Turkey Chili: A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Dish

Looking for a hearty and healthy twist on classic chili? Turkey Chili is the perfect solution. This dish uses lean ground turkey as a base, combined with rich, flavorful ingredients like bell peppers, black beans, and a blend of chili spices. The result is a comforting, protein-packed meal that’s just as satisfying as its beef counterpart but with less fat. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy dinner, a game-day gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this turkey chili will quickly become a favorite.

Not only is this chili full of rich flavors from chili powder, chipotle powder, and diced tomatoes, but it also includes masa flour to thicken the broth, giving it a deliciously smooth and velvety texture. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how you can whip up this delicious dish!

For more chili inspiration, check out these Best Chili Recipes or browse through Ground Turkey Chili Recipes.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Turkey Chili: Healthy, Hearty, and Flavorful Comfort Food

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

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Description

This Turkey Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with lean ground turkey, vegetables, and a blend of spices that bring a perfect balance of warmth and heat. With the richness of black beans, diced tomatoes, and the earthy touch of masa flour, this chili is both comforting and nutritious. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a game day feast, and can be easily adjusted to suit your heat preference with a touch of cayenne pepper.

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Ingredients

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For the Chili:

• 2 pounds ground turkey (choose your desired lean percentage)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 medium bell peppers (red and green are preferred), diced
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
• ⅓ cup water
• ¼ cup masa flour (also called masa harina)
• ⅓ cup chili powder (McCormick’s or your favorite brand)
• ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

• Cook the Ground Turkey:

  • Heat 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 it is browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.

• Sauté the Vegetables:

  • Add the chopped onion, diced bell peppers, and minced garlic to the pot with the turkey. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.

• Add the Spices:

  • Stir in the chili powder, chipotle powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.

• Add the Remaining Ingredients:

  • Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, and water. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the chili to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.

• Add Masa Flour:

  • In a small bowl, mix the masa flour with a bit of water to form a smooth paste. Add the masa mixture to the chili, stirring to incorporate. This will help thicken the chili and add a rich, slightly earthy flavor.
  • Continue simmering for an additional 5-10 minutes, adjusting the consistency by adding more water if necessary.

• Taste and Adjust:

  • Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with more salt, cayenne pepper (if desired), or additional chili powder if needed.

• Serve:

  • Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, or tortilla chips, if desired.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, feel free to add more chipotle powder or cayenne pepper.
• You can substitute the ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
• This chili pairs well with cornbread or a side of rice.
• If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the amount of chicken broth or let it simmer for a longer period.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 ½ cups)
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Turkey Chili

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the Ground Turkey
   Add the ground turkey to the pot with the vegetables and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt as it cooks.
3. Add the Liquids and Beans
   Once the turkey is cooked, add the chicken broth, petite diced tomatoes, and black beans to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. Spice It Up
   Add the chili powder, chipotle powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the mixture. Stir to evenly distribute the spices and bring the chili to a simmer.
5. Thicken the Chili
   In a small bowl, whisk together the masa flour and water until smooth. Stir the masa mixture into the chili to thicken it. Let the chili simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together and allow the chili to thicken to your desired consistency.
6. Taste and Adjust
   Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or cayenne for extra heat if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy
   Once the chili has reached the desired thickness and flavor, remove it from the heat. Serve it hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy your hearty Turkey Chili!

Advanced Techniques

Make It Ahead of Time

This Turkey Chili actually tastes better the next day! Prepare it a day or two ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to eat. The flavors will continue to develop and deepen, making it even more flavorful.

Freezing for Later

This recipe freezes well, so it’s great for meal prepping. After it has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Adjust the Consistency

If you prefer a thicker chili, simply cook it a little longer without the lid on, allowing more liquid to evaporate. For a thinner chili, add a bit more chicken broth or water.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Turkey Chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat. If the chili thickens too much after sitting, simply add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Freezing Leftovers

Freeze any remaining chili in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat on the stovetop. Adding a splash of broth during reheating can help restore its smooth texture.

Topping Tips

When storing leftover chili, it’s best to keep any toppings (such as sour cream, cheese, or cilantro) separate to prevent them from becoming soggy or losing their fresh texture.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Low-Carb Option

If you’re following a low-carb diet, this chili recipe is naturally low in carbs. However, if you want to make it even lower in carbs, you can skip the black beans and instead add more vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower rice for extra bulk.

Gluten-Free

This Turkey Chili is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and masa flour (most masa harina is gluten-free, but it’s always good to check the label). This makes it a perfect option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Dairy-Free

If you want to keep this chili dairy-free, simply skip the cheese or sour cream toppings. You can also top it with dairy-free cheese alternatives or use avocado for a creamy texture.

Spice Level Adjustments

If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and chipotle powder. You can also replace the chipotle powder with smoked paprika for a more subtle smokiness without the heat.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground chicken for ground turkey in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly lighter, but the overall dish will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground turkey with a plant-based protein like lentils or a vegetarian meat substitute. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is properly cooked.

How can I make the chili spicier?

To add more heat to your chili, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder. Additionally, you could add fresh chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to taste.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Turkey Chili is a comforting, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional beef chili. With lean ground turkey, savory spices, and a hearty combination of vegetables and beans, this dish delivers a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to make, versatile, and offers a variety of dietary adaptations to suit your needs.

Whether you’re looking to meal prep for the week, serve it for dinner with friends, or warm up on a chilly day, this turkey chili will become a go-to recipe that’s sure to please everyone at the table.