White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (2024)

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A delicious, creamy White Bean Turkey Chili recipe made with canned white beans, ground turkey, aromatics and spices – no tomatoes!

White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (1)White Bean Turkey Chili

This easy chili can be made on the stove, slow cooker or Instant Pot. Leftovers taste even better the next day for lunch! More chili recipes you might enjoy are Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili, Quick Beef Chiliand No Bean Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili.

White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (2)White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (3)

My friend Debbie shared this recipe, which I’ve tweaked through the years, and I remember asking her if she forgot to tell me about the tomatoes. Nope, no tomatoes in this chili, which I remember blew my mind. Nowadays it’s quite common to see a white chili recipe, so I’m sure you won’t be surprised. This makes a lot, you can make a batch for dinner and freeze the leftovers for another night. Toppings, are optional, you can top it with anything you like on your chili. Here’s a few suggestions:

Chili Toppings:

  • Crushed Chips
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
  • Cilantro or scallions
  • Chopped Scallions or Red Onions
  • Diced Avocado
  • Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack Cheese, or Cheddar Cheese

Notes:

  • I prefer the taste of 93% lean ground turkey, but you can further lighten this with 99% lean, which will lower the WW points.
  • To make this dairy free you can leave the sour cream out.
  • Swap the ground turkey for ground chicken if you prefer.
  • Yogurt will curdle if cooked, if you prefer yogurt just use it as a topping.

How To Freeze and Reheat Chili:

Let the chili cool then transfer to a freezer safe container. To reheat, transfer the the refrigerator the night before the thaw, then reheat on the stove or microwave.

White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (4)White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (5)White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (6)

More Chili Recipes You May Enjoy:

  • Turkey Chili Taco Soup
  • Chicken Taco Chili
  • Crock Pot Kid Friendly Chili
  • Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili
  • Slow Cooker 3-Bean Chili

White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (7)

White Bean Turkey Chili

4.90 from 118 votes

A delicious, creamy White Bean Turkey Chili recipe made with canned white beans, ground turkey, aromatics and spices – no tomatoes!

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (8)

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 1 hour hr

Total: 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Print Rate Pin SaveWW Points

Yield: 12 servings

Serving Size: 1 cup

Ingredients

  • olive oil spray
  • 2 small onions, chopped
  • 5 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 3 pounds 93% lean ground turkey
  • 1 4.5 ounce can diced green chilies
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon cumin
  • 1/2 tablespoon oregano
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder, to your taste
  • 1/2 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes, to your taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 15.5 ounce cans of cannellini or navy beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt

Optional Toppings:

  • Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
  • diced avocado
  • cilantro
  • sliced jalapeno
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • chopped scallions

Instructions

  • Heat a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium flame. When hot, spray with oil.

  • Add onions and garlic, saute until soft, about 4 to 5 minutes.

  • Add the meat and cook, breaking it up until white and cooked through, about 5 minutes.

  • Add diced green chilies, salt, cumin, oregano, chili powder, red pepper flakes and cook for 2 minutes.

  • Pure 1 can of beans in the blender with 1 cup of the broth. Add to the pot with the remaining beans, broth and bay leaf and bring to a boil.

  • Cover and reduce to a simmer, about 30 to 35 minutes mixing occasionally, until thickened and the flavors meld.

  • Stir in sour cream and cook 4 to 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning and salt to taste.

  • To serve, topped with your favorite toppings.

  • Slow Cooker directions: To make in the slow cooker, follow steps 1 to 5, reducing the broth to 1 1/2 cups and transfer to the slow cooker for 8 hours on low.

  • Instant Pot directions: To make in the Instant Pot, you will need an 8 quart IP or halve the recipe. Reduce the broth to 1 1/2 cups, cook high pressure 25 minutes.

