White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (2024)

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A delicious, creamy White Bean Turkey Chili recipe made with canned white beans, ground turkey, aromatics and spices – no tomatoes!

White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (1)White Bean Turkey Chili

This easy chili can be made on the stove, slow cooker or Instant Pot. Leftovers taste even better the next day for lunch! More chili recipes you might enjoy are Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili, Quick Beef Chiliand No Bean Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili.

White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (2)White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (3)

My friend Debbie shared this recipe, which I’ve tweaked through the years, and I remember asking her if she forgot to tell me about the tomatoes. Nope, no tomatoes in this chili, which I remember blew my mind. Nowadays it’s quite common to see a white chili recipe, so I’m sure you won’t be surprised. This makes a lot, you can make a batch for dinner and freeze the leftovers for another night. Toppings, are optional, you can top it with anything you like on your chili. Here’s a few suggestions:

Chili Toppings:

  • Crushed Chips
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
  • Cilantro or scallions
  • Chopped Scallions or Red Onions
  • Diced Avocado
  • Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack Cheese, or Cheddar Cheese

Notes:

  • I prefer the taste of 93% lean ground turkey, but you can further lighten this with 99% lean, which will lower the WW points.
  • To make this dairy free you can leave the sour cream out.
  • Swap the ground turkey for ground chicken if you prefer.
  • Yogurt will curdle if cooked, if you prefer yogurt just use it as a topping.

How To Freeze and Reheat Chili:

Let the chili cool then transfer to a freezer safe container. To reheat, transfer the the refrigerator the night before the thaw, then reheat on the stove or microwave.

White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (4)White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (5)White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (6)

More Chili Recipes You May Enjoy:

  • Turkey Chili Taco Soup
  • Chicken Taco Chili
  • Crock Pot Kid Friendly Chili
  • Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili
  • Slow Cooker 3-Bean Chili

White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (7)

White Bean Turkey Chili

4.90 from 118 votes

A delicious, creamy White Bean Turkey Chili recipe made with canned white beans, ground turkey, aromatics and spices – no tomatoes!

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (8)

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 1 hour hr

Total: 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Print Rate Pin SaveWW Points

Yield: 12 servings

Serving Size: 1 cup

Ingredients

  • olive oil spray
  • 2 small onions, chopped
  • 5 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 3 pounds 93% lean ground turkey
  • 1 4.5 ounce can diced green chilies
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon cumin
  • 1/2 tablespoon oregano
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder, to your taste
  • 1/2 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes, to your taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 15.5 ounce cans of cannellini or navy beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt

Optional Toppings:

  • Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
  • diced avocado
  • cilantro
  • sliced jalapeno
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • chopped scallions

Instructions

  • Heat a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium flame. When hot, spray with oil.

  • Add onions and garlic, saute until soft, about 4 to 5 minutes.

  • Add the meat and cook, breaking it up until white and cooked through, about 5 minutes.

  • Add diced green chilies, salt, cumin, oregano, chili powder, red pepper flakes and cook for 2 minutes.

  • Pure 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 and bring to a boil.

  • Cover and reduce to a simmer, about 30 to 35 minutes mixing occasionally, until thickened and the flavors meld.

  • Stir in sour cream and cook 4 to 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning and salt to taste.

  • To serve, topped with your favorite toppings.

  • Slow Cooker directions: To make in the slow cooker, follow steps 1 to 5, reducing the broth to 1 1/2 cups and 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 1 1/2 cups, cook high pressure 25 minutes.

Last Step:

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Video

Notes

BASED ON COMMENTS SAYING TOO LIQUIDY, I RETESTED AND REDUCED THE BROTH TO 2 CUPS.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cup, Calories: 307 kcal, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 30 g, Fat: 12 g, Saturated Fat: 4 g, Cholesterol: 88 mg, Sodium: 835 mg, Fiber: 9 g, Sugar: 2 g

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Categories:

  • Bowls
  • Budget Friendly Meals
  • Dinner Ideas
  • Egg Free Recipes
  • Fall
  • Freezer Meals
  • Gluten Free
  • Ground Turkey Recipes
  • Kid Friendly
  • Lunch
  • One Pan
  • One Pot Recipes
  • Party Apps
  • Recipes
  • Super Bowl Recipes
  • Turkey Recipes
  • Weight Watchers – WW Recipes
  • Winter

Photo credit: Jess Larson

White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to make chili more flavorful? ›

How to Give Chili a Flavor Boost
  1. Add something acidic. ...
  2. Try to identify what about your chili is boring. ...
  3. Add tomato paste. ...
  4. Drop in some chocolate. ...
  5. Embrace pickling liquid. ...
  6. Stir in some molasses.

