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5.0 from 27 votes

The Best-Ever Turkey Chili

This truly is the best-ever turkey chili. So flavorful, chock full of pure deliciousness. It really will warm you to the bone. And it's healthy, too! The best-ever turkey chili.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 45 mins
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 262 kcal
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 2 red bell peppers cored and chopped
  • 2 green red bell peppers cored and chopped
  • 4 jalapeños 1 cored, seeded, and chopped, the others left whole for simmering
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 lbs ground turkey 93% lean
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher salt and ground black pepper
  • 2 oz cans tomatoes whole, with juices
  • 1 oz can green chilies chopped
  • 1½ cups chicken stock or vegetable
  • 1 oz. can tomato paste or 2 smaller cans
  • 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon hot sauce ie, Tobasco or Crystals
  • 5 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • grated cheddar cheese for garnish (optional)
  • sour cream for garnish (optional)
  • jalapeños sliced, pickled or fresh

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot, preferably a cast iron pot or Dutch oven. Add the onions, bell peppers, and jalapenos. Cook, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the smoked paprika.
  2. Meanwhile, cook the ground turkey in a large skillet until fully cooked. Drain excess grease. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of salt and pepper.
  3. Add the cooked turkey to the sautéed veggies. Using your hands, squeeze the tomatoes into the pot, adding all the juice, as well.
  4. Stir in the chopped chilies, chicken (or vegetable) broth, tomato paste, red wine vinegar, hot sauce, chili powder, cumin, Adobo seasoning, garlic powder, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until fully mixed.
  5. Use a small sharp knife to cut 3 or 4 slits down the sides of the remaining 3 jalapenos. Place them on top of the chili.
  6. Simmer the chili for 2 hours stirring occasionally. If simmering for more than 2 hours, you may need to add a little more broth if too much liquid cooks out.
  7. Serve with cheese, onions, sliced jalapenos, and sour cream (if desired)

Notes

  • We use 93% lean ground turkey for our chili.  It will render a little grease which adds some flavor, however, since we want this chili to be low-calorie and low-fat, we drain the grease off.  For a healthier option, you could use 99% lean ground turkey. It won't be as juicy or flavorful, but will still be very good.
  • Chili powders vary in spice level, depending on the brand and type of peppers that are utilized.  For standard chili powder, we use 5 tablespoons.  However, this can be adjusted according to your taste.  If you are concerned about the spice level, then start off with a couple of tablespoons of chili powder, and taste after about an hour of simmering.  Add more if desired.  Our version is definitely on the mild side. 
  • For a completely vegetarian version, omit the chili, and add in other ingredients such as canned red kidney beans and corn kernels.  Use vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth/stock.
  • This recipe can easily be cut in half or doubled, if desired. 
  • This chili will keep in the fridge in an air-tight container for up to 1 week.  It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. 
  • As with most good chili recipes, this is even better the following days after the initial preparation.  

Nutrition Information

Calories 262kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 20g (7%) Protein 32g (64%) Fat 6g (9%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 64mg (21%) Sodium 634mg (26%) Potassium 1118mg (32%) Fiber 6g (24%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 4047IU (81%) Vitamin C 60mg (67%) Calcium 61mg (6%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 262

% Daily Value*

Calories 262kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 20g 7%
Protein 32g 64%
Fat 6g 9%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 64mg 21%
Sodium 634mg 26%
Potassium 1118mg 24%
Fiber 6g 24%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 4047IU 81%
Vitamin C 60mg 67%
Calcium 61mg 6%
Iron 5mg 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.