High-Protein Turkey Chili

Name: High-Protein Turkey Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making this High-Protein Turkey Chili, especially on chilly days when comfort food is a must. Each bowl is brimming with lean turkey, nutritious beans, and vibrant veggies, making it a wholesome meal that packs a protein punch. The blend of spices gives it a delightful kick, while the simplicity of the preparation allows me to spend more time enjoying it with family and friends. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner, this chili has quickly become one of my favorite go-to recipes.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-09T16:25:27.530Z

When I first attempted to make this chili, I had a craving for something hearty yet healthy. I decided to use ground turkey, which not only adds incredible flavor but also significantly boosts the protein content. I learned that browning the meat first enhances its flavor, and I encourage you not to skip this step!

As I experimented with the spices, I discovered that a touch of smoked paprika and cumin brings out a warm richness that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes and beans. Each time I make this dish, it's a hit, and I love showing people that healthy eating can be delicious too!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Packed with protein from lean turkey and beans
Hearty and filling, perfect for meal prep
Bold flavors with a slight kick from spices

Key Cooking Techniques

One of the most important steps in making this High-Protein Turkey Chili is browning the turkey properly. I recommend using medium heat to ensure that the turkey cooks evenly without drying out. The goal is to achieve a nice golden-brown color, which not only enhances the flavor but also adds depth to the chili. Don’t rush this process; take your time to break the turkey apart with a wooden spoon and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes.

After browning the turkey, sautéing the vegetables is crucial to building layers of flavor. Sauté the onions, garlic, and bell pepper until they are softened and aromatic, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This allows the natural sugars in the veggies to caramelize slightly, giving your chili a sweeter and more complex taste. Use a large pot to give them enough space—crowding can lead to steaming instead of sautéing.

Ingredient Insights

The combination of black and kidney beans not only packs the chili with protein but also adds texture. Black beans provide creaminess, while kidney beans offer a firmer bite. If you want to try a different flavor profile, you can substitute cannellini beans or pinto beans—the key is to use canned beans that have been drained and rinsed to remove excess sodium and improve flavor balance.

Using crushed tomatoes gives a rich base for the chili. However, if you prefer a chunkier texture, diced tomatoes can be subbed in. For those seeking a lower-sodium option, consider using no-salt-added canned tomatoes or making your own crushed tomatoes from fresh ones. Remember, the thickness of your chili can be adjusted by varying the amount of broth you add—less broth yields a thicker chili.

Serving and Storing Tips

This High-Protein Turkey Chili not only makes for a satisfying meal but is also excellent for meal prep. It can be easily stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If it thickens during storage, adding a splash of chicken broth can help return it to its desired consistency.

For serving, I recommend topping the chili with fresh cilantro, which adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty flavors. You can also add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for creaminess. Crushed tortilla chips or shredded cheese can add an extra layer of texture and flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, serve it over rice or with cornbread for a complete and comforting meal.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for your chili:

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Now you’re ready to whip up this delicious chili!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your chili:

Brown the Turkey

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

Sauté Veggies

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until softened, around 5 minutes.

Add Spices and Tomatoes

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, then add the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth.

Combine and Simmer

Add the black and kidney beans to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

And there you have it, a delicious bowl of high-protein turkey chili!

Pro Tips

For added depth of flavor, let the chili sit for an hour before serving. The flavors meld beautifully as it cools down.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your chili turns out too spicy, don't worry! A simple remedy is to add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sugar to balance out the heat. Additionally, serving it with a side of cornbread or over rice can help mellow the spiciness.

In case your chili is too thick, you can always mix in a little more chicken broth or water, stirring it as you go until you achieve your desired consistency. Conversely, if it turns out too thin, allowing it to simmer uncovered for a few more minutes can help reduce it down.

Flavor Variations

For those looking to switch things up, try adding a splash of your favorite hot sauce or diced jalapeños for an extra kick. You could even experiment with different spices like oregano or a touch of cinnamon for a unique twist on traditional chili flavors.

Vegetarians can easily adapt this recipe by substituting the ground turkey with lentils or extra beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since lentils cook faster than turkey. For a smoky flavor without meat, consider adding smoked paprika or diced smoked tofu to maintain that chili essence.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're planning to serve a crowd, doubling this recipe is a breeze. Just ensure you have a large enough pot to accommodate the increased volume. You might need to extend the simmering time by a few minutes to ensure everything is heated through evenly.

Conversely, if you're cooking for one or want to make a smaller batch, you can simply halve the ingredients. This chili also freezes well, making it ideal for single-serving meals when you're short on time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken is a great substitute and will work just as well.

→ How can I make it spicier?

You can add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of chili powder to taste.

→ Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the turkey and sauté the veggies, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

→ What can I serve with turkey chili?

It pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for scooping.