Turkey chili is an easy, nutritious, and delicious meal that's perfect for a cold winter night. This recipe is full of flavor, with a hint of heat that will warm you up without overpowering the dish. It's a great way to use up leftover turkey, or you can start from scratch with ground turkey or turkey breast.
The key to making a great turkey chili is to use the right ingredients and to take your time. This recipe calls for a variety of spices, including chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. It also includes bell peppers, onion, and jalapeno peppers for a bit of heat. If you like your chili on the spicy side, feel free to add more jalapenos or other hot peppers.
Ingredients for Turkey Chili
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Shredded cheese, for garnish
- Sour cream, for garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink, about 5 minutes more.
Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.
Taste the chili and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve the chili garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of ground turkey should I use?
You can use any type of ground turkey, such as light or dark meat. If you want to use turkey breast, you can either grind it yourself or purchase ground turkey breast at the store.
Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, you can use any type of beans you like. Pinto, black-eyed peas, or cannellini beans all work well in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with turkey chili?
Turkey chili is delicious served with a variety of sides. Try it with cornbread, crackers, tortilla chips, or a side salad. You can also top it with sour cream, cheese, or chopped green onions.
Can I make this recipe with leftover turkey?
Yes, this recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey. Just substitute an equal amount of cooked, shredded turkey for the ground turkey in the recipe.
