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White Turkey Chili

White Turkey Chili
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This White Turkey Chili is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal combining lean ground turkey, creamy white beans, and a blend of warming spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep. The chili offers a comforting twist on classic chili with mild heat from green chilies, freshness from cilantro and lime, and versatile options to customize the dish to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins & Beans

  • 1 pound ground turkey (lean)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (navy or cannellini), drained and rinsed

Broth & Liquids

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

Fresh Herbs

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Optional Garnishes & Variations

  • Diced jalapeños or pinch of cayenne (for extra heat)
  • Extra beans or chopped mushrooms (for vegetarian version)
  • Corn, diced zucchini, bell peppers (for added vegetables)
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream (for creamier texture)
  • Shredded cheese, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
    Heat a bit of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant to build the flavor foundation.
  2. Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
    Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink and browned evenly to develop a deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Stir in Spices and Chilies
    Sprinkle in cumin, oregano, and chili powder, stirring to coat the turkey and aromatics well. Then add diced green chilies for mild heat and tang.
  4. Step 4: Add Beans and Broth
    Pour in the drained white beans and chicken broth. Stir all ingredients together and bring the chili to a gentle simmer.
  5. Step 5: Simmer to Blend Flavors
    Reduce heat and let the chili simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.
  6. Step 6: Finish with Fresh Ingredients
    Remove the chili from heat and stir in fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice right before serving to add brightness and balance.

Notes

  • Use lean ground turkey for faster cooking and a lighter chili.
  • Don’t skip sautéing onion and garlic; they provide essential depth of flavor.
  • Simmer gently on low heat to blend flavors without toughening the meat.
  • Drain and rinse beans well to prevent watery chili.
  • Add fresh cilantro and lime juice at the end for the best flavor enhancement.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally for even warmth.

Nutrition

Keywords: white turkey chili, healthy chili, quick dinner, lean protein chili, weeknight meal, white bean chili

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/white-turkey-chili/