Turkey Chili
Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a warm and hearty bowl of chili. And what better way to spice up your winter than with a delicious and healthy turkey chili? Packed with protein, vitamins, and flavor, this comfort food recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you feeling nourished during the chilly winter months. Imagine a fragrant blend of ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and spices simmering on your stove, filling your home with an irresistible aroma.
With its rich and robust flavors, this turkey chili is the ultimate comfort food that brings people together. Whether you’re hosting a game night or simply looking to warm up after a long day, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
I just love warm and comforting meals. For me this turkey chili recipe fills that void. Pair this recipe with my pull apart garlic bread and you have a tasty and satisfying meal.
So grab your apron and get ready to indulge in a bowl of pure comfort and satisfaction. It’s time to spice up your winter with this hearty bowl of turkey chili.
Health Benefits Of Turkey Chili
When it comes to comfort food, turkey chili not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides numerous health benefits. The use of lean ground turkey instead of beef significantly reduces the saturated fat content while still delivering a good amount of protein. Turkey is also rich in essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
In addition to turkey, this chili recipe incorporates beans, which are an excellent source of fiber and plant-based protein. Fiber helps to regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and promote a healthy heart. The combination of turkey and beans in this chili makes it a nutritious and filling meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.
The perfect Turkey Chili
This turkey chili recipe is perfect as a side dish or as a main dish.
Fresh vegetables, ground turkey and red kidney beans make this a hearty and healthy turkey chili recipe. For me the star of this chili is the fresh tomatoes, they add extra heartiness and a burst of flavor with every bite.
This is a quick and easy chili to throw together and you can even prep some of the ingredients. The ground turkey, sautéed onions and bell peppers can be prepped ahead of time to cut down on the cooking time.
This recipe has become a staple in my home and is often requested by family and friends for me to bring to a potluck.
Ingredients for Turkey Chili
Turkey chili ingredients can be customized to fit your personal tastes.
This recipe calls for ground turkey, I prefer to purchase ground turkey breast already packaged from the store. It is possible to make this recipe with ground chicken or even ground beef. But I prefer the lean ground turkey as I find it more flavorful.
- 1 Pound Ground Turkey
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth
- 1/2 Onion (diced)
- 1 Green Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1 15 ounce can Kidney Beans
- 1 15 ounce can Corn
- 1 8 ounce can Tomato Sauce
- 1 Large Tomato
- 1 7 ounce can Green Chilis
- 2-3 tbsp Chili Powder I prefer McCormicks brand
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Garlic Salt
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Tips For Enhancing The Flavor Of Turkey Chili
To take your turkey chili to the next level, try incorporating these flavor-enhancing tips:
1. Use a combination of fresh and dried spices: While dried spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika add depth and smokiness to the chili, fresh spices like minced garlic and diced bell pepper provide a burst of freshness.
2. Sauté the spices: Before adding the ground turkey, sauté the spices in oil or butter for a minute or two to release their flavors. This step intensifies the taste and aroma of the spices.
3. Add a touch of sweetness: A teaspoon of brown sugar or a splash of maple syrup can balance the acidity of the tomatoes and add a subtle sweetness to the chili.
4. Experiment with different beans: While kidney beans and black beans are classic choices, feel free to mix and match with other varieties such as pinto beans or cannellini beans. Each type of bean adds a unique texture and flavor to the chili.
5. Let it simmer: The longer the chili simmers, the more time the flavors have to meld together. Aim for at least 30 minutes of simmering, but don’t be afraid to let it go longer if you have the time. Just be sure to stir occasionally and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
Variations And Substitutions For Turkey Chili
One of the great things about chili is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
– Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace the ground turkey with plant-based alternatives such as crumbled tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add additional vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra texture.
– Spicier chili: If you prefer a spicier chili, add additional chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapenos. You can also experiment with different types of hot sauce or chili flakes.
– Gluten-free: Ensure all the ingredients you use are gluten-free, including canned beans and spices. Serve the chili with gluten-free cornbread or rice instead of regular bread.
– Low-carb: Skip the beans or replace them with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower or chopped zucchini. Serve the chili over a bed of lettuce or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Feel free to get creative with your turkey chili and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your favorite ingredients or spices to suit your taste.
Storing And Freezing Turkey Chili
If you have leftovers or want to make a big batch of turkey chili in advance, here’s how you can store and freeze it:
– Refrigeration: Let the turkey chili cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or individual meal prep containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
– Freezing: Allow the turkey chili to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the container in the refrigerator overnight or defrost it in the microwave. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
When reheating the turkey chili, you may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and maintain the desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Chili
Q: Can I make turkey chili in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! To make turkey chili in a slow cooker, follow the same steps for browning the turkey and sautéing the vegetables. Transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Q: Can I substitute ground turkey with ground chicken?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken in this chili recipe. The flavors will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious and nutritious.
Q: How can I make the chili less spicy?
A: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the cayenne pepper. You can also add a dollop of sour cream to your bowl of chili to help cool down the spiciness.
Q: Can I make turkey chili without beans?
A: Yes, you can leave out the beans if you’re not a fan or if you have dietary restrictions. Simply increase the amount of ground turkey and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Q: Can I make turkey chili ahead of time for a party?
A: Absolutely! Turkey chili is a great dish to make ahead of time for a party or gathering. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker before serving.
Use the right cooking tools
I love to slow cook my chili in a crock pot. Using a slow cooker allows all of the flavors to blend together over time.
I recommend using a slow cooker like this one will allow you to make a large pot of chili. By doing this I am able to throw all of the ingredients in the crock pot and walk away. Knowing that I have turkey chili cooking for diner takes stress away and allows me to focus on other things.
Using a sauté pan like this one to cook your onions and bell peppers prior to placing them into the chili will help to bring out their flavor.
Toppings and additions for your turkey chili
I prefer my turkey chili to be topped with sour cream, green onions, and fresh tomatoes.
Recently I tried sliced avocado and it was heaven. The avocado added a creamy texture and flavor to the chili that was simply delicious.
Some of my family prefer sour cream and cheddar cheese on top of their chili, others do not like any topping. I love the taste of fresh cut green onions and really enjoy that extra flavor they bring.
I have used cheese bread, biscuits, or cornbread as an additional side to pair with this chili. My nephew prefers this chili with corn chips and uses them as a spoon as though he is eating salsa.
Personally I am a cheese bread fan, especially my pull apart garlic cheese bread.
Turkey Chili
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker A slow cooker or crock pot is preferred for this recipe but a large sauce pan or double boiler would work as well.
- 1 Sauté Pan
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Ground Turkey
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth
- 1/2 Onion (diced)
- 1 Green Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1 15 ounce can Kidney Beans
- 1 15 ounce can Corn
- 1 8 ounce can Tomato Sauce
- 1 Large Tomato
- 1 7 ounce can Green Chilis
- 2-3 tbsp Chili Powder I prefer McCormicks brand
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Garlic Salt
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
- In a sauté pan brown the ground turkey. Add the garlic salt, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Once cooked place the mixture into the crock pot or double boiler.
- Place olive oil into the sauté pan. Place into the pan the chopped onions, red and green bell peppers. Sauté until vegetables are cooked through and a light char appears on the peppers. Add the cooked vegetables to the slow cooker.
- Open the cans of kidney beans and corn, drain, rinse and pour into them into the slow cooker. Open the cans of green chilis and tomato sauce and pour them directly into the slow cooker.
- Add the diced tomato, chicken broth, chili powder, and brown sugar to the slow cooker.
- Place the lid on and cook on low for two hours, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and enjoy!
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