Name: Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
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 chicken (99%); 4 tablespoons chili powder (mild, e.g., McCormick); 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; 1 (28-ounce) can diced or crushed tomatoes; 1 1/4 cups chicken broth; 2 (15 oz) cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, rinsed and drained; Cheese; Avocado; Tortilla chips; Cilantro; Sour cream

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, filling, and truly nourishing meal, this Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how this chili strikes the perfect balance between hearty and healthy with lean turkey, beans, and fresh veggies. Whether you’re new to cooking chili or an old pro, you’ll find this recipe super straightforward and endlessly customizable, guaranteeing a bowl of cozy goodness every time you make it. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this fan-freaking-tastic chili right in your own kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lean and Nutritious: Packed with lean ground turkey and fiber-rich beans, it’s great for keeping you full and energized without extra fat.
Flavorful, Not Overpowering: The chili powder I use is mild, so the spice level is just right for anyone who’s not into super spicy food.
Simple and Quick: Takes less than an hour from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily tweak veggies, spice levels, or make it slow cooker-friendly.

A white bowl filled with chili showing three main layers: the bottom layer is a thick red-brown chili with visible corn kernels, kidney beans, ground meat, and tomato chunks; the middle layer is grated yellow cheddar cheese scattered over the chili; the top layer has bright green cilantro leaves and two slices of light green avocado placed on one side, showing texture and small black pepper specks. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, surrounded by tortilla chips and small bowls with more green cilantro and grated cheddar cheese. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Healthy Ground Turkey Chili, healthy chili recipe, turkey chili, nutritious chili, easy healthy dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a chili that’s satisfying and wholesome without any heaviness. When I first made this, I found having extra lean turkey really made a difference in the texture and healthfulness of the dish. Also, rinsing the beans helps reduce excess sodium and keeps the flavor bright.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a whole yellow onion with papery skin, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a medium red bell pepper with glossy skin, a mound of fresh lean ground turkey meat, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine ground cumin powder, a small white ceramic bowl of dried oregano flakes, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red cayenne pepper powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a simple white ceramic bowl holding diced fresh red tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl containing glossy dark red kidney beans, a small white ceramic bowl with fresh yellow corn kernels placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Healthy Ground Turkey Chili, healthy chili recipe, turkey chili, nutritious chili, easy healthy dinner

Olive oil: Adds just enough richness without weighing down the dish.
Yellow onion: For sweetness and depth – cooking it until soft brings out natural sugars.
Garlic cloves: Essential for that cozy, warm flavor we all crave in chili.
Red bell pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and a bit of texture contrast.
Extra lean ground turkey: Keeps the chili lean but still hearty and protein-packed.
Chili powder: The key seasoning—just make sure to get mild to keep things cozy.
Ground cumin: Gives that earthy, smoky undertone that’s iconic in chili.
Dried oregano: Adds a herby bite that plays well with cumin and chili powder.
Cayenne pepper: Just a whisper of heat for balance—feel free to skip or add more depending on your taste.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors; adjust it to your preference.
Diced tomatoes (28 oz can): Provides acidity and body to the chili base.
Chicken broth: Keeps the chili moist and adds subtle depth without overpowering.
Dark red kidney beans (canned): Adds fiber, protein, and classic chili texture.
Sweet corn (canned): For a bit of natural sweetness and pop of color.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Over time, I’ve tried a few tweaks here and there, so feel free to play around and discover your favorite spin!

Swap veggies: I’ve swapped in zucchini or mushrooms instead of bell peppers when I wanted a variation that still adds texture but with fewer carbs.
Heat adjustment: Sometimes I add a diced jalapeño or a pinch more cayenne for when I’m craving a bit of kick.
Slow cooker method: I’ve thrown everything in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a tender, rich chili—it’s so hands-off and perfect for busy days.
Make it spicy: Add chipotle powder or smoked paprika for a deeper smoky heat if you want to turn up the flavor complexity.

