Description

This Ultimate Healthy Turkey Chili is a flavorful, protein-packed dish made with lean ground turkey, kidney beans, and sweet corn. Gently spiced with chili powder, cumin, oregano, and a hint of cayenne, this hearty chili is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner. Cooked on the stovetop until thick and savory, it’s an easy recipe that delivers comforting warmth with every bite.

Ingredients

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Main 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

Toppings (Optional)

Cheese
Avocado
Tortilla chips
Cilantro
Sour cream

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Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Cook the Turkey and Add Spices: Add 1 pound of extra lean ground turkey to the pot. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until it is no longer pink, ensuring even browning. Stir in 4 tablespoons mild chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook and stir the spices with the meat for about 20 seconds to release their aromas.
Add Liquids and Vegetables: Pour in the 28-ounce can of diced or crushed tomatoes along with 1 1/4 cups of chicken broth. Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans and sweet corn. Stir everything together thoroughly.
Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover partially and let cook for 30 to 45 minutes until the chili thickens and the flavors meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check seasoning, adjusting salt as needed.
Serve and Garnish: Once thickened and flavorful, ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your choice of cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, and sour cream for a delicious finishing touch. Serves 6, about 1 1/2 cups per serving.

Notes

This chili is made with lean ground turkey and plenty of fiber-rich beans and corn, making it a healthy and balanced meal option.
The chili powder used should be mild to keep the heat balanced; adjust seasoning carefully to suit your taste.
For convenience, you can cook this chili in a slow cooker by browning the meat and vegetables first and then combining all ingredients to cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 336 kcal
Sugar: 9.5 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 3.7 g
Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 46.7 g
Fiber: 17.4 g
Protein: 31.8 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg