Easy & Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe (Slow Cooker, Instant Pot & More!)
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Turkey chili is a delicious, hearty, and healthy alternative to traditional beef chili. Whether you’re looking for an easy turkey chili for weeknight dinners, a meal prep chili option, or a slow cooker turkey chili, this recipe has you covered. Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and a flavorful blend of spices, this dish is perfect for those seeking a comforting yet nutritious meal.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Turkey Chili
- Healthy and hence-wise-rich in proteins and fibers than beef chili.
- The prospect of cooking: Slow cooker, Instant Pot, or Stovetop.
- Meal prep: Freezes like a dream and tastes even better the next day.
- Customizable: Quick and easy to change spice levels and ingredient preferences.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (Stovetop) / 6-8 hours (Slow Cooker) / 10 minutes (Instant Pot)
- Total Time: Varies by method
Ingredients of Healthy Turkey Chili
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Onion (chopped) – 1 medium
- Garlic (minced) – 3 cloves
- Bell peppers (diced) – 1-2
- Diced tomatoes – 1 can (15 oz)
- Tomato sauce – 1 can (8 oz)
- Chicken broth – 1 cup
- Kidney beans (rinsed) – 1 can (15 oz)
- Black beans (rinsed) – 1 can (15 oz)
- Chili powder – 2 tbsp
- Cumin – 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika – 1 tsp
- Salt & pepper – To taste
- Jalapeño (optional) – 1, diced
How to Make Healthy Turkey Chili
Stovetop Turkey Chili
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and gently sauté the aromatics.. Add chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Brown the Turkey: Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it browns.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well.
- Simmer: Add beans and let simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with cilantro, avocado, or shredded cheese.
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
- Brown the turkey in a bit of olive oil in a heavy frying pan and transfer to a slow cooker.
- Toss in the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
- Put on low for six to eight hours or high for three to four hours.
- Stir and serve warm.
Instant Pot Turkey Chili
- Switch the Instant Pot to sauté mode, add the olive oil, and cook the onions, garlic, and turkey until browned.
- Add spices, tomatoes, beans, and broth. Stir well.
- Secure lid and set to cook on high pressure mode for 10 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then shut off the pressure completely.
- Stir, taste, and share the meal.
Variations & Customizations
- White Turkey Chili Recipe – Swap tomatoes for green chilies and white beans.
- Turkey Sweet Potato Chili – Add diced sweet potatoes for extra fiber and sweetness.
- Turkey Pumpkin Chili – Stir in canned pumpkin for a rich and slightly sweet flavor.
- Low-Carb Option – Omit beans and add extra turkey and veggies.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories – 300
- Protein – 28g
- Carbs – 35g
- Fiber – 10g
- Fat – 8g
FAQ Section about Turkey Chili
How many calories are in turkey chili?
A serving of turkey chili typically contains 300 calories, but this can vary based on ingredients and portion size.
Is it possible to cook turkey chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Just brown the turkey first, then Let it simmer on low for 6 to 8 hours or cook on high for 3 to 4 hours..
How do I make white turkey chili?
Use white beans, green chilies, and chicken broth instead of tomatoes and black beans.
Does turkey chili freeze well?
Absolutely!.
Is this recipe similar to Panera turkey chili?
This recipe is similar to Panera turkey chili but can be adjusted for spice level and consistency.
Conclusion
Highly customizable and easy to prepare, healthy, and extremely comforting, turkey chili can meet every dietary need. Whether made in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop, it will soon find a place on your menu. Different styles of turkey are possible; make ahead for the week, and most importantly, it’s a flavorful, nutritious dish that never gets old!
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