This thick, robust, hearty, and flavorful healthy Turkey Chili Recipe brings ground turkey, kidney beans, onions, and garlic together with the perfect blend of seasonings. This is one of our favorite chili recipes and one the whole family enjoys. I love to serve this with Cornbread or Beer Bread with Cheddar for a complete meal.
Fall is my favorite time of the year, and with it comes all kinds of delicious comfort foods like stews, soups, and chilis. What warms the soul better than a big pot of slow-cooked meat, vegetables, and beans? Dinner doesn’t get much better than that. Do you have some favorite fall comfort food recipes? Have you tried any of my other soup or chili recipes? White Chicken Chili, Tortellini Soup, Loaded Potato Soup, and this recipe are just a few of our favorites.
Turkey Chili Ingredients
- ground turkey
- onion
- garlic
- chili powder
- cumin
- dried oregano
- paprika
- onion powder
- ground black pepper
- ground cayenne pepper
- crushed tomatoes
- chicken broth
- kidney beans
- brown sugar
How to make Ground Turkey Chili
Start by browning the ground turkey over medium-high heat in a Dutch Oven or heavy stockpot on the stove top. When the turkey is about halfway browned, add the onion and cook until the onion is soft. Next, drain any excess fat from the pan. Then add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, paprika, onion powder, ground black pepper, and ground cayenne pepper. Then cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans, and brown sugar. Simmer for about 35-45 minutes or until all the flavors have melded together and the chili has thickened. Spoon into bowls and top with your choice of toppings.
Can you freeze this chili?
Yes, you most certainly can. First, let it cool for about 1 hour, then freeze in a covered airtight container or in sturdy freezer bags for up to 4 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in a saucepan on the stovetop or at reduced power in the microwave. I always use a reduced power so the beans do not explode.
Favorite Chili Toppings
- shredded cheddar cheese
- minced or sliced jalapeños
- chopped tomatoes
- bacon bits
- shredded cheese
- sour cream or Greek yogurt
- fried tortilla strips
- chopped or sliced avocado
- salsa
- chopped cilantro
- green onions
- crushed tortilla chips
How to kick the heat up in your chili
My daughter has a love for spicy food. She loves this chili, but in her opinion, it really is a mild chili. If you like your chili in the moderately spicy to the hot range, add some crushed red pepper, more cayenne pepper, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, sriracha, or sambal oelek. Just add a little as you go, and be sure to taste it so you don’t go over your heat threshold.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- I prefer using ground turkey meat which has both dark and white meat ground in it. The ground turkey breast is too lean and lacks flavor.
- Ground beef and ground pork can be substituted for ground turkey.
- Instead of trying to tilt the large pot over and drain the fat out, lean it a little bit until the fat drains to one side, and use a paper towel to absorb the excess grease. It is so much easier, and you won’t lose any of the meat while trying to get rid of the fat.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you love spicy food, be sure to read the section above on kicking up the heat.
- If you want to add more veggies, try bell peppers, sweet potatoes, celery, or carrots.
- To make it in a slow cooker, follow the recipe up to and including the step where you add the garlic and other spices. Once that step is complete, transfer everything over to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the beans) and cook on low for about 5 hours, then add the beans and cook for 1 hour.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Easy Turkey Chili Recipe
Start fall off right with a healthy turkey chili recipe. This chili is perfectly seasoned and slow simmered for a thick, robust finish. Make a big hot pot today, and get ready to hear the accolades.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: main meal chili
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 ounces) of dark red kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground turkey in a Dutch Oven or heavy stock pot over medium heat. When the ground turkey is about halfway browned, add the onion and continue cooking until soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans, and brown sugar. Simmer for 35-45 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- I prefer using ground turkey meat which has both dark and white meat ground in it. The ground turkey breast is too lean and lacks flavor.
- Ground beef and ground pork can be substituted for ground turkey.
- Instead of trying to tilt the large pot over and drain the fat out, lean it a little bit until the fat drains to one side, and use a paper towel to absorb the excess grease. It is so much easier, and you won’t lose any of the meat while trying to get rid of the fat.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you love spicy food, be sure to read the section above on kicking up the heat.
