White Turkey Chili is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl, perfect for any season. This incredibly thick, hearty, and flavor-packed chili is brimming with wholesome ingredients, including lean ground turkey, creamy white beans, sweet crisp corn, and a smoky depth from fire-roasted green chiles. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies your cravings without weighing you down, making it an ideal choice for a healthy yet deeply comforting dinner.
From the Author’s Kitchen
White Turkey Chili You’ll Crave All Season Long!
For years, my White Chicken Chili has been a beloved staple in our home. It’s that one dish that consistently vanishes from the pot as soon as it hits the table. However, I kept hearing a consistent request from readers: a turkey version, and ideally, one that’s dairy-free. Consider the challenge happily accepted!
I embarked on the journey of perfecting this White Turkey Chili long before the crisp autumn air even hinted at winter. My goal was simple: create a recipe that was just as comforting and flavorful as its chicken counterpart, but with the lighter touch of turkey. Batch after batch, I experimented tirelessly with various spice combinations, tested numerous shortcuts to make it weeknight-friendly, and meticulously adjusted the broth until it achieved that exquisite balance of creamy texture, rich flavor, and profound satisfaction.
Today, I can proudly say this White Turkey Chili has earned its spot as one of my family’s absolute favorite dinners. My children adore it, my husband frequently requests it (sometimes even weekly!), and I personally love how effortlessly it fits into our busy lives. It’s incredibly easy to prep ahead for a quick meal, and it freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic option for future cozy dinners. This recipe isn’t just food; it’s warmth, flavor, and convenience all rolled into one perfect bowl.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect White Turkey Chili
Crafting a truly exceptional White Turkey Chili begins with selecting the right ingredients. Below are notes and tips on each key component, ensuring you achieve maximum flavor and the perfect texture in your homemade chili.
| Ingredient | Notes & Swaps for Best Results |
|---|---|
| Ground Turkey | For optimal flavor and less excess liquid, opt for 93/7 lean ground turkey. If you can find it, turkey sold in a carton (rather than a plastic chub) often boasts superior taste. Ground chicken is an excellent alternative if you prefer. |
| White Beans | Cannellini or Great Northern beans are ideal for their creamy texture. A crucial tip for achieving a thick, velvety chili is to mash or blend a portion of the beans with some broth before adding them to the pot. |
| Green Enchilada Sauce | My personal favorite is Old El Paso® mild green enchilada sauce, which offers a great base flavor without overwhelming heat. For a spicier kick, feel free to use a medium or hot version. You can also elevate the chili by using a homemade green enchilada sauce. |
| Green Chiles | Fire-roasted green chiles are a game-changer, adding a wonderful smoky depth without any extra effort. They are typically mild, but check the label if you have a strong preference for heat levels. |
| Corn | Whether fresh, frozen, or canned, corn adds a burst of sweetness and texture. For an extra layer of flavor, consider using frozen fire-roasted corn – it complements the chiles beautifully. |
| Chicken Stock | A high-quality chicken stock forms the foundation of this chili’s broth. Swanson® is a reliable choice for a rich and savory base. If you’re aiming for a completely poultry-free version, vegetable broth works wonderfully. |
Mastering Your White Turkey Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious White Turkey Chili is surprisingly straightforward, and the process is designed to build layers of flavor at each stage. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bowl of chili every time:
- Sauté Aromatics & Cook Turkey: Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your finely diced yellow onion and sauté until it becomes tender and slightly golden, typically 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base. Next, add the lean ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Season generously with salt and pepper during this stage. Once the turkey is mostly cooked through (about 5-7 minutes), drain any excess liquid to ensure a rich, concentrated flavor.
- Infuse with Spices and Broth: After draining, return the pot to the heat. Stir in the dried oregano, paprika, ground chili powder, ground cumin, additional salt and pepper, undrained diced green chiles, and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are incredibly fragrant. This toasting step deepens their flavor. Pour in the green enchilada sauce, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this “fond” is packed with flavor! Then, add 2 cups of chicken stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low.
- Create Creaminess with Blended Beans: While the chili simmers, take one can of rinsed and drained cannellini beans and combine them with the remaining 1 cup of chicken stock in a blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This brilliant trick naturally thickens the chili without needing any dairy or artificial thickeners, giving it a wonderfully velvety consistency. Scrape this blended bean mixture into the pot and stir well to incorporate.
