Delight in this vibrant turkey chili featuring lean ground turkey, crisp bell peppers, hearty beans, and a fusion of aromatic spices. Every spoonful offers a balanced mix of protein and flavor, delivering a satisfying bowl that nourishes and excites the palate. Enjoy a wholesome feast that brings warmth and vitality.

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I love making this Healthy & Easy Turkey Chili because its full of protein and fiber that gives you that lasting energy boost. I start with 1 lb ground turkey and 1 tbsp olive oil to create a nice base flavor, then add a large diced onion and 3 cloves minced garlic.

The addition of diced green and red bell peppers really brings out a fresh sweetness and crunch, while a bit of jalapeno pepper adds a slight kick if you want it. I then mix in a can of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce along with kidney and black beans for extra nutrients and texture.

I season the pot with 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, salt and pepper to taste. This easy turkey chili works great whether you’re making a simple turkey chili at home or you prefer a healthy crockpot version that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this turkey chili becuz it’s so simple to make. I can throw in all the veggies and spices and end up with a meal thats both tasty and healthy. I like that it’s loaded with protein and fiber which keeps me full longer. The mix of flavors from the bell peppers, garlic, and spices makes every spoonful interesting. Also, I really like that i can adjust the heat by addin or leavin the jalapeno pepper to suit my taste.

Ingredients

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Ground Turkey: A lean protein that makes this chili hearty and keeps it healthy.
Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps cook veggies with good fats.
Onion: Provides sweetness and fiber, boosting flavor and nutrition in every bite.
Garlic: Brings zesty taste and natural benefits while mixing in a yummy punch.
Bell Peppers: Offer vitamin C, crunch, and a mildly sweet, vibrant flavor.
Kidney Beans: Loaded with fiber and protein, they thicken the dish with texture.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes give tanginess and antioxidants that brighten up the stew.
Jalapeno Pepper: Optionally adds heat and spice to make the chili pop.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb ground turkey

1 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped (optional)

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

2 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make this

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1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the ground turkey. Cook until its browned and break it up as it cooks.

2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir and let them cook until the onion becomes soft.

3. Stir in both the diced green and red bell peppers along with the chopped jalapeno if you’re using it.

4. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and the tomato sauce into the mixture.

5. Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans.

6. Pour the chicken broth into the pot and mix well.

7. Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika into the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Bring the chili to a simmer over medium low heat.

9. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so that all the flavors can combine well.

10. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed then serve hot. Enjoy your healthy turkey chili!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot (with lid for simmering)
2. Stove for heating
3. Chef’s knife
4. Cutting board
5. Wooden spoon for stirring
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Can opener
8. Strainer or colander (for draining beans)

FAQ

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Sure, you can use boneless chicken, but keep in mind turkey gives a leaner texture and flavor so you might have to adjust for fat level.

What should I do if I cant handle spicy food?

No worries, you can omit the jalapeno or use a milder pepper, which will still keep the dish yummy.

Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?

Yep, you can put all of the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours for a deep, rich flavor.

Do I need to use low-sodium broth?

It's recommended to use low-sodium chicken broth so you can control the salt but feel free to use regular broth if thats what you have at home.

How long does this chili typically take to make?

The prep usually takes around 15-20 minutes and then you need to simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes, so in total its a pretty quick meal!

Healthy & Easy Turkey Chili Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ground turkey: You can use ground chicken or lean ground beef if you dont have turkey on hand
Olive oil: Try using canola oil or avocado oil as a substitute
Diced tomatoes: If you’re out, fresh diced tomatoes work fine but might add a bit more liquid
Kidney beans: Pinto beans or cannellini beans can be used instead for a nice twist
Chicken broth: Vegetable broth makes a good swap if you want to lighten up the flavor

Pro Tips

1. Make sure to brown the turkey really well before adding any other ingredients so all that tasty flavor comes out and the meat doesn’t end up stewing instead of searing.

2. Once your onions and garlic hit the pot, let them get soft and a bit golden, cause that’s when they start releasing the real flavor. It’s okey if they get a little brown sometimes.

3. Let the chili simmer for a bit longer if you have time. Even an extra 10 minutes can really make the spices blend better together and give you a richer taste.

4. Taste your chili at different stages and adjust the salt, pepper, and spices as you go. It helps to gradually add them rather than dumping it all in at the start.