- To make it in a slow cooker, follow the recipe up to and including the step where you add the garlic and other spices. Once that step is complete, transfer everything over to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the beans) and cook on low for about 5 hours, then add the beans and cook for 1 hour.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keywords: how to make turkey chili, best turkey chili, ground turkey chili
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Janie
Love me some bowl of chili. I love using ground turkey cause I dont really eat beef due to gut issues. It’s packed full of flavors and I religiously make it monthly!
★★★★★
Elizabeth
I like how packed full of protein chilis are. I’ve never tried using ground turkey before in my chilis, so this would be a great recipe to try! This recipe is also so easy because it uses seasonings most people already have in their pantries too. Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Anjali
This chili was hearty, super flavorful and satisfying! Loved the use of turkey for a healthier option too! It tasted amazing with some homemade cornbread!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Anjali! So glad that you liked the chili!
Sara
This was such a hearty yet light recipe that hits the spot! Easy and delicious; my kind of comfort food, indeed!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sara! So glad that you like the chili.
Christian Foremost
I love myself some chili, and this is one fabulous recipe! Thanks for sharing.
★★★★★
Blair Villanueva
This meal is perfect for our today’s horrendous weather, raining cats and dogs for the next couple of days. This will comfort our tummy!
★★★★★
Neely Moldovan
We always do turkey in our chili! This recipe sounds divine!
Rosey
Great chili recipe. The whole family really enjoyed it! It’s the perfect season for chili. It’s starting to get a little bit chilly.
alita
Seriously, this is the best healthy Turkey Chili. This version is simply the BEST for me! Perfectly spiced and packed with plenty of protein and fiber.
★★★★★
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place
Great recipe and my whole family loves it! Perfect for the cooling weather!
★★★★★
Stephanie
We love this turkey chili recipe in my house. It is a welcoming dish – especially as the weather turns cooler.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Stephanie! So glad that you like the chili!
Fleek
All your recipes are so spot on. I’m definitely going to try this one out, it looks really tasty and pretty easy to make.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! Enjoy!
Luna S
Using turkey instead of beef is a great alternative to help spice up the chili & bring a new flavor to it.
Dee
Can’t wait to try this!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, enjoy!
Lavanda Michelle
I love turkey Chili! Especially during the cooler season. I look forward to trying this recipe.
Clarice
Wow! This was delicious and easy to make. We added a little more cayenne because we like it spicy. Thank you for sharing the recipe of this Turkey Chili.
Chloe Arnold
This looks DIVINE! It’s rainy and overcast here, so perfect chili weather. I haven’t tried it with turkey, but I prefer it over red meat. Definitely trying this tomorrow!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Chloe! Enjoy!!
Christian Foremost
Yum yum yum!! Some chili sounds good right about and I haven’t had it with turkey so this is definitely something new!
Kat
I love the fact that you can freeze this up to 4 months! but I think I’m going skip the chilis. I’m not a fan of spicy food. My palate just can’t take it. This looks so yummy! I am actually going to make a batch or 2 for the family this weekend.
Myyellowapron
My whole family loves this recipe. Its not only healthier but I think chili tastes better with with turkey meat. I substituted pinto beans for the kidney beans and it worked out well.
Colleen
I love it. A combination of dark and white meat really adds depth and richness of flavor too.
★★★★★
Brianna
This was great! I can’t eat beef so this was just perfect for me. Thanks for the great recipe. Next time I am going to kick it up a little with some minced jalapenos.
Tweenselmom
I never had turkey chili before, and this was so yummy! The spices were spot on, thanks for the recipe 🙂
★★★★★
Bryan
I prefer my chili made with beef, but turkey is a viable alternative. It helps cut down on the fat and other negative qualities associated with red meat.
Neely Moldovan
WE are big turkey chili lovers and this recipe did not disappoint. I will certainly make it again!
Heather
Turkey chili is by far my favorite comfort food dish. I make it often. I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Glamor Medical
This turkey chili is always a go-to meal in our house. The husband and kids love it! We fix it year round and I use fire roasted tomatoes in it.
EAM
As a devoted ground turkey user, this chili recipe is pretty good. It’s easy, uncomplicated and covers all of the flavor bases. You could jazz it up with ancho chile powder or Tajin, a wonderful Mexican chile-lime spice mix or ground some arbols, easy to find in bags–if you like to add heat. I’ve tried this chili with every one of the toppings, varying the spice mix and the beans as well. One thing that makes this recipe good: it’s easy to tweak it to make it all your own.
