Turkey Chili, a Mexican-American classic, offers a nutritious and satisfying meal, ideal for both lunch and dinner. Crafted from lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, it's a go-to comfort food that's both delicious and health-conscious.
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Simple to prepare, this one-pot dish is a great choice for busy weeknights and can be easily tailored to your taste preferences. Whether you're in the mood for a meaty version or a vegetarian alternative using beans or lentils, this Turkey Chili is versatile, packed with nutrients, and sure to please any palate.
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For a hearty and flavorsome Turkey Chili, gather these common kitchen ingredients. If you're missing any, they're readily available at local grocery stores.
Main Ingredients:
- Ground Turkey: This lean protein is the base of your chili. Alternatively, ground chicken is an excellent substitute.
- Beans: The recipe incorporates black and pinto beans. Feel free to experiment with kidney or northern beans for variety.
- Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes, or swap with crushed tomatoes or tomato puree for a similar effect.
- Celery: Essential for adding depth and balancing the chili's flavors.
- Green Chiles: These bring the necessary heat and zest.
- Chicken Broth/Stock: Enhances the overall savoriness of the chili.
Additional Ingredients:
- Corn: Choose between fresh or canned based on availability or convenience.
- Spice Powders: A mix of chili, coriander, cumin, and black pepper powders create the classic chili flavor. Pre-made chili seasoning is a viable alternative.
- Bay Leaf: Adds a distinct flavor to the chili.
- Aromatics: Onions and garlic are crucial for that fresh, aromatic taste.
- Brown Sugar: A sweet touch to balance the chili's richness. Dark chocolate is a unique substitute that adds depth.
- Toppings: Personalize your dish with avocado, sour cream, cheese, tortilla chips, or coriander leaves for a fulfilling meal.
How to Make Turkey Chili at Home?
Dive into the flavors of our Turkey Chili, a simple yet delicious one-pot wonder. Follow along with our step-by-step photos and video below to create this comforting meal at home. Let's dive in!
Discover a Variety of Chili and Comforting Soups:
- White Chicken Chili
- Vegetarian Chili
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Chicken Ramen
- Chicken and Rice Soup
- Hot and Sour Soup
- Tom Kha Gai Soup
Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Turkey
- 2 tbsp Oil
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 Onion, medium size, chopped
- 2 tbsp Garlic, chopped
- ¼ cup Celery , chopped, (approx 2 ribs)
- ¼ cup Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder
- 2 tbsp Coriander Powder
- ¾ tsp Cumin Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ¾ tsp Dried Oregano
- ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper, optional
- 7 oz Green Chiles, canned
- 14 oz Diced Tomato, crushed works too
- 15 oz Pinto Beans, canned
- 15 oz Black Beans, canned
- 8 oz Corn, canned
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- Coriander Leaves, handful and to garnish
- Tortilla Chips, to garnish
- Lime Juice, from half lime
- Lime Wedges, to garnish
- Avocado, to garnish
- Cheese Blend, to garnish
- Sour Cream, to garnish
Instructions
To make Turkey Chili
- Heat oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Begin by adding the bay leaf, onion, and garlic. Sauté until they become aromatic, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, introduce the celery and red bell pepper to the pan. Continue to sauté until they soften, typically about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder, coriander, cumin, black pepper, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly. If you have it, you can substitute these with 3 tbsp of premade chili seasoning mix.
- Add the ground turkey and cook for 5-7 minutes until it's nicely browned, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate the green chiles into the mixture, blending them in well.
- Add the tomatoes, pinto beans, black beans, and corn. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Add 2 cups of chicken broth and let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- Reduce the heat and let your chili simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- To finish, add brown sugar, lime juice, and coriander leaves, mixing well. Your comforting and healthy Turkey Chili is now ready to enjoy!
To Serve
- Serve your Turkey Chili with toppings like avocado slices, crunchy tortilla chips, creamy sour cream, a blend of cheeses, and lime wedges. This combination creates a filling and satisfying meal, perfect for both lunch and dinner.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Aromatics and Spices: Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bay leaves. This foundational step is crucial for infusing the chili with a rich, aromatic flavor. Cook these ingredients until they release their fragrant essence, which will enhance the overall depth of your chili.
- Browning the Turkey: Properly browning the ground turkey is vital. As it cooks, the turkey absorbs the flavors of the spices and aromatics, contributing to the chili’s hearty and rich taste. Ensure the turkey is well-browned to unlock its natural juices and flavors.
- Chicken Broth/Stock: Opt for a high-quality, reduced-sodium chicken broth or stock instead of water. This simple switch adds a layer of richness and complexity to your chili, making it more savory and satisfying.
- Simmering: After adding the broth, let the chili simmer. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld and intensify, elevating the taste of your dish. A longer cooking time will deepen the flavors, making the chili more enjoyable.
- Toppings: Enhance your chili with toppings like avocado, sour cream, cheese blends, and lime wedges. These not only add a creamy texture but also introduce a burst of freshness, complementing the chili’s robust flavors.
- For a Creamier Chili: If a creamier texture is desired, consider incorporating fat-free cream cheese or blending a portion of the beans. This addition is optional as the chili already possesses substantial volume from the turkey, beans, corn, celery, and bell peppers. The choice to thicken it further depends on personal preference.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We’re not nutrition experts. Nutritional info is estimated and should be used as a guide. For precise details, consult a professional.
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Storage Suggestions
Enjoy your Turkey Chili best when it's freshly made. For any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they'll keep well for 4 to 5 days. When you're ready for another serving, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
Turkey Chili is a versatile dish perfect for lunch or dinner. Pair it with Mexican favorites like cornbread, tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, guacamole, salsa, Mexican rice, nachos, or burritos for a classic meal. Alternatively, if you're looking for non-Mexican sides, try it with baked potatoes, grilled cheese, garlic breadsticks, coleslaw, or your favorite salad for a delightful twist.
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