I don’t call a recipe “the best” lightly — but this Healthy Turkey Chili has truly earned the title. It’s thick, perfectly spiced, packed with lean protein and fiber, and incredibly satisfying. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s become such a reader favorite over the years.
Originally created back in 2015, this chili quickly took on a life of its own. What started as a cozy weeknight dinner turned into one of the most popular recipes ever. It’s hearty, flavorful, and exactly what you want in a bowl of chili.µ
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with lean protein
- Loaded with fiber-rich beans
- Thick and hearty texture
- Perfect balance of spices
- Great for meal prep
- Freezer-friendly
It’s comforting, filling, and ideal for chilly evenings, game days, or weekly meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This chili is made with simple pantry staples and fresh veggies for incredible flavor.
Vegetables
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Red bell pepper
- Sweet corn (canned or frozen)
Protein
- Extra lean ground turkey (or ground chicken)
Beans
- Dark red kidney beans (two cans)
Spices
- Mild chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Dried oregano
- Cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt
Liquid Base
- Diced or crushed tomatoes
- Chicken broth
How to Make Healthy Turkey Chili
Stovetop Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and salt. Cook for about 20 seconds to toast the spices.
- Add tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans, and corn.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30–45 minutes until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Makes 6 servings (about 1½ cups each).
Slow Cooker Instructions
For an easy hands-off option:
- Reduce chicken broth to ½ cup.
- Brown the turkey and sauté onions before adding to the slow cooker.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- Cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–7 hours.
Perfect for busy days, parties, or tailgating.
Customization Ideas
Add Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Fresh avocado
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Tortilla chips
- Sliced jalapeños
Adjust the Heat
- Add extra cayenne for more spice.
- Omit cayenne for a milder version.
Note: This recipe was developed using mild chili powder. If using a spicier brand, start with 2–3 tablespoons instead of 4.
What to Serve With Turkey Chili
- Cornbread or cornbread muffins
- Crackers
- Guacamole
- Jalapeño poppers
- A fresh green salad
It’s also fantastic on its own with plenty of toppings.
Storage & Freezing Tips
Refrigerate
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Freeze
Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Chili freezes beautifully, making it ideal for batch cooking.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 6
This Healthy Turkey Chili is hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein — a tried-and-true recipe you’ll return to again and again. Enjoy!
The Best Healthy Turkey Chili
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 6 (about 1½ cups each)
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound extra lean ground turkey (or ground chicken)
- 4 tablespoons mild chili powder*
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced or crushed tomatoes
- 1¼ cups chicken broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can sweet corn, rinsed and drained
Optional Toppings:
Shredded cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions (Stovetop)
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and salt. Cook for about 20 seconds to toast the spices.
- Add tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans, and corn.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–45 minutes until chili thickens.
- Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed. Serve with desired toppings.
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Reduce chicken broth to ½ cup.
- Brown turkey and sauté onion before adding to slow cooker.
- Add remaining ingredients and stir.
- Cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–7 hours.