Best Healthy Chili Recipe (Turkey or Chicken)
User Reviews
5
Best Healthy Chili Recipe (Turkey or Chicken)
Description
The Best Healthy Chili Recipe features a careful sauté of diced onion, bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and garlic before adding lean ground turkey or chicken. Multiple spices including chili powder and cumin layer warm flavor profiles. Crushed tomatoes and chicken broth form the base liquid, thickened by simmering with red kidney beans and fresh or canned corn. The slow simmer melds flavors into a thick, savory chili with tendered meat and pronounced vegetable texture.
This chili delivers a combination of smoky, mildly spicy flavor with the freshness of assorted vegetables. The use of lean meat and vegetables creates a filling yet balanced stew suitable for lunch or dinner. Common garnishes like shredded cheddar, avocado, Greek yogurt, and sour cream add richness and creaminess when served.
It can be made in advance and kept refrigerated for several days. Leftovers reheat well on the stove or in the microwave. Spinach can be stirred in near the end to add extra greens. Ground beef can substitute poultry if preferred.
Ingredients
- 1 - 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper chopped (yellow, red or orange)
- 1 medium zucchini chopped into crescent moons
- 1 medium yellow squash chopped into crescent moons
- 3 - 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb ground turkey 99% lean or 93%, or ground chicken
- 3 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste
- 1 - 2 teaspoon red chili flakes optional for spice, or 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can diced tomatoes 28-ounce, or crushed tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth or bone broth
- 1 can Kidney Beans rinsed and drained, dark red, 15 oz
- 1 - 2 ears corn rinsed and kernels cut off the cob, raw, or 1 (15-ounce) can of sweet corn
- cheddar cheese shredded, cubed, sliced or as garnish options
- avocado
- Greek yogurt
- sour cream
- green onion
- jalapeño
Instructions
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Once heated, add in onion, bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and minced garlic. Saute for 3 - 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Create room in the middle of the pot by pushing the onions, peppers, and squash to the side. Add in the ground turkey or ground chicken, and break up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook for 3 - 4 minutes or until no longer pink.
- Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red chili flakes. Stir to combine.
- Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, red kidney beans, and corn. Stir to combine, then bring to a rapid boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 35 - 50 minutes or until chili thickens. Taste and adjust seasonings and salt as necessary.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings, serve with cornbread, and enjoy!
Notes
- Leftover chopped turkey or chicken can replace the ground meat to use leftovers effectively.
- Adding 3-4 cups fresh spinach at the end wilts in extra greens and nutrients.
- This chili can be made a day ahead for parties or meal prep and keeps refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Ground beef can substitute ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat on stove over medium-low heat for best results or microwave briefly with a covered bowl to keep moisture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 336 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 336kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Cholesterol | 32mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 427mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 1314mg | 28% |
| Fiber | 12g | 48% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 2610IU | 52% |
| Vitamin C | 55mg | 61% |
| Calcium | 114mg | 11% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
