The Best Healthy Turkey Chili is a hearty, delicious, and nutritious twist on the classic chili recipe. Made with lean ground turkey, beans, and a variety of vegetables, this chili is both satisfying and full of flavor. It’s a great option for meal prep, offering a healthy, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a lighter version of your favorite comfort food or need a filling, low-calorie meal, Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or preparing a cozy dinner, this turkey chili is a winner!
Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground turkey
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, chopped
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, avocado
Directions:
Cook the Ground Turkey: Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for 6-8 minutes, or until the turkey is browned and cooked through. Remove any excess fat from the pot.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and chopped zucchini to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant.
Add the Seasonings: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to bloom and intensify their flavors.
Simmer the Chili: Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your preferences. For a thicker consistency, allow the chili to simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid.
Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Consider adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or slices of creamy avocado for an extra boost of flavor.
Serving Tips:
Perfect Pairings: Serve your turkey chili with a side of cornbread, brown rice, or a simple mixed green salad to round out the meal. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, serve it with a side of cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.
Top it Off: Customize your chili with various toppings. Add shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra creaminess and flavor. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.
Make it a Chili Bar: If you’re serving a crowd or meal prepping, set up a chili bar where everyone can customize their bowls with different toppings and add-ons, such as jalapeños, salsa, or even a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Add Extra Veggies: For more texture and nutrition, you can always add extra veggies like spinach, kale, or even diced sweet potatoes to your serving. It’s a great way to sneak in even more fiber and vitamins!
Storage Tips:
Storing Leftovers: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers for storage. Store the chili in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prepping or having a healthy lunch ready to go throughout the week.
Freezing for Later: If you have a larger batch of chili, consider freezing it for later use. Let the chili cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label the containers with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight or reheat directly on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating Tips: To maintain the chili’s flavor and texture, reheat it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the chili has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of water or chicken broth to bring it back to your desired consistency.
Portion Control: If you’re meal prepping, consider portioning out individual servings in separate containers. This makes it easier to grab a quick meal and helps control portion sizes for those tracking calories.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I make this turkey chili ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, this turkey chili tastes even better after it sits for a while, as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For meal prep, it’s also perfect for freezing—just portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 3 months.
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can easily swap the lean ground turkey for ground chicken or even lean ground beef if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor and fat content may slightly differ, but the chili will still be delicious and satisfying.
Is this turkey chili spicy?
This turkey chili is mildly spiced, thanks to chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. However, it’s not overly hot. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce to increase the heat.
Can I add more vegetables to this chili?
Yes, you can! This recipe is highly adaptable, and adding extra vegetables is a great way to boost the nutrition. You can add chopped carrots, spinach, kale, or even diced sweet potatoes. Just keep in mind that adding too many veggies may affect the chili’s consistency, so you might need to adjust the amount of broth or cooking time.
Conclusion:
This healthy turkey chili recipe is an easy, nutritious, and flavorful meal that will become a favorite in your recipe rotation. With lean protein, fiber-packed beans, and an array of fresh vegetables, it’s a comforting dish that won’t derail your healthy eating goals. Serve it with your favorite toppings for an added burst of flavor, and enjoy a satisfying meal any day of the week!
📖 Recipe:
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The Best Healthy Turkey Chili
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This healthy turkey chili recipe is a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic chili, made with lean ground turkey, beans, and fresh vegetables. Packed with protein, fiber, and rich flavors, this chili is perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep. It’s an easy, heartwarming dish that’s both satisfying and low in calories, making it a great option for anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional chili.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground turkey
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, chopped
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, avocado
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Remove excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini to the pot. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Add the Seasonings: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to allow the spices to bloom.
- Simmer the Chili: Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir, bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed. If you want a thicker chili, simmer a bit longer.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or avocado. Enjoy!
Notes
This chili is great for meal prep and stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months for a quick and easy meal.
For extra spice, add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
