the salsa section of most grocery stores, or use homemade salsa verde if you prefer.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 33g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Turkey Chili Verde

Instructions

1. Heat the Olive Oil
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer the turkey to a plate and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
   In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Spices
   Stir in the cumin, ground coriander, dried oregano, and kosher salt. Let the spices toast for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
4. Combine the Chili Ingredients
   Return the cooked turkey to the pot, then add the salsa verde, diced green chiles, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
5. Add the Beans
   Stir in the drained white beans and continue simmering for an additional 10-15 minutes to heat the beans through. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with more salt, cumin, or coriander as needed.
6. Serve and Garnish
   Ladle the turkey chili verde into bowls. Top with fresh cilantro, chopped red onions or scallions, grated cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, and lime wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Advanced Techniques

Enhancing the Flavor

To elevate the flavor of your chili verde, consider roasting the bell pepper and jalapeño before adding them to the pot. This adds a depth of smokiness that will bring a complex layer to the dish. Simply char the peppers over an open flame or in the oven, peel off the skins, and chop them before adding to the pot.

Making It Spicier

If you like your chili with more heat, use hot diced green chiles or add extra jalapeño peppers to the mix. For even more spice, incorporate some chipotle chili powder or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce when simmering the chili.

Slow Cooker Option

For a slow-cooked version, brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables in a skillet. Then transfer everything to a slow cooker, including the salsa verde, chicken broth, beans, and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Leftovers

Turkey Chili Verde stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing Leftovers

For longer storage, Turkey Chili Verde can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the chili cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. When ready to eat, thaw the chili overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Reheating Tips

When reheating leftover chili, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the consistency. Stir occasionally while reheating to prevent it from sticking or burning.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure your salsa verde and chicken broth are both gluten-free. Double-check the labels to be sure.

Vegetarian Option

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or corn to add bulk and texture to the chili.

Dairy-Free Option

If you’re looking to make this dish dairy-free, skip the cheese and sour cream garnish, or use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, Turkey Chili Verde can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s also great for meal prep, as the flavors deepen after sitting for a day or two. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat when ready to serve.

What can I serve with this chili?

This chili is great on its own or served with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over a bed of rice. For extra toppings, add freshly chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a drizzle of lime juice for brightness.

Can I make this chili spicier?

Absolutely! If you prefer more heat, add additional jalapeños, increase the amount of diced green chiles, or use a hotter salsa verde. You can also add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to taste.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Turkey Chili Verde is a flavorful, spicy, and hearty dish that combines the richness of ground turkey, white beans, and salsa verde with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander. This chili is customizable and can be made spicier, milder, or even vegetarian, making it perfect for everyone. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or making it ahead for meal prep, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food with a zesty twist.

The toppings – from creamy avocado to sharp cheese – add a fresh and delicious contrast to the rich chili, making every bite a flavor-packed experience. Enjoy this dish on its own, or serve it with your favorite side for a complete and satisfying meal.