Print

Healthy Turkey Chili: Easy Game Day Recipe

healthy turkey chili - featured image
Print Recipe

This Healthy Turkey Chili is packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and just enough spice to keep things interesting—without the post-game food coma. It’s the perfect game day dish that feeds a crowd without stress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • For serving (optional): shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and starting to soften.
  2. Add the garlic and jalapeño and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  3. Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is no longer pink.
  4. Add all the spices—chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir and let cook for about a minute to toast the spices.
  5. Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  6. Add the drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans. Stir gently. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning after 20 minutes. Add more salt, cumin, or a squeeze of lime if needed.
  8. Let it simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes if you want it thicker. If too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
  9. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chili tastes even better the next day. For a thicker chili, mash some beans against the pot before adding. For a spicier version, add an extra jalapeño with seeds and increase cayenne to 1 teaspoon. For a milder version, skip the jalapeño and use only 1 tablespoon chili powder. This chili freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy turkey chili, game day chili, easy chili recipe, turkey chili, healthy chili

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/healthy-turkey-chili-easy-game-day-recipe/