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 (use mild chili powder such as McCormick, adjust if using another brand); 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 craving a hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor but won’t leave you feeling weighed down, you’re in the right place. This Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s packed with protein, fiber, and just the right amount of spice to warm you up on any chilly evening. Whether you’re new to cooking chili or a seasoned pro, I promise you’ll find this recipe simple to follow and absolutely delicious.

💚

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lean & Healthy: Uses extra lean ground turkey, so it’s packed with protein but low in fat.
Comfort In A Bowl: The rich spices and hearty beans create a cozy, satisfying dish you can enjoy any day.
Easy Weeknight Meal: It comes together quickly and simmers mostly unattended, perfect for busy evenings.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this chili—I bet yours will too!

A white bowl filled with thick chili showing layers of red beans, yellow corn, and brown ground meat in a dark red sauce, topped with bright yellow shredded cheese and three slices of light green avocado sprinkled with black pepper, fresh green cilantro leaves scattered on top, and three large yellowish tortilla chips standing upright inside the bowl, placed on a white speckled plate with a silver spoon inside the bowl, all on a white marbled surface with broken tortilla chip pieces around, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe strike the perfect balance between wholesome and flavorful. You’ll notice I like to keep the spices simple but impactful, using a mild chili powder to keep it friendly for all taste buds.

Olive oil: Helps soften the veggies and adds a subtle richness without overpowering.
Yellow onion: Adds a sweet depth that forms the chili’s flavorful base.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives that classic punch you expect in chili.
Red bell pepper: Brings a touch of natural sweetness and color.
Extra lean ground turkey: The star protein—choose 99% lean for a healthier dish.
Chili powder: I use mild to keep it approachable; feel free to adjust to your heat preference.
Ground cumin: Adds warm, smokey undertones that make this chili irresistible.
Dried oregano: Small but mighty, oregano rounds out the spice blend beautifully.
Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch to give a little subtle kick.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—adjust with care toward the end.
Canned diced tomatoes: I often use crushed for a thicker texture; either works great.
Chicken broth: Keeps the chili moist and adds savory depth.
Dark red kidney beans: Rinsed and drained for a perfect, hearty bite.
Sweet corn: Adds a nice pop of sweetness and texture contrast.

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 love most about this Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily tweak it to suit your mood, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Don’t be shy about making it your own!

Add heat: If you like it spicier, bump up the cayenne or use a spicier chili powder—I’ve done this and love the extra warmth!
Swap proteins: Ground chicken works just as well, or even ground beef if you prefer a richer chili.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the turkey and load it up with more beans and veggies—perfect for Meatless Monday.
Slow cooker version: Toss everything in your slow cooker and let it simmer all day—talk about easy!

How to Make Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics and veggies

Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in your chopped onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper. I like to stir frequently here to make sure nothing sticks or burns. You’ll want to cook until the veggies are soft and fragrant—usually between 5 to 7 minutes. This base is where a lot of your chili’s flavor builds, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Brown the turkey and add the spices

Next, add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it apart with your spoon as it cooks, ensuring it’s evenly browned and no longer pink. This step usually takes about 5 to 8 minutes. Once the turkey is cooked through, sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir it all together for about 20 seconds just to toast the spices and unlock their aroma—that little trick makes a huge difference.

Step 3: Combine the remaining ingredients and simmer

Now, pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans, and sweet corn. Bring everything up to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the chili simmer gently. I usually give it 30 to 45 minutes to thicken up and allow the flavors to meld. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. As it cooks down, the chili’s taste will deepen beautifully—such a rewarding process!

Step 4: Taste and adjust

After simmering, give it a taste and adjust any seasonings—you might want a bit more salt or chili powder depending on your preferences. This final step is where you make the chili truly your own.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe

Choose the right turkey: I always go for extra lean (99%) to keep the chili light but still juicy.
Don’t skip toasting spices: Toasting your chili powder and cumin with the meat releases deeper, more complex flavors.
Simmer low and slow: Allowing the chili to simmer gently brings all those flavors together beautifully without burning.
Use fresh garlic: I’ve learned that fresh always beats jarred for that bright, unmistakable punch.

How to Serve Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe

Three bowls of chili sit on a white marbled surface, each filled with layers of deep red chili with visible beans, corn, and ground meat. Each bowl is topped with bright yellow shredded cheddar cheese, fresh green cilantro leaves, and several slices of creamy green avocado. A few large, light yellow tortilla chips are placed standing upright in the chili in two of the bowls. One bowl is set on a speckled white plate with two old silver spoons to the side. Around the bowls are scattered tortilla chips, small wooden bowls holding fresh cilantro leaves and cheddar cheese, and a small bowl filled with sliced avocado. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this chili with shredded cheese, creamy avocado slices, crunchy tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. These garnishes add layers of flavor and texture that elevate the dish from simple to spectacular. Experiment to find your favorite combo—your guests will be impressed!

Side Dishes

For sides, I often pair this chili with warm cornbread or a simple green salad. If you’re looking for something heartier, a serving of brown rice or quinoa works beautifully to soak up the delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

When hosting a casual dinner, I like to serve this chili in individual bread bowls – it’s fun, rustic, and super cozy. Another idea is to turn leftovers into chili-stuffed baked potatoes or even chili nachos by layering it over chips and baking with cheese. Trust me, these presentations are crowd-pleasers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool the chili completely before transferring it to airtight containers and refrigerating. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

This Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe freezes exceptionally well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming the chili over medium-low heat on the stove with a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through. This method keeps the flavors fresh and the texture just right.

FAQs

Can I make this Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Simply brown the turkey and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’s a great set-it-and-forget-it option.
What can I substitute if I don’t have kidney beans?

Pinto beans or black beans work great as substitutes. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well before adding to the chili.
Is this chili very spicy?

Not at all! I use mild chili powder and just a pinch of cayenne, making it approachable for most palates. You can always add more spice if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, just double-check your broth and canned goods for any additives.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. It’s nourishing, comforting, and so easy to prepare—even on a hectic weeknight. I love sharing it because it feels like a warm hug in a bowl, and every time I make it, people ask for seconds. I hope you enjoy making and eating it just as much as I do!