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5.0 from 54 votes

Best Healthy Chili Recipe (Turkey or Chicken)

This is the best cozy, healthy chili made with either lean ground turkey or ground chicken. It's super flavorful, full of hidden vegetables, protein-rich, gluten-free, and made in one pot. The perfect comforting, secretly healthy meal!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 336 kcal
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American

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 or ground chicken 99% lean or 93%
  • 3 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste
  • 1 - 2 teaspoon red chili flakes or 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for spice
  • 1 can (28-ounce) diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth or bone broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) dark red kidney beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 - 2 ears raw corn or 1 (15-ounce) can of sweet corn rinsed and kernels cut off the cob
  • Garnish Options: shredded cheddar cheese, cubed avocado, greek yogurt, sour cream, sliced green onion, or jalapeño slices

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red chili flakes. Stir to combine.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, red kidney beans, and corn. Stir to combine, then bring to a rapid boil.
  5. Reduce heat and simmer for 35 - 50 minutes or until chili thickens. Taste and adjust seasonings and salt as necessary.
  6. Garnish with your favorite toppings, serve with cornbread, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Leftover Turkey or Chicken: You can use leftover chopped turkey or chicken in this chili. I love making this chili a day after Thanksgiving since we always have leftovers! Simply substitute 3 cups of chopped turkey or chicken with the ground meat.
  • Add spinach: Make this chili healthier by adding 3 – 4 cups of fresh spinach at the very end and wilt it into the chili.
  • Make it ahead: You can make this gluten-free chili up to one day in advance if you are serving a party or game day event. It is also great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Ground Beef: You can also use 1 pound of lean ground beef.
  • Storing: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: You can reheat chili on the stove or in the microwave. If using a pot on the stove, heat over medium-low and reheat for 4 – 10 minutes until the chili is warm. If you are in a rush, you can microwave them for 30 – 90 seconds until warm. I recommend covering the bowl with a damp paper towel to trap the moisture inside.

Nutrition Information

Calories 336kcal (17%) Carbohydrates 37g (12%) Protein 31g (62%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Cholesterol 32mg (11%) Sodium 427mg (18%) Potassium 1314mg (38%) Fiber 12g (48%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 2610IU (52%) Vitamin C 55mg (61%) Calcium 114mg (11%) Iron 6mg (33%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 336

% 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.