★★★★
Beth Pierce
Glad that you liked it. You could also heat it up with some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Kade
Just made this to have a few easy dinners on hand I can heat up fast during the week and whoa baby, this was so, so good!! Definitely going into our regular rotation. Thank you so much!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
So glad that you like it! The pleasure is all mine!
Melissa Cushing
This looks absolutely delicious! I have never made Chili with ground turkey but am pinning this as we are eating healthier and this is the perfect way to do that 😉 Delicious!
★★★★★
Marysa
This looks so fresh and delicious! I haven’t ever actually made chili, and this would be a great recipe to try.
Samantha
Such a lovely recipe! My husband would love this, he loves turkey chili!
★★★★★
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
I’ve never thought to make chilli with turkey instead of beef. It would be a great, lower calorie option.
jenn @ E
This turkey chili looks and sounds so amazing. This is the perfect recipe for colder months
Richelle Milar
Wow! That looks absolutely delicious! This is such a really great recipe! I would love to try this!
★★★★★
Kathy
I just made chili the other night. I have not tried a turkey chili before though. I’ll have to try it out.
Janeane M Davis
This looks and sounds like a delicious recipe. I would like to try it with my family.
Sandy N Vyjay
The Chilli must add a lot of flavour and zing to the turkey. A very nice recipe that is really doable too.
★★★★★
Claudia
I used Ground beef for this recipe. I heard its the quickest and least expensive type of beef to use for chili.
★★★★★
Alita Pacio
You have the best secret ingredients for Chili. I loved it.
★★★★★
Terri Steffes
This is my husband’s favorite hamburger replacement for chili. He likes the milder flavor.
Tasheena
This turkey chili looks so yummy. looking forward to giving this a try.
★★★★★
Amber Myers
We do love chili. I haven’t tried it with turkey before, so I’ll have to make this version!
Erin
That Turkey Chili looks amazing! It’s perfect for these chilly evenings! will be making this soon!
Monica Simpson
This chili sounds simple and classic just the way I like. I love your tip about draining the fat off the meat!
Tara Pittman
I have not had chili in a while. This is a recipe that I know my family would enjoy.
Angie Gaynor
My husband loves Italian sausage and his chili. If I were to add a pound of sausage along with 1 lb of ground beef, should I double the remaining ingredients?
Beth Pierce
Sounds like your husband likes his chili meaty. I might add a little more chicken broth but I think the rest will be fine. The nice part about chili is it has a lot of room for change.
April
This was delicious! I added a little bit of cinnamon and it was *chef’s kiss* perfect!
★★★★★
Allyson Zea
This was delicious and so hearty! I love putting jalapeños on the top of mine for a little extra space!
★★★★★
Allyssa
Thanks a lot for this turkey chili recipe! It tasted fantastic and really easy to make! Will surely make this again, highly recommended!
★★★★★
Valentina
This hearty and delicious turkey chili recipe is the ultimate comfort food! I love how easily this recipe comes together so easily!
★★★★★
Julia
My daughter is not a huge beef fan, so I gave this turkey chili a try. Such a delicious recipe and no complaints around the dinner table!
★★★★★
Danielle Wolter
This sounds incredible! I have some ground turkey in my freezer that I’m going to use to make this!
★★★★★
Dannii
This is my ultimate comfort food. Yours looks so rich and delicious.
★★★★★
Seema Sriram
It is always a lovely recipe, chilli. I love the wholesomeness of the dish.
Claire
Looks SO good! Oh my gosh I would love to try this!
★★★★★
Allyssa
Thanks a lot for this turkey chili recipe! It is very delicious and easy to make! Thanks a lot for sharing!
★★★★★
Katherine
There are so many great flavours in this turkey chilli! Awesome that it’s freezer-friendly too.
★★★★★
Andrea
This chili is bursting with flavor! Love that it’s healthier by using turkey.
★★★★★
Charla
Lamb and turkey chilli are an absolute favourite of mine, thank you for sharing your yummy recipe with us.
★★★★★
Dannii
What a hearty and comforting chilli. Perfect for winter.
★★★★★
Nicole Durham
This chili was so good and hearty that we all enjoyed a bowl or two. It was the perfect dinner for a cold stormy day.
