Turkey Chili with White Beans

This Turkey Chili with White Beans is healthy, hearty and loaded with flavor.  Leftovers (if you have any) will taste even better the next day!

You are going to love this Turkey Chili with White Beans!!  It’s rich and flavorful and destined to become a regular at your dining table. 

This Turkey Chili is made with lots of caramelized onions, garlic and tender bites of turkey. I typically buy a roast turkey breast at the market to make this chili with.   If you like your chili a little on the spicy side, then by all means, add more chili powder.  I won’t typically add cheese to my chili, but I do love to garnish it with cilantro, avocado and sometimes chopped red onion. 

HEALTHY TURKEY CHILI RECIPE

• 3-4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground oregano
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 3 tablespoons Gebhart chili powder
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon (a scant pinch)
• 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes (include the juices)
• 1 8-ounce can no salt tomato sauce
• 1-1/2 pounds roast turkey breast, shredded or cut into bite sized pieces. (You can also use shredded chicken if you prefer).
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 15-ounce cans small white beans

HOW TO MAKE TURKEY CHILI

1. Saute onions. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium low heat. Add the onions and sauté for about 8 to 10 minutes or until they’re beginning to brown.
2. Add seasoning. Stir in the oregano, cumin, chili powder and cinnamon.
3. Pour in tomatoes, sauce and broth.  Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, turkey and chicken broth.
4. Simmer.  Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes.  Stir occasionally.
5. Stir in beans.  Add the beans to the chili and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Serve.  Sprinkle each bowl with chopped cilantro, cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips.

VARIATIONS TO THIS TURKEY CHILI RECIPE

• Use chicken instead of turkey
• Use ground meat instead of shredded
• Use kidney beans instead of white beans
• Fill baked sweet potatoes with this chili
• Pair this chili with sweet potato French fries for chili cheese fries

HEALTHY MEXICAN FOOD RECIPES

• Chicken Picadillo Bowls
• White Bean Chicken Chili
• Chicken Chili without Beans
• Easy Turkey Enchilada Casserole
• Taco Bowls with Spanish Quinoa

Originally published 9.2015 – updated 1.2020

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Yield: 8 servings

Turkey Chili with White Beans

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• 3-4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground oregano
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 3 tablespoons Gebgart chili powder
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon (a scant pinch)
• 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes (include the juices)
• 1 8-ounce can no salt tomato sauce
• 1-1/2 pounds cooked turkey (or chicken ) meat, shredded or cut into bite sized pieces.
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 15-ounce cans small white beans

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium low heat.
2. Add the onions and sauté for about 8 to 10 minutes or until they're beginning to brown.
3. Stir in the oregano, cumin, chili powder and cinnamon.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, turkey and chicken broth.
5. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally.
6. Add the beans to the chili and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes.
7. Serve with chopped cilantro, cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips.