The Best Healthy Turkey Chili (Easy & High-Protein)

Hi, I’m Hannah! When the weather turns crisp, my craving for chili kicks in almost immediately. However, traditional chili can sometimes feel a bit heavy or greasy. I wanted a recipe that delivered all that deep, spicy, comforting flavor but left me feeling energized instead of ready for a nap. This Healthy Turkey Chili is my absolute favorite solution. It swaps heavy beef for lean ground turkey and loads up on fiber-rich beans and veggies. It’s thick, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. Best of all, it’s a “good habit” meal that tastes even better the next day, making it the ultimate lunch prep for a busy week.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Turkey Chili

• Packed with Protein & Fiber: First of all, with lean turkey and two types of beans, this chili keeps you full and satisfied for hours.
• Meal Prep Champion: Additionally, the flavors meld and deepen overnight. Make a big batch on Sunday, and you have healthy lunches ready for the week.
• One-Pot Wonder: Moreover, everything cooks in a single pot or Dutch oven, keeping cleanup to a minimum.
• Highly Customizable: Finally, it’s the perfect canvas for your favorite toppings like avocado, Greek yogurt, or cilantro.

The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses pantry staples to create a rich, complex flavor without a long cooking time.

• Ground Turkey: Use lean ground turkey (93/7) for the best balance of flavor and health. It takes on the spices beautifully.
• Beans: I like using a mix of kidney beans and black beans for texture and color. They add a massive boost of fiber.
• The Veggies: Onion, bell peppers (any color), and garlic form the aromatic base.
• Tomatoes: We use a combination of crushed tomatoes (for the sauce) and diced tomatoes (for texture). Pro-Tip: Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
• Chicken Broth: A splash of low-sodium broth helps get the consistency just right.
• The Spice Blend: This is where the magic happens. A mix of chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and smoked paprika creates that signature warm chili taste.
• Secret Ingredient: A teaspoon of cocoa powder or a square of dark chocolate. Trust me! You won’t taste “chocolate,” but it adds a rich, savory depth to the chili that makes it taste like it simmered all day.

How to Make Healthy Turkey Chili

This recipe comes together quickly on the stove. The full, detailed recipe is in the recipe card below.

1. Sauté Veggies: Heat a little olive oil in a large pot. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers, cooking until they soften. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink.
3. Toast the Spices: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano over the meat and veggies. Stir constantly for 1 minute to “bloom” the spices and release their oils.
4. Simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, and broth. Stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors marry.
5. Finish & Serve: Stir in the secret ingredient (cocoa powder) if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Tips for the Best Healthy Turkey Chili

• Don’t Skimp on Spices: Turkey is milder than beef, so it needs a generous hand with the spices. If your chili tastes bland, add a little more salt and cumin right at the end.
• Control the Thickness: If you prefer a soupier chili, add an extra cup of broth. If you like it thick and stew-like, let it simmer uncovered for an extra 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
• Toppings are Key: The toppings can take this from “good” to “amazing.” Try a dollop of plain Greek yogurt (a great sour cream swap), sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese.
• Let it Rest: If you have the time, let the chili sit on the stove (off the heat) for 10 minutes before serving. It allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make this in a crockpot? Yes! Brown the turkey, onions, and garlic in a skillet first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
• Is this recipe spicy? It has a gentle warmth, but it’s very family-friendly. If you want heat, add a diced jalapeño with the onions or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the spices.
• Can I freeze this chili? Absolutely. This is one of the best freezer meals. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

More Cozy Winter Dinners

• Crockpot Healthy Beef Stew (Tender & Gluten-Free)
• Easy & Healthy Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping
• Easy Detox Cabbage Soup (For a Healthy Reset)

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Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

Healthy Turkey Chili! This hearty, high-protein chili uses lean ground turkey and beans for a filling meal that's perfect for meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 27 minutes mins

Total Time 38 minutes mins

Servings 6

Equipment

• Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Can Opener

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground turkey 93/7
• 1 large yellow onion diced
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes (fire-roasted recommended), undrained
• 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder optional secret ingredient
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Sauté: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
• Brown Meat: Add the ground turkey. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
• Season: Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Simmer: Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with juices), kidney beans, black beans, broth, and cocoa powder. Stir well to combine.
• Cook: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened.
• Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.