Description
Hearty turkey chili delivers robust southwestern flavors that dance across your palate with rich, warm spices. Comfort meets nutrition in this easy one-pot meal that satisfies hunger while offering a lean protein-packed dinner perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound extra-lean ground turkey or chicken (99% lean)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
Pantry and Seasonings:
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 28-ounce can diced or crushed tomatoes
- 1 ¼ cups chicken broth
- 2 15-ounce cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 15-ounce can sweet corn, rinsed and drained
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Diced avocado
- Tortilla chips
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling base for the chili’s aromatic foundation.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and red bell peppers for 5-7 minutes until vegetables become translucent and tender, releasing their vibrant flavors.
- Introduce ground turkey to the pot, methodically breaking it into crumbly pieces while cooking until completely browned and no raw pink remains.
- Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify for approximately 20 seconds.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans, and corn, stirring thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly and create a harmonious mixture.
- Bring the chili to a robust boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure flavor integration.
- Taste and fine-tune seasonings, adjusting salt, spices, or liquid consistency as desired during the simmering process.
- Ladle the piping hot chili into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, crispy tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of creamy sour cream.
Notes
- Swap ground turkey for lean ground chicken or plant-based crumbles to create alternative protein options that keep the dish light and nutritious.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and rinsing canned beans thoroughly before adding to minimize extra salt content.
- Enhance meal prep by making larger batches and freezing individual portions for quick weeknight dinners, which stay fresh up to 3 months when stored properly in airtight containers.
- Balance heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity – start with less and gradually increase for personalized spice preference without overwhelming the dish’s complex flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-52 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg