Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe - A Pinch of Healthy (2024)

This healthy turkey chili recipe is absolutely perfect for cooler temperatures, and you can make it on the stovetop. It is so very simple and delicious. 😍🙌🏻

So simple and yummy that I often make this one on busy weeknights. Or on game day! It is also the perfect meal on a cold day. So hearty, warm and comforting.

If you prefer beef chili don’t worry because I’ve already got you covered with my classic beef chili recipe.

And for Instant Pot enthusiasts, see my Instant Pot turkey chili.

Chili is one of those comfort foods that can actually be veryhealthy. And many people prefer to make chili with a leaned meat like lean ground turkey.

I’ll be transparent and say that we don’t discriminate in our house. 😂 We eat all kinds of chili with joy and enthusiasm.

We love to serve ours with tortilla chips or a skillet of corn bread.👏🏻😋

No matter what type of chili you prefer, there is lots of yummy nutritional goodness going on in chili, y’all: beans, herbs, veggies.😍

And for some reason, chili is one of those comfort food dishes that is even better to me leftover.🤷🏼‍♀️ I guess sitting in the fridge lets all those flavor meld together even more.

This recipe makes a good sized batch, perfect for leftovers. You can even use it as meal prep if you want.

How to make healthy stovetop turkey chili

First, gather your ingredients.

Ingredients

For tastiest results, always use the best quality ingredients you have access to.

To make this stovetop healthy turkey chili recipe, you will need the following:

• ground turkey
• onion
• bell pepper
• jalapeño pepper
• fresh garlic
• chili powder
• cumin
• coriander
• real maple syrup
• salt
• black pepper
• vegetable broth/ stock or beef broth (may substitute red wine or even water)
• canned kidney beans (you can sub black beans or pinto beans as well)
• canned diced tomatoes
• tomato sauce (or ketchup)

Making turkey chili

This is truly the best turkey chili recipe, and here is how you make it. Brown the ground turkey in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat for a few minutes until crumbly (about 5 to 7 minutes).

Stir in onion, peppers, garlic, spices, broth, maple syrup, salt and pepper. Continue to cook over medium heat for another 8-10 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

Add the kidney beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring frequently.

Serve and enjoy!

Toppings

Y’all know I am all about toppings, especially on soups and chilis! Cheese is pretty much a given in our house.

So what are some of our favorite chili toppings? In addition to cheese, we like some combination of the following: diced avocado, squeeze of lime, cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, green onions or sliced pickled jalapeños.

Feel free to mix it up with your own favorite toppings. And let me know if you try this easy turkey chili recipe. Enjoy!

FAQ’s for Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

Can I freeze this?

Yes, this healthy turkey chili recipe freezes well. I have done it many times with excellent results. 👌🏻

How long is it good for in the fridge?

I would say at least 5 days. Be sure and store in a covered/ airtight container for best results.

Can I double the batch?

Yes! When I make this on the stove top, I often double the batch. If you do this, make sure you use a large stock pot to accommodate this big batch. I use the Cuisinart Stainless 12-Quart Stockpot(<-Amazon affiliate link). We got this as a wedding present, and I love it!

Can I make substitutions in this recipe?

Here are some substitutions that I have made successfully to this healthy turkey chili recipe:

• I’ve used ground beef instead of turkey (changes nutrition) OR combination of half beef, half turkey.
• I’ve used sugar instead of maple syrup.
• I’ve used red wine instead of beef broth.
• I’ve used all different colors bell pepper, or the mixed tri-color pre-diced kind from the grocery store.
• I’ve subbed ketchup in place of of tomato sauce.
• I’ve used a small can of green chilis (4 ounces) in place of the fresh jalapeno.
• I’ve used two cans of Ro-tele in place of the regular tomatoes and jalapeno.
• I’ve used frozen diced onions (about a cup). Yes, these are actually a thing! I got mine at Publix in the freezer section.
• I’ve used bottled minced garlic – about a Tablespoon.

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Note: This recipe originally appeared on A Pinch of Healthy on September 23, 2014. It has been updated to include new pictures.

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