Turkey Chili Recipe

Turkey chili is one of those meals I make when I want something hearty but not heavy. It’s warm, filling, and comes together without much effort, which makes it perfect for weeknights.

I like this version because it keeps things simple and lets the spices do the work. It’s comforting without feeling weighed down, and it reheats beautifully, which is always a bonus.

Pair it with Pumpkin Spice Pancakes for a cozy brunch twist or enjoy alongside Slow Cooker Maple Baked Beans for a hearty, comforting meal. It’s the little creative touches that make this dish memorable and worth repeating.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe started as a lighter alternative to classic beef chili. I wanted something that still felt satisfying but didn’t rely on a long simmer or a long ingredient list. Ground turkey paired with warm spices ended up being the balance I was looking for, and it quickly became a regular in my rotation.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Chili has many regional variations, but turkey chili became popular as a lighter, leaner option. It keeps the comforting nature of traditional chili while offering a cleaner, less heavy finish.

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)

• Light but filling: Lean turkey keeps it satisfying
• Quick to make: Ready in under 40 minutes
• Bold flavor: Spices bring warmth and depth
• One-pan meal: Easy cleanup
• Customizable heat: Adjust spice to taste
• Great leftovers: Tastes even better the next day
• Everyday ingredients: Nothing hard to find

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Brown the turkey well: Builds flavor early
• Scrape the pan: Use those browned bits
• Simmer uncovered: Helps thicken naturally
• Season gradually: Adjust after simmering

Ingredients in This Recipe

1. Ground turkey: Lean protein that absorbs spices well
2. Onion: Adds sweetness and depth
3. Garlic: Provides savory aroma
4. Diced tomatoes: Create body and light acidity
5. Chicken broth: Loosens and balances the chili
6. Ground cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness
7. Smoked paprika: Brings subtle smokiness
8. Chipotle powder: Optional heat with smoky flavor
9. Salt and pepper: Balance and enhance flavors

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

1. Large skillet or Dutch oven: Allows even cooking
2. Wooden spoon or spatula: Gentle stirring
3. Knife: For chopping onion and garlic
4. Cutting board: Safe prep surface
5. Serving bowls: Wide bowls work best

Instructions for Making This Recipe

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.
2. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, cook diced onion until soft and translucent.
4. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
5. Return the turkey to the skillet.
6. Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
7. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, salt, and pepper.
8. Simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning.
10. Remove from heat and rest briefly before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Ground turkey: Ground chicken works well
• Chicken broth: Vegetable broth is fine
• Chipotle powder: Chili powder or cayenne can replace it
• Smoked paprika: Regular paprika if needed

Ingredient Spotlight

• Ground turkey: Cooks quickly and stays tender when simmered gently
• Smoked paprika: Adds depth without overpowering heat

Turkey Chili

Turkey chili is a hearty stew that combines ground turkey with tomatoes, spices, and vegetables, cooked down into a thick, flavorful dish. The recipe involves browning the turkey, simmering with seasonings, and allowing the flavors to meld, resulting in a comforting and slightly spicy chili with a rich, stewy texture.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cumin ground
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder optional for heat
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Method

 

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once hot, add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes, and then transfer to a plate.
2. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
3. Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic. Now, combine the browned turkey back into the skillet.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle powder (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Cover the skillet lightly and let the chili simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. As it simmers, the chili will thicken and the flavors will deepen. Taste and adjust salt or spice levels as desired.
7. Once the chili has achieved a rich, thick consistency and the flavors are balanced, remove from heat. Let it rest for a few minutes to fully meld.
8. Spoon the hot turkey chili into bowls, garnish with your favorite toppings if desired, and enjoy this comforting, hearty meal.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

• Thick consistency: Comes from uncovered simmering
• Balanced spice: Warm without overwhelming heat
• Clean finish: Lean turkey keeps it light

What to Avoid

• Skipping browning: Reduces flavor
• Too much liquid: Makes chili thin
• Overcooking: Can dry out turkey

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, Per Serving)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 26 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: Varies by broth used

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make ahead: Chili can be made a day in advance
• Refrigerate: Store up to 4 days
• Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 2 months

How to Serve This Dish

• Classic bowl: Serve as-is
• With toppings: Add cheese, yogurt, or green onions
• With sides: Cornbread or crackers pair well

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Chili stuffed potatoes: Spoon over baked potatoes
• Chili wraps: Use as a tortilla filling
• Chili rice bowls: Serve over rice or quinoa

Variations to Try

• Bean-added: Add black or kidney beans
• Extra veggie: Add bell peppers or zucchini
• Spicier version: Increase chipotle powder
• Creamy chili: Stir in a spoon of cream cheese
• Low-sodium: Use low-sodium broth and tomatoes

FAQs

1. Is turkey chili healthy?: Yes, it’s lighter than beef chili.
2. Can I make this ahead?: Yes, flavors improve overnight.
3. Is it spicy?: Mild, adjustable to taste.
4. Can I add beans?: Absolutely.
5. Can I cook it longer?: Yes, up to 40 minutes total.
6. Does it freeze well?: Yes, very well.
7. Can I use canned tomatoes with chilies?: Yes, for extra flavor.
8. Why uncovered simmering?: Helps thicken the chili.
9. Can I double the recipe?: Yes, use a larger pot.
10. What toppings work best?: Cheese, yogurt, green onions, or cilantro.

Olivia

Hi, I’m Olivia Chen-Williams, a professional chef, cooking instructor, and the founder of Turn Around At 50. For nearly three decades, my life has revolved around kitchens. Not the quiet, romantic kind, but the real ones. Hot, loud, demanding, and deeply alive.