Unleash the power of white beans and lean turkey with this hearty chili recipe. This dish perfectly blends nutrient-rich beans with savory turkey while the spices and green chilies add a spicy tang. Ideal for cozy dinners or meal prep, this chili is not only delicious but packed full of protein and fiber.
The majority of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in most kitchens. However, the canned diced green chilies might not be readily available in your pantry. These add a nice hint of heat to the chili and can be found in the international aisle of most supermarkets. The lean ground turkey is a healthier alternative to ground beef, you can usually find it near the poultry section.
Ingredients for White Bean Turkey Chili
Olive oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the onions and garlic. Its mild flavor makes it a versatile cooking oil.
Onions: Onions are a foundational ingredient lending sweet and savory depth to the chili.
Garlic cloves: Garlic adds a punchy, aromatic flavor that balances the richness of the turkey.
Ground turkey: Turkey is a lean protein that will make the chili filling and nutritious.
Green chilies: These canned chilies give the chili its spicy kick.
Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of all the other ingredients.
Cumin: Cumin is a warm spice that brings a layer of earthy flavor.
Oregano: This herb adds a hint of Italian flair to the chili.
Chili powder: Adds heat and a classic chili taste.
Red pepper flakes: These spice up the chili, adjust to your heat preference.
Bay leaf: Bay leaves add a subtle, herbal flavor note.
Cannellini or navy beans: These beans add texture, protein, and fiber.
Chicken broth: This is the liquid base of your chili.
Reduced-fat sour cream: This adds a creamy tangy note to the chili, lightening up the rich flavors.
Optional toppings: These are for serving and can be customized to each person's preference.
One reader, Emelina Ferris says:
This white bean turkey chili recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and comforting. It's a perfect balance of hearty and healthy. The blend of spices is just right, and the turkey adds a lean protein punch. Plus, it's so versatile with the toppings. A definite crowd-pleaser!
Cooking Techniques for Delicious White Bean Chili
How to sauté onions and garlic: In a heated pot or Dutch oven, spray with oil and add the onions and garlic. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
How to cook ground turkey: After adding the onions and garlic, add the ground turkey to the pot and cook, breaking it up for about 5 minutes until it turns white and is cooked through.
How to blend beans and broth: Pour 1 can of beans into a blender with 1 cup of broth. Blend until smooth, then add to the pot with the remaining beans and broth.
How to adjust seasoning: After adding the sour cream, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning and salt to your preference.
How to make in a slow cooker: Follow steps 1 to 5, reducing the broth to 1½ cups. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
How to make in an Instant Pot: To make in the Instant Pot, use an 8-quart IP or halve the recipe. Reduce the broth to 1½ cups and cook on high pressure for about 25 minutes.
How To Make White Bean Turkey Chili
This easy-to-make turkey chili recipe is made with a can of white beans. A great-tasting dish with a little spicy kick that comes with every bite!
Serves:
Ingredients
- olive oil spray
- 2small onions,chopped
- 5garlic cloves,chopped
- 3lbs93% lean ground turkey
- 4.5ozdiced green chilies
- ½tspkosher salt
- ½tbspcumin
- ½tbsporegano
- 2tspchili powder,to taste
- 2tspcrushed red pepper flakes,to taste
- 1bay leaf
- 4canscannellini or navy beans,15.5 oz each, rinsed and drained
- 2cupschicken broth
- ½cupreduced-fat sour cream,or greek yogurt
For Optional Toppings:
- cheese,Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, shredded
- avocado,diced
- cilantro
- jalapeno,sliced
- Greek yogurt,or sour cream
- scallions,chopped
Instructions
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Heat a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium flame. When hot, spray with oil.
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Add onions and garlic, saute for about 4 to 5 minutes until soft
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Add the meat and cook, breaking it up for about 5 minutes until white and cooked through.
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Add diced green chilies, salt, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes.
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Pour 1 can of beans in the blender with 1 cup of the broth. Add to the pot with the remaining beans, broth, and bay leaf; bring to a boil.
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Cover and reduce to a simmer for about 30 to 35 minutes, mixing occasionally, until thickened and the flavors meld.
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Stir in sour cream and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning and salt to taste.
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To serve, topped with your favorite toppings.
Slow Cooker Directions:
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Follow steps 1 to 5, reducing the broth to 1½ cups. Transfer to the slow cooker for 8 hours on Low.
