Award Winning Turkey Chili (2024)

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This award winning Turkey Chili is thick and hearty and bursting with flavor. This healthier chili recipe is loaded with tender beans, lean ground turkey, and the perfect blend of spice.

All about this healthy Turkey Chili..

This is my all time favorite recipe when it comes to chili. I love the ease of my 20 minute Texas Chili, but I think I love the combination of flavors and textures in this chili even more.

It’s the same recipe that I use in my Easy Chili Recipe, except in that version I use ground beef. It’s the same recipe, except here, we’re using ground Turkey to make it lighter!

Ingredients Needed:

Notes on some ingredients:

• Ground Turkey: this can be substituted for ground chicken or beef if needed.
• Green chiles: these add a very mild flavor. If you would prefer more heat in your chili you can use a jalapeno instead.
• Black beans & kidney beans: canned beans work great in this recipe. You can always swap out the beans for another kind if you would prefer.

How to make (step-by-step)

On the Stovetop:

• Step 1: Add the meat to a large pot or dutch oven. As the turkey is cooking, add the chopped onion to cook also. Once the meat is cooked and the onion is softened, drain any excess moisture. Add the garlic and allow it to cook for an additional 30 seconds.
• Step 2: Add all the other ingredients. Bring the chili to a simmer and allow to cook for about 10-15 minutes. Serve and top with all your favorite toppings!

In the slow cooker:

1. Step 1: Cook the meat: even though this is a slow cooker recipe we want to cook the meat first in a skillet. Along with the onions to soften them. Then we can add that to the slow cooker.
2. Step 2: Add all other ingredients to the slow cooker. Then we can let this cook together for the rest of the day.

Expert Tips:

• Cut the sugar: You can leave out the brown sugar if desired, to cut out sugars of course. I do like adding the sugar because it helps cut the acidity of the tomatoes. Another option would be to use honey instead, or substitute with a coconut sugar.
• Sneak in some Vegetables: add in some additional veggies if you want! Some great options are corn, peppers, diced zucchini, diced sweet potato, or butternut squash. If adding in fresh veggies, add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking in the slow cooker, that way they don’t get too mushy.
  

FAQ’s:

Favorite topping ideas:

One of the best parts about any chili recipe is being able to customize with your favorite toppings! When serving a large pot of chili for dinner for the family, or if you’re expecting company, creating a topping bar is a great idea. This way everyone can top their bowl with what they enjoy. Some ideas are:

• Cheese: of course, shredded cheese is a must when having chili! Some mild cheddar, sharp cheddar, pepperjack, or Monterey Jack are all great options.
• Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: the cold creamy tang of either of these options contrasts with the warm heat of the chili and is typically welcomed!
• Onions: chop up some white onion or slice some green onion to go on top for a fresh flavor.
• Cilantro: always a win with Tex Mex lovers.
• Chips: some fresh homemade tortilla chips, or Fritos pair perfectly with this thick chili.
• Tortillas: I personally love having a fresh stack of flour tortillas with my chili.
• Avocado: another creamy option that helps take off some of the heat of the chili
• Hot sauce: for those that need even more heat!
  

Serve this chili with:

• Tortillas: I personally love having a fresh stack of flour tortillas with my chili.
• Cornbread
• Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Muffins
  

More Chili and Soup Recipes:

• 20 Minute Texas Chili
• Easy Chili Recipe
• White Chicken Chili
• Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Recipe first posted November 21, 2014. Updated on February 27 with new photos and video. Recipe is unchanged, but instructions for stovetop were added.