Last Step:

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Video

Notes

BASED ON COMMENTS SAYING TOO LIQUIDY, I RETESTED AND REDUCED THE BROTH TO 2 CUPS.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cup, Calories: 307 kcal, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 30 g, Fat: 12 g, Saturated Fat: 4 g, Cholesterol: 88 mg, Sodium: 835 mg, Fiber: 9 g, Sugar: 2 g

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Categories:

  • Bowls
  • Budget Friendly Meals
  • Dinner Ideas
  • Egg Free Recipes
  • Fall
  • Freezer Meals
  • Gluten Free
  • Ground Turkey Recipes
  • Kid Friendly
  • Lunch
  • One Pan
  • One Pot Recipes
  • Party Apps
  • Recipes
  • Super Bowl Recipes
  • Turkey Recipes
  • Weight Watchers – WW Recipes
  • Winter

Photo credit: Jess Larson

White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the best beans for chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

Why do people put beans in chili? ›

Those on the pro-bean side of the divide argue that beans bring additional flavor and a contrasting texture to your chili. They're also a good source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients including potassium, magnesium, and iron.

What can I add to chili to make it more soupy? ›

In addition, broth, beer, and/ or water is usually added to produce the desired consistency in the pot of chili. I usually add one or two cups of beef broth. If you put tomatoes in the stew, this will also provide plenty of liquid.

What to add to chili to make it healthier? ›

Go Wild With Vegetables. Sure, the stars of chili tend to be beans and whatever ground meat you prefer, but let vegetables steal the spotlight if you want your next bowl of chili to be more nutritious. "By adding extra veggies you'll increase nutrients, fiber, and satisfaction," the twins say.

What are white beans called for chili? ›

Cannellini Beans

You find these beans in many Italian soups, but that doesn't mean they aren't great for chili as well. Whether you're making a white chili or you just want contrast in your traditional chili pot, cannellini beans have a rich, meaty texture and hold up well to heat.

What are the least gassy beans for chili? ›

The easiest beans to digest (therefore less likely to cause gas), according to Country Life Foods, are lentils, black eyed beans, adzuki beans and mung beans. (Click through to learn more about the amazing health benefits of mung beans.) The harder ones to digest are red kidney, soy, black and lima beans.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

Should beans be rinsed before adding to chili? ›

Unless the recipe tells you to keep the canned beans in their liquid, you should drain your can and give the beans a good rinse before using. This will improve the flavor and texture of your finished dish. Open your cans of beans using a can opener. There may be sharp edges from opening the can.

Why does authentic chili not have beans in it? ›

If you go pretty much anywhere in Texas you will find chili ingredients simple and rarely differing: meat, sauce, peppers and spices. Carol Hanco*ck, President and CEO of the International Chili Society, told Texas Living there is a specific reason why Texas chili contains no beans: it's tradition.

What is the secret to making good chili? ›

Rumi Spice's top tips for making chili:
  1. Brown the Meat.
  2. Don't Forget Vegetables.
  3. Elevate with Extra Flavor.
  4. Only Add Flavorful Liquids.
  5. Opt for Dried Beans.
  6. Season Early and Often.
  7. Add Some Acidity at the End.
  8. Top It Off.

What is the best liquid base for chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Ideally, chili should simmer low and slow. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate and results in a thicker consistency and deeper, more complex flavor as the aromatics and spices release their superpowers.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

Is turkey chili healthier than beef chili? ›

Turkey chili is the perfect compromise on a cold day when you want a warm bowl of comfort food with fewer calories than beef chili.

What is a good substitute for kidney beans in chili? ›

Best Kidney Bean Substitutes by Common Use

Black beans, garbanzo beans, and cannellini beans will work best in chili and soups where you want the firm texture of a bean. If you do not mind the beans breaking down a bit, pinto beans will also work well.

Are light or dark kidney beans good for chili? ›

Dark red kidney beans are used in soups, cold bean salads, and chili. Light Red Kidney Beans are large, kidney-shaped beans with light red/pink glossy skin. They have a firm texture, and they hold up well in soups or other dishes that cook for a long time.

What kind of beans are in great value chili beans? ›

DARK RED KIDNEY BEANS, PINTO BEANS, BLACK BEANS, WATER, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF: SALT, CHILI POWDER (CHILI PEPPER, CUMIN, SALT, GARLIC POWDER, OREGANO), TOMATO PASTE, SUGAR, SOYBEAN OIL, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, CORN STARCH, PAPRIKA, SPICE, HICKORY SMOKED TORULA YEAST, ONION POWDER, MUSTARD FLOUR, GARLIC POWDER, PAPRIKA ...

What kind of beans are in mixed chili beans? ›

We've decided to mix it up and combine two chili faves in one can: kidney and pinto beans slow-simmered in a mild sauce of garlic, onion and spices.

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