Instant Pot Directions:
-
To make in the Instant Pot, you will need an 8 quart IP or halve the recipe. Reduce the broth to 1½ cups and cook high pressure for about 25 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 441.37kcal
- Fat: 16.69g
- Saturated Fat: 4.26g
- Trans Fat: 0.13g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.26g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.86g
- Carbohydrates: 38.76g
- Fiber: 9.12g
- Sugar: 2.30g
- Protein: 35.88g
- Cholesterol: 88.47mg
- Sodium: 892.39mg
- Calcium: 131.06mg
- Potassium: 869.63mg
- Iron: 5.03mg
- Vitamin A: 63.82µg
- Vitamin C: 29.40mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting This Chili Recipe
To ensure your chili has a rich and creamy texture, pureeing one can of the white beans with chicken broth is a great technique. This not only thickens the chili but also adds a depth of flavor without the need for additional cream or flour. Remember to blend until smooth for the best results.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Chili Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use canned beans: Opt for canned beans instead of dried ones to save time on soaking and cooking.
Slow cooker: Consider using a slow cooker to let the flavors meld while you attend to other tasks.
Instant Pot: Utilize an Instant Pot for quicker cooking, reducing the overall preparation time.
Leftovers: Make a larger batch and freeze leftovers for convenient future meals.
One-pot meal: Choose recipes that require minimal cleanup, such as this chili, to save time on washing dishes.
Prep stations: Set up designated prep stations for chopping, measuring, and assembling ingredients to work more efficiently.
Kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen tools like food processors and blenders to expedite tasks such as blending beans and broth.
Substitute Ingredients For White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe
olive oil spray - Substitute with avocado oil spray: Avocado oil spray has a similar smoke point and can be used as a healthier alternative.
onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor, which can work well in place of onions in this recipe.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a similar flavor with a longer shelf life.
93% lean ground turkey - Substitute with 93% lean ground chicken: Ground chicken can be used as a lean alternative to ground turkey, offering a similar texture and flavor profile.
diced green chilies - Substitute with jalapenos: Jalapenos can add a similar level of heat and flavor to the dish as diced green chilies.
cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander can provide a similar earthy and citrusy flavor to the dish as cumin.
oregano - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can be used as a substitute for oregano, offering a slightly different but complementary flavor profile.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can provide a similar smoky flavor and vibrant color to the dish as chili powder.
crushed red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add heat and spice to the dish, similar to crushed red pepper flakes.
cannellini or navy beans - Substitute with great northern beans: Great northern beans have a similar texture and taste to cannellini or navy beans and can be used as a substitute.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, providing a similar savory flavor to the dish.
reduced-fat sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to reduced-fat sour cream, offering a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.
cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast can be used as a dairy-free alternative to cheese, providing a cheesy flavor to the dish.
avocado - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole can be used as a flavorful alternative to sliced avocado as a topping for the chili.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, providing a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
jalapeno - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano pepper can be used as a substitute for jalapeno, offering a similar level of heat and flavor to the dish.
greek yogurt - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream can be used as a substitute for Greek yogurt, providing a creamy and tangy topping for the chili.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for scallions, offering a mild onion flavor and a pop of color as a topping for the chili.
Best Way to Present White Bean Turkey Chili
Elevate the plating: When presenting the white bean turkey chili, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
Garnish with finesse: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the chili with a drizzle of reduced balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy contrast. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and finely diced jalapeno for a pop of color and flavor.
Incorporate texture: Enhance the sensory experience by adding a delicate crunch to the dish. Serve the chili with a side of homemade tortilla strips or cornbread croutons for a delightful textural contrast.
Emphasize contrast: Create visual interest by pairing the hearty chili with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a swirl of avocado cream. The creamy element will complement the robust flavors of the chili, adding depth to the overall presentation.
Artful drizzling: Elevate the plating by drizzling a swirl of chipotle-infused olive oil over the chili. The smoky and spicy notes will add a layer of complexity to the dish while enhancing its visual appeal.
Customized accompaniments: Offer a selection of artisanal cheeses such as queso fresco or cotija for guests to sprinkle over their chili, allowing for a personalized touch and a luxurious finish.
Serving vessel selection: Opt for individual ceramic crocks or porcelain ramekins to present the chili, adding a touch of elegance and refinement to the overall dining experience.
Attention to detail: Complete the presentation with a final flourish of microgreens or edible flowers for a visually stunning and sophisticated touch.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Chili
- Large heavy pot or dutch oven: A large heavy pot or dutch oven is essential for cooking the chili, as it allows for even heat distribution and ample space for simmering the ingredients.