What are the best beans for chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

Is turkey chili good for diabetics type 2? ›

Here are some of the specific nutritional benefits of turkey chili: Low-fat and high-protein: Turkey is a lean protein source, which means it is low in fat and high in protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles, and it can also help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels.

Is turkey chili healthier than beef chili? ›

Ground turkey, when compared to ground beef, has lower levels of saturated fat—making it a better choice for heart health—and is lower in calories. Lentils are well-known to vegetarians and are a solid option for adding texture, protein, and deliciousness to chili; plus, they're good for you.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

A cup of strong, brewed coffee will work wonders for your pot of chili, imparting a deep, roasted flavor that will make the chili taste like it simmered away all day long. For maximum flavor, reduce the coffee along with a blend of tomato paste, aromatic veggies and spices like we do in our Spicy Vegetarian Chili.

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

What are white beans called for chili? ›

Cannellini Beans

You find these beans in many Italian soups, but that doesn't mean they aren't great for chili as well. Whether you're making a white chili or you just want contrast in your traditional chili pot, cannellini beans have a rich, meaty texture and hold up well to heat.

When to add beans to chili? ›

You know the saying, “save the best for last?” To keep your beans nice and plump, add them about 20 minutes before you finish cooking. This will give them plenty of time to impart that perfectly seasoned chili flavor to your recipe without overcooking.

Do you drain beans for chili? ›

Unless the recipe tells you to keep the canned beans in their liquid, you should drain your can and give the beans a good rinse before using. This will improve the flavor and texture of your finished dish.

Can diabetics eat bananas? ›

A person with diabetes should include a variety of fresh, whole foods in their diet, such as nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Bananas are a safe and nutritious fruit for people with diabetes to eat in moderation as part of a balanced, individualized eating plan.

Does chili spike blood sugar? ›

Some studies have indicated that the consumption of chilli-containing foods can influence iron absorption and affect serum insulin and glucose concentrations, which may help to alleviate diabetes or prediabetes.

Can diabetics eat hot dogs? ›

Processed or fatty meats

A 2020 study showed that eating just 50 g red meat or fish each day can raise diabetes risk by 11%. Also, people with diabetes should consider avoiding or limiting the intake of: breaded, fried, and high-sodium meats. processed meats, such as bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats.

Can I eat ground turkey every day? ›

The bottom line is yes—it is okay to include ground turkey in your diet regularly, though as with any food, it's crucial to eat it in moderation and variety in your food choices. Eating a diverse range of nutrient sources helps ensure you obtain all of the essential nutrients needed for enhancing overall health.

What to eat with turkey chili? ›

16 Side Dishes That Go Great With Chili
  • 01 of 15. Sweet Jalapeno Cornbread. View Recipe. ...
  • 02 of 15. Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad. View Recipe. ...
  • 03 of 15. Savory Roasted Root Vegetables. ...
  • 04 of 15. Perfect Baked Potato. ...
  • 05 of 15. Ann's Dirty Rice. ...
  • 06 of 15. Cornbread Muffins I. ...
  • 07 of 15. Loaded Tater Tots. ...
  • 08 of 15. Creamy Spiced Coleslaw.
Feb 27, 2020

Is turkey chili bad for cholesterol? ›

Make Chili With Ground Turkey

The lower the saturated fat, the less detrimental it is to your cholesterol level. Even better, "No one can tell the difference," says Gebo, who uses ground turkey all the time to make chili. Ground turkey also makes a great substitute for ground beef in dishes like meatballs or meatloaf.

How do you fix chili that has no flavor? ›

I like to give my chili a little more complexity, so I'll often add canned chipotle chili peppers, a touch of cinnamon or Chinese 5 spice, chocolate and cilantro or coriander. A few other flavor boosting ingredients could be: smoked sausage, grilled corn kernels, coffee, beer or roasted tomatoes.

Does chili taste better the longer you simmer it? ›

A low and slow cook time—at least an hour total—is key for drawing out the most flavor in a pot of chili.

What can you add to chili to make it juicier? ›

Baking soda isn't just useful for softening dried beans; it can also help make the meat in your chili juicier.

What is the most flavorful meat for chili? ›

You can really use any meat for chili, but here are the cuts that are most popular for classic chili:
  • Ground beef (80/20) ...
  • Ground sirloin (90/10) ...
  • Brisket. ...
  • Short ribs. ...
  • Tri-tip sirloin. ...
  • Work with your butcher to get multiple textures. ...
  • Use multiple animals to add depth. ...
  • Go for grass-fed and grass-finished beef.
May 11, 2021

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