How to Make Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics and Veggies

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, toss in the chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper. You’ll want to sauté these for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until the onion is translucent and the pepper softens. This softening step is key because it builds the flavor base for your chili—don’t rush it!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey and Add Spices

Next, add your extra lean ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook until the meat loses its pink color—this usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. Then sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir everything together and let those spices toast for about 20 seconds. You’ll notice the kitchen start to smell amazing—that’s when you know you’re on the right track!

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, Beans, and Corn

Pour in your diced tomatoes, chicken broth, rinsed kidney beans, and corn. Stir it all to combine, then increase the heat to bring the chili to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes. This slow simmer thickens the chili and helps the flavors marry beautifully. Don’t forget to give it a taste toward the end—adjust salt or spices as needed to suit your preferences.

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Pro Tips for Making Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe

Choosing the Right Chili Powder: I learned early on that mild chili powder helps avoid overpowering heat, making the dish enjoyable for everyone at the table.
Don’t Skip Rinsing Canned Beans: Rinsing beans removes excess sodium and can prevent a metallic flavor which I found ruins the chili’s balance.
Let It Simmer Long Enough: Giving the chili at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld does wonders for richness and depth.
Avoid Dry Ground Turkey: Using extra lean turkey means you have to watch the moisture level—adding broth and tomatoes keeps the chili juicy.

How to Serve Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe

Three white bowls filled with chili are placed on a white marbled surface. Each bowl contains a rich dark red chili base with visible layers of dark red kidney beans, yellow corn kernels, small chunks of brown meat, and red bell pepper pieces. On top of the chili, there are bright green cilantro leaves scattered along with thin slices of light green avocado and shredded yellow cheddar cheese. One bowl is set on a white plate and surrounded by several thick, pale yellow tortilla chips that are both in the bowl and leaning on the side. A woman's hand holding a tortilla chip is visible in the top bowl. Around the bowls, there are small bowls filled with cilantro leaves, shredded cheddar cheese, and avocado slices. The overall look is colorful and fresh with a mix of soft, crunchy, and leafy textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Healthy Ground Turkey Chili, healthy chili recipe, turkey chili, nutritious chili, easy healthy dinner

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing my chili, I keep it simple yet fun: shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream always make an appearance. I also like to add crunchy tortilla chips on the side or right on top for some texture contrast—it’s a little party in your bowl every time!

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for pairing this chili with classic sides like warm cornbread or a big green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Sometimes, I serve it over brown rice for extra fiber and a complete meal that keeps everyone full for hours.

Creative Ways to Present

For game-day or casual dinner parties, I’ve served this Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe in mini bread bowls—it’s such a fun way to serve it and feels extra cozy. Another favorite is layering it over baked sweet potatoes for a nutrient-packed twist that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chili in airtight containers in the fridge and find it keeps really well for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day! Just remember to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating.

Freezing

This chili freezes beautifully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making it easy to thaw just what I need for quick meals. I’ve had excellent results storing it for up to 3 months with no loss in flavor or texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to keep the consistency smooth and avoid burning. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps loosen it up if it’s thickened too much. Microwave works well too—just heat in short bursts and stir in between.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey with chicken or beef in this chili?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works similarly to turkey and keeps the chili lean, while ground beef will add more fat and richness. If you go with beef, you might want to reduce the added oil to balance the fat content.
Is this chili spicy? Can I make it milder?

This Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is mild by design since I use a mild chili powder and only a small amount of cayenne. If you prefer it milder, you can easily reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For more heat, you can add jalapeños or more cayenne to taste.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes! Just sauté the onion, garlic, and peppers first, then brown the ground turkey. Add everything to your slow cooker, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. I’ve found slow cooking really deepens the flavors.
How thick should my chili be?

The chili should be thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon but still saucy—not dry. If it gets too thick while simmering, just add a little more broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it checks all the boxes: hearty, healthy, and ridiculously easy to make. Every time I serve it, I’m reminded why I fell in love with chili in the first place—warmth in a bowl with flavors that comfort and satisfy. I honestly can’t recommend this recipe enough, whether you’re cooking for your family or just want a nourishing meal to enjoy on a chilly evening. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!