White Bean Turkey Chili is an effortless dinner dish prepared using a slow cooker. It becomes a weekday savior, allowing for minimal prep in the morning and a ready-to-enjoy dinner upon returning home. All it takes is a lime to be cut, an avocado to be sliced, and some cheese to be shredded for the perfect chili topping. This ground turkey recipe serves as an ideal choice for a cozy winter evening.

ground turkey recipe of chili with a spoon

Here is a tip: A 3 pound package of ground turkey is more economical than buying the 1 pound packages. This recipe calls for 3 pounds, and it fits in a slow cooker! We save the leftovers to eat for lunch during the week! It also freezes well!

Ingredients for White Bean Turkey Chili:

Ground turkey: Adds lean protein and a hearty base for the chili.
Cannellini beans: Provides creaminess, fiber, and subtle flavor.
Diced chilis: Brings a mild heat and smoky flavor.
White onions (diced): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
Poblano pepper (seeded, diced): Contributes a mild smokiness and slight heat.
Garlic (shredded): Infuses bold, aromatic flavor.
Bay leaf: Adds a subtle herbal depth.
Ground cumin: Enhances warmth and earthiness.
Ancho chili powder: Introduces a mild, smoky heat.
Granulated garlic: Boosts garlic flavor throughout the dish.
Dried oregano: Contributes a fragrant, herbal note.
Sea salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor.
Chicken broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base for simmering the chili.

Instructions for White Bean Turkey Chili:

Cook turkey in a frying pan, crumbling into bite-sized piecess.
While the turkey is cooking, add cannellini beans, canned chilis, onion, poblano, and garlic to a slow cooker.
When the turkey is cooked, add it to the slow cooker and stir in spices, salt, and bay leaf. Add chicken broth. Set cooker to low and cook for 8 hours.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf and serve with shredded cheese and diced avocado, and a squirt of lime.

ground turkey and beans and a jalapeno and a bay leaf in a slow cooker

Toppings for White Bean Turkey Chili:

Lime: Adds brightness and a touch of acidity.
Avocado: Brings creaminess and a cooling contrast.
Cheese (shredded): Adds a mild, creamy richness.

Optional Toppings for Chili:

Sour Cream: Creamy sourcream gives the chili a tangy flavor
Cilantro: A brightness of green, and a cilantro flavor
Chili Cheese Fritos: Gives the chili a crunch and added flavor

ground turkey chili with white beans in a bowl with avocado, sour cream, cilantro and fritos

Together, these ingredients create a flavorful, hearty, and well-balanced ground turkey white chili, combining various textures and complementary flavors to make a satisfying dish.

Why you will like this slow-cooker chili:

Healthier Option:
- Lean Protein: Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to beef, making the chili lower in fat and calories while still providing a good source of protein.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Often, turkey chili includes beans, tomatoes, and vegetables, adding fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dish.
Flavorful and Versatile:
- Rich Taste: With the right blend of spices and seasonings like cumin, chili powder, and garlic, ground turkey chili can be incredibly flavorful.
- Adaptable Recipe: You can easily customize the chili to suit different tastes and dietary needs, such as adding more vegetables, adjusting the spice level, or incorporating different types of beans.
Easy to Prepare and Serve:
- Simple Preparation: Making a large pot of turkey chili is straightforward and doesn’t require complex cooking techniques, making it ideal for feeding a crowd.
- Great for Gatherings: Chili can