★★★★★
Biana
Chili is delicious, and I like how you are using ground turkey to make it lighter! Looks so delicious.
★★★★★
Laura
This chili is perfect for this type of weather. I look forward to making ti this evening
★★★★★
Michelle
Loved this turkey chili — so flavourful and easy to make! Delicious!
★★★★★
Stephanie
Really great recipe! I love the flavor.
★★★★★
Melissa
Great recipe- my family loves chili, and I made it with your recipe last week and it was a hit!
★★★★★
Lily
This chili was delicious, so hearty! This made for the best family dinner, finger-lickin amazing!!
★★★★★
Beth Sachs
I’m trying to use more turkey (instead of beef) at the moment for health reasons so this looks like a perfect recipe to try! We love chili in this house.
★★★★★
Elizabeth
I am loving all the flavours in this recipe! I too prefer darker poultry in my recipes for better flavour too.
★★★★★
Sarah
I love chili, it’s the prefect winter meal. I can’t get enough of it and this recipe didn’t disappoint.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Sarah! Glad that you liked it!!
Emily
This chili turned out amazing! I love the combo of ground turkey and kidney beans.
★★★★★
Nart at Cooking with Nart
This chili is delicious. Turkey is hard to find where I live so I replaced it with chicken and it was still great. Just like your daughter, I like spicy food too so I added stuff to kick the heat up.
★★★★★
Jacqueline Debono
This was my first time making chili with turkey instead of ground beef. Wow so very good! Will definitely be on repeat while the weather is still so cold and comfort food is a must!
★★★★★
Dannii
Now this looks like a big bowl of comfort. So hearty and delicious.
★★★★★
Megan
This chili was incredible! Thank you for this recipe. It will be on our table often.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! So glad that you liked it Megan!
Heather Johnson
i love chili and made this tonight – so delicious!
★★★★★
Adrianne
Yes please! I love chili and this turkey option is a great idea. I will tick up the heat as I too love a little heat in dish like this. I love the variety of spices you have used also.
★★★★★
Jennifer
Absolutely delicious!
★★★★★
Jessica Formicola
Perfect timing! I have a package of ground turkey that needs to be used up, and this chili looks perfect!
★★★★★
Andrea Metlika
This is perfect for us as we are using more ground turkey. It looks so warm, comforting and delicious!
★★★★★
Lily {Gastro Senses}
So intrigued by this! What a wonderful mix of textures and flavors!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Lily!
Suzy
We love using turkey for chili! Makes it a little lighter and taste just a great!
★★★★★
Jill
I’m always up for trying a new chili recipe. Love that yours includes brown sugar. I like my chili a little bit sweet.
★★★★★
Marcy
I made this chili recipe in my crockpot. Looked delicious but the taste of the chili was slightly sweet and not spicy. Should I have added the seasoning to the base of the chili instead of the meat ?
Beth Pierce
No you did it fine. Honestly you can do it either way. This is a very mild chili. There are notes in the post about that and how to kick it up a few notches.
Sara Welch
Gave this a try for dinner last night and it didn’t disappoint! Easily, a new family favorite recipe!
★★★★★
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes
I can’t wait to try this turkey chili! It looks and sounds incredibly delicious!
★★★★★
katerina @ diethood.com
Such an incredibly delicious meal! Perfect for fall!
★★★★★
Angela
There is nothing more comforting than a bowl of chili! This one is perfect with ground turkey and kidney beans. A family favorite for sure. YUM!
★★★★★
Gail Montero
What a delicious dinner option for fall! Adding this chili to our must-try list.
★★★★★
Lisa Huff
So it’s 9am here and I’m now craving chili. haha!! I could use a big bowl for breakfast. Totally normal, right?! I bet this makes your home smell amazing!
★★★★★
Sonal
Now that’s the chili I would want. The spices you have used in the recipe probably made it bursting with flavors… love it.
★★★★★
Alisa Infanti
I have never tried adding bacon bits before to chili as a topping… Delish!
★★★★★
Toni Dash
Such a delicious and comforting meal! Everyone at my house loved it!
★★★★★
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
I know for sure this Turkey Chili would be a huge hit in my house!
★★★★★
Amanda
I need to try this immediately. Love the jalapenos!
Kerri
Chili Season is the best season of all the seasons!! This will be on repeat for the next few months!