- Simmer to Perfection: Now, add the remaining two cans of rinsed and drained cannellini beans and the frozen corn to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined. Allow the chili to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until all the ingredients are heated through and the flavors have had a chance to meld beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: Just before serving, stir in the fresh lime juice and the optional chopped cilantro. The lime adds a bright, zesty finish that cuts through the richness of the chili, while cilantro provides a burst of fresh herb flavor. Ladle the hot chili into bowls and customize with your favorite toppings. My go-to combination is a generous sprinkle of cheese and a dollop of sour cream – simply irresistible!
Customizing Your Chili’s Heat: Mild to Fiery
One of the best aspects of this White Turkey Chili recipe is its adaptability to your personal spice preference. As written, the recipe delivers a gentle warmth that even my children enjoy, but it’s incredibly easy to dial the heat up or down. Here’s how you can customize your chili:
- To Reduce the Heat: If you prefer a milder chili, ensure you select mild green enchilada sauce and mild diced green chiles. You can also reduce the amount of chili powder slightly. Serving your chili with a generous helping of cooling toppings like cheese, sour cream, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt will also help mellow any perceived heat.
- For a Spicier Kick: For those who love a fiery chili, there are several ways to turn up the heat. Opt for medium or hot green enchilada sauce and use hotter diced green chiles (or even fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers). You can also add 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh jalapeños (deseeded for less heat, or with seeds for more intense spice) when sautéing the aromatics. For an extra punch, stir in 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the other spices. Remember to taste as you go to achieve your desired level of spice!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover White Turkey Chili? Don’t Waste a Drop!
This White Turkey Chili is fantastic for meal prep, making large batches, or simply enjoying leftovers. Here’s how to store it properly to maintain its deliciousness:
- In the Fridge: Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld! Reheat gently in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken stock or water if it’s too thick.
- Freezing for Later: White Turkey Chili freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for quick future meals. First, allow the chili to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it into heavy-duty freezer bags, filling them about three-quarters full to allow for expansion. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Lay the filled bags flat on a sheet pan and freeze for 2-3 hours, or until solid. Once frozen, you can remove them from the sheet pan and stack them in the freezer to save space. It will keep for up to 3 months. To defrost, simply place the frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a pot on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature.
More Hearty Soup and Chili Recipes:
One Pan / One Pot
White Bean Soup
Soups And Stews
Taco Chili
Soups And Stews
Creamy Vegetable Soup
Soups And Stews
Carrot Soup Recipe
Print Recipe
White Turkey Chili
Chelsea Lords
25 minutes
15 minutes
40 minutes
4 servings
Video
Watch a video demonstration for this recipe (video player removed for HTML-only content).
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Blender
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1-1/2 cups finely diced yellow onion
- 1 pound ground turkey (93/7), see note 1
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper
- 1 (4-ounce) can mild diced green chiles
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 (10-ounce) can mild green enchilada sauce see note 2
- 3 cups chicken stock divided; I love Swanson
- 3 (15.5-ounce) cans cannellini beans rinsed and drained, divided
- 1-1/2 cups frozen corn
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice optional
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro optional
- Toppings as desired see note 3
Instructions
- Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add oil and once hot, add in onion. Sauté until becoming golden, about 5–7 minutes. Add ground turkey and season with salt and pepper (I add 1/4 teaspoon each). Crumble ground turkey with a wooden spoon, breaking it down as you cook.
- Once mostly cooked through (about 5–7 minutes), drain off any excess liquid and add in the seasonings (dried oregano, paprika, chili powder, cumin), additional salt and pepper (I add another 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper), diced green chiles (undrained), and minced garlic. Cook until very fragrant, 2–3 more minutes.
- Add green enchilada sauce, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Then add in 2 cups (450g) chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Meanwhile, add 1 can (drained and rinsed) cannellini beans and remaining 1 cup (225g) chicken stock to a blender. Blend until completely smooth, then scrape this mixture into the pot. Stir well and add remaining 2 cans (drained and rinsed) cannellini beans and frozen corn. Stir through. Simmer about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Add lime juice and optional cilantro. Stir through. Ladle into bowls and serve with whatever toppings you like best (see note 3)—I love it with cheese and sour cream!
