Turkey Chili with Kidney Beans (Printable Version)
Delicious blend of turkey, beans, and corn offering a hearty, savory meal with a perfect balance of spices.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
06 - 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
→ Beans
07 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
→ Liquids
08 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 2 tbsp chili powder
10 - 1 tsp ground cumin
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
13 - 1/2 tsp salt
14 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
15 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Oils
16 - 2 tbsp olive oil
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper; cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey to the pot, break it apart, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until fully browned.
04 - Incorporate chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for 1 minute to release aromas.
05 - Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, and chicken broth; stir thoroughly to combine.
06 - Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors meld.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day.
- Ground turkey keeps it lighter than traditional chili without sacrificing that rich, satisfying flavor.
- Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, yet so hearty no one will feel like they're missing anything.
02 -
- Never skip rinsing canned beans; the liquid tastes distinctly canned and clouds your chili's flavor.
- Toasting the spices for a full minute makes an enormous difference—this is where the chili goes from good to something people remember.
03 -
- Break turkey into very small pieces while browning so it distributes evenly throughout the chili rather than in clumps.
- Taste the chili at the end and adjust seasoning boldly—a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lime can completely transform the final bowl.