- Blender: A blender is used to puree a portion of the beans and broth, which helps to thicken the chili and create a creamy texture.
- Slow cooker: A slow cooker is an alternative cooking vessel for preparing the chili, allowing for long, slow cooking to develop flavors and tenderize the turkey.
- Instant Pot: An Instant Pot can be used for a quicker cooking method, applying high pressure to cook the chili in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop methods.
- Knife: A knife is necessary for chopping the onions and garlic, essential aromatic ingredients in the chili.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the onions and garlic.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measuring cups and spoons are crucial for portioning out the various spices, broth, and sour cream in the recipe.
- Stirring spoon: A stirring spoon is used for mixing the ingredients in the pot and ensuring even cooking and distribution of flavors.
- Serving bowls: Serving bowls are needed for presenting the finished white bean turkey chili to be enjoyed.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for White Bean Turkey Chili
- Let the chili cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled chili to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
- For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Here are a few tips for freezing:
- Portion the chili into smaller containers or bags for easier thawing and reheating.
- Leave some headspace in the containers to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Frozen chili will maintain its best quality for up to 4-6 months.
- To reheat refrigerated chili, transfer it to a pot and heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- For frozen chili, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat it directly from frozen in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little broth or water if needed to prevent scorching.
- When reheating, make sure the chili reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safe to consume.
- Adjust the seasoning and consistency of the reheated chili as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or broth to taste.
How to Reheat Leftover Turkey Chili
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover white bean turkey chili to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure even reheating. If the chili appears too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
Microwave method: place the desired portion of leftover chili in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent for steam to escape). Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the chili is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: transfer the leftover chili to a slow cooker and heat it on low for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is ideal if you have a large quantity of leftover chili and want to keep it warm for an extended period, such as during a party or gathering.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover chili to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chili is heated through. This method is suitable if you are reheating a large batch of chili and want to ensure even heating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the chili occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent scorching. Also, check the temperature of the chili before serving to ensure it has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
To enhance the flavor of the reheated chili, consider adding fresh toppings such as shredded cheese, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeno, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or chopped scallions. These toppings will add a burst of freshness and texture to the reheated dish.
Interesting Trivia About White Bean Turkey Chili
The white bean turkey chili recipe is a great source of lean protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.
Is Making Turkey Chili at Home Cost-Effective?
This white bean turkey chili recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as ground turkey, cannellini beans, and chicken broth, are affordable and readily available. The recipe yields a large batch, making it suitable for multiple meals, thus reducing overall food costs. The use of spices and herbs adds depth of flavor without requiring expensive ingredients. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Chili Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The white bean turkey chili recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional chili recipes. Here's why:
- Using lean ground turkey instead of beef significantly reduces the saturated fat content
- Cannellini or navy beans provide a good source of fiber and protein
- The recipe incorporates a variety of spices, such as cumin, oregano, and chili powder, which add flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt
- The addition of green chilies and red pepper flakes provides a boost of vitamin C and capsaicin, which has potential metabolism-boosting properties
- Using reduced-fat sour cream helps to lower the overall calorie and fat content of the dish
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Increase the amount of vegetables by adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to boost the fiber content and provide additional vitamins and minerals
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish
- Opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream as a topping to increase the protein content and reduce the fat
- Serve the chili over a bed of leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, to add extra nutrients and fiber
- Experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, to vary the texture and flavor profile of the chili
Editor's Opinion on White Bean Turkey Chili
This white bean turkey chili recipe is a delightful and flavorful dish that offers a healthy twist on a classic comfort food. The combination of lean ground turkey, aromatic spices, and creamy sour cream creates a rich and satisfying chili. The addition of green chilies adds a subtle heat, while the optional toppings provide a customizable touch. The slow cooker and instant pot directions make it convenient for busy schedules. Overall, this recipe is a winner for anyone looking for a hearty and nutritious meal.
Enhance Your White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Other Alternative Chili Recipes to Try
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts to Serve with This Chili Recipe
Why trust this White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe:
This recipe offers a flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional chili, using lean ground turkey and cannellini or navy beans for a protein-packed meal. The combination of cumin, oregano, and chili powder creates a rich and aromatic base, while the addition of diced green chilies adds a subtle heat. The use of reduced-fat sour cream provides a creamy finish, and the option to customize with toppings such as cheese, avocado, and cilantro allows for a personalized touch. With a balance of flavors and textures, this recipe promises a satisfying and wholesome dining experience.
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