Recipe Notes
Note 2: When it comes to green enchilada sauce, I find that Old El Paso® mild sauce provides an excellent, well-rounded flavor profile without excessive heat. If you enjoy a spicier chili, feel free to use a medium or hot variety. For an extra touch of culinary adventure, you can even make your own green enchilada sauce from scratch using the recipe found in my green chile chicken enchiladas post!
Note 3: Toppings truly elevate this chili! Here are some fantastic options to try: Tortilla strips or chips for a satisfying crunch, extra fresh cilantro for a vibrant herbal note, and/or lime wedges for an added burst of citrusy brightness. Thinly sliced avocado or a scoop of homemade guacamole adds a creamy texture. For dairy options, consider fat-free or lite sour cream, or shredded Monterey Jack, pepper-jack, or sharp cheddar cheese.
Nutrition Note: Please note that the nutrition information provided does not include any optional toppings you might add. These values are based solely on the core chili ingredients.
Storage: To store leftover chili, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for 3–5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave. For freezing, allow the chili to cool completely to room temperature. Fill heavy-duty freezer bags three-quarters full, ensuring to press out as much air as possible before sealing. Lay the bags flat on a baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours until solid; then, remove from the sheet and stack them. They will keep well for 2–3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a pot.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Serving: 1 serving
Calories: 546 kcal
Carbohydrates: 76g
Protein: 53g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 68mg
Sodium: 1777mg
Potassium: 694mg
Fiber: 19g
Sugar: 9g
Vitamin A: 544 IU
Vitamin C: 16mg
Calcium: 235mg
Iron: 10mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only, especially if making substitutions or using different brands.
Love this recipe? Leave a comment below!
Smart Kitchen Shortcuts to Save Time
Even the most dedicated home cooks appreciate a little help in the kitchen, especially on busy weeknights. These simple shortcuts will get this delicious White Turkey Chili on your table faster without compromising on flavor:
- I highly recommend using fire-roasted diced green chiles. They provide a wonderful depth of smoky flavor without requiring you to roast and chop peppers yourself, saving you a significant amount of time and effort.
- To speed up your prep, reach for pre-minced garlic from a jar. While fresh is always great, jarred minced garlic is a fantastic pantry staple for when time is of the essence, and it performs beautifully in this chili.
- Pre-diced onions are another absolute game-changer. Many grocery stores offer them in the produce section, or you can find frozen pre-chopped onions alongside other frozen vegetables. This eliminates the tedious task of chopping, allowing you to get straight to the cooking process.
These small adjustments can significantly reduce your cooking time, making this hearty White Turkey Chili an even more appealing option for a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week.
The Grand Finale: Elevate Your Chili with Delicious Toppings!
While White Turkey Chili is undeniably delicious on its own, the right toppings can transform it into an unforgettable culinary experience. Think of them as the perfect flourish, adding layers of texture, flavor, and visual appeal. If I had to choose just two, it would absolutely be cheese and sour cream!
- Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese is a classic chili topping. Consider Pepper Jack for a hint of spice, Monterey Jack for its creamy melt, or sharp cheddar for a bold, tangy flavor. The warmth of the chili will perfectly soften the cheese.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A generous dollop of regular or light sour cream (or even plain Greek yogurt for a healthier twist) adds a wonderful creamy coolness that contrasts beautifully with the chili’s warmth and any subtle spice.
- Avocado: Fresh avocado, either thinly sliced or mashed into a quick guacamole, brings a rich, buttery texture and healthy fats to your bowl. It’s a fantastic complement to the existing flavors.
- Tortilla Chips or Strips: For that essential crunch, crushed tortilla chips or homemade baked corn tortilla strips are a must. They add a satisfying texture and a hint of corn flavor.
- Fresh Cilantro and Lime Juice: Never underestimate the power of fresh herbs and citrus! A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note, while a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving cuts through the richness and brightens all the flavors. Keep extra lime wedges on hand for guests to add as they please.
- Green Onions or Jalapeños: For a mild oniony bite, thinly sliced green onions are excellent. If you crave more heat and a fresh, pungent kick, finely diced fresh jalapeños are a fantastic addition.
Experiment with different combinations to discover your favorite way to enjoy this versatile White Turkey Chili. Each topping adds its own unique character, making every bowl a personalized delight.