If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that’s also good for you, this Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe is an absolute winner. I’ve made it dozens of times on chilly nights when I want something hearty but not too heavy. What makes it special is how it balances bold flavors with wholesome ingredients—you get all that classic chili richness without the guilt.

I love making a big batch of this chili because it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even game day. Plus, it’s packed with lean protein and veggies, so you’re fueling your body while indulging your taste buds. If you want a chili recipe that’s easy to love and easy on your waistline, this Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe will quickly become your go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a chili that’s savory, spicy, and satisfying. When you shop, I suggest paying attention to the quality of your turkey and fresh produce—it makes all the difference in the final dish.

Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that helps sauté your turkey and veggies beautifully without overpowering the flavors.
Lean ground turkey: Using lean turkey keeps this chili light but packed with protein, perfect for a healthy dinner.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth once it softens—don’t skip it!
Red bell pepper: Provides a touch of natural sweetness and a pop of color.
Green bell pepper: Brings an earthier balance to counter the sweetness of the red pepper.
Jalapeños: For that kick of heat—feel free to adjust to taste or remove seeds for less spice.
Garlic cloves: The aroma and complexity garlic adds is what turns this chili into comfort food.
Crushed tomatoes: Rich base that holds everything together with that warm tomato flavor.
Petite diced tomatoes: Adds chunks and texture, giving your chili a wonderful bite.
Low sodium beef broth: Keeps it moist and adds a subtle meaty depth without extra salt.
Tomato paste: Helps thicken and intensify the tomato flavor so the chili isn’t watery.
Kidney beans: Adds fiber, protein, and makes the chili feel more substantial.
Hot sauce (Texas Pete recommended): A splash adds zesty heat; you can swap for your favorite brand.
Chili powder: The backbone spice for that signature chili flavor.
Dried oregano: Gives a subtle herbal note that complements the chili spices perfectly.
Cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin is essential in good chili recipes.
Salt and black pepper: To season just right without overwhelming the natural flavors.
Cayenne pepper: Adds a cheeky little fire—go easy or amp it up based on your heat tolerance.
Stevia packet: Helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes naturally, avoiding added sugar.

Variations

I like to play around with this Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to make it your own—there’s no wrong way to enjoy a good chili!

Vegetarian version: Swap the turkey for a mix of extra beans and lentils. I’ve done this when friends visit who don’t eat meat, and nobody missed the turkey at all.
Make it spicier: Add extra jalapeños or a chopped chipotle in adobo for a smoky punch.
Milder for kids: Skip the cayenne and hot sauce, and keep jalapeños minimal. I often do this when my nephew joins dinner.
Slow cooker style: Brown the turkey and veggies first, then dump everything in the slow cooker. Low all day makes the flavors meld beautifully.
Seasonal peppers: Swap bell peppers for poblano or Anaheim peppers in summer for subtle variation.

How to Make Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté your aromatics and turkey

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, red and green bell peppers, jalapeños, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until everything is fragrant and softened. Then, add the lean ground turkey, breaking it apart with your spoon. Cook until the turkey is no longer pink—around 6 to 8 minutes. The key here is letting those veggies soften thoroughly before adding the meat so you build great flavor layers.

Step 2: Add tomatoes, broth, and seasoning

Pour in the crushed and diced tomatoes, low sodium beef broth, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine. Then sprinkle in chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and the packet of Stevia. Don’t forget that splash of hot sauce for a subtle kick! I usually taste the broth once everything’s mixed to see if I want to add a bit more salt or spice at this point.

Step 3: Simmer and add beans

Reduce the heat to low and let your chili simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is the fun part because the flavors meld together and the chili thickens. After 30 minutes, stir in the rinsed kidney beans and cook another 10 minutes so they absorb those wonderful flavors. You want a chili that’s hearty but not too soupy—if it gets too thick, just add a splash of broth or water.

How to Serve Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

The image shows a top view of eleven ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a white bowl filled with pale pink ground meat. To the right is a white bowl containing dark red kidney beans, and above it, a bowl with brownish liquid sauce. Next to that is a small bowl with dried green herbs. Below the beans is a small bowl with half black pepper and half white salt. On the bottom left is a white bowl with reddish chunky tomato salsa, and above it a bowl of finely chopped red tomatoes. To the left of the meat are three whole raw vegetables: a yellow onion at the top center, a smooth green chili pepper below it, and a green bell pepper to the lower left. Below these is a whole white garlic bulb. Above the meat bowl is a clear glass bowl filled with golden yellow cooking oil. Everything is well spaced and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my chili with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream—it adds creaminess and a bit of protein. Fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice add brightness that makes every bite pop. Sometimes, I throw on some shredded sharp cheddar or crumbled queso fresco for a richer finish.

Side Dishes

This chili pairs beautifully with a simple side of cornbread or crusty whole grain bread to soak up those juices. I also like roasting some sweet potatoes or serving a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for extra veggies. These combos turn one bowl of chili into a full, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe in individual bread bowls or topped with avocado slices and tortilla strips for a fun Tex-Mex vibe. Hosting a chili cook-off? Offer a toppings bar with diced onions, jalapeños, shredded cheese, and crushed tortilla chips so everyone can build their perfect bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I usually let the chili cool to room temperature and then transfer it into airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, which is perfect for easy lunches or dinners. Just make sure to loosen it with a little broth when reheating if it thickened too much.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave—super convenient for busy days.

Reheating

My go-to for reheating leftover turkey chili is a gentle simmer on the stove to keep the texture from drying out. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too—just add a splash of broth and stir midway through heating so it warms evenly.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey in this chili?

Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute if you prefer a milder flavor or want something even leaner. Just follow the same cooking steps, and your chili will still be tasty and hearty.
Is this Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge for several days and freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy quick, nutritious meals all week long.
How spicy is this chili? Can I make it less spicy?

This chili has a moderate heat level from the jalapeños, cayenne, and hot sauce, but you can easily dial it down by reducing or omitting those ingredients. For a kid-friendly or milder version, skip the cayenne and jalapeños altogether.
Do I have to soak the kidney beans before adding them?

Nope! Since this recipe uses canned kidney beans, just rinse and drain them before adding to reduce excess sodium and improve flavor. If using dried beans, you’d need to soak and cook them separately.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

Definitely! For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function for the turkey and veggies first, then add the rest and cook under pressure for about 15 minutes. For a slow cooker, brown everything on the stove beforehand, then let it cook on low for 6-8 hours for deep flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe is truly one of my kitchen staples because it’s flavorful, wholesome, and adaptable to whatever mood I’m in. Whether you’re new to making chili or looking for a cleaner, protein-packed version, I think you’ll really enjoy how this one comes together. So grab your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and cozy up with a bowl—you might even find yourself making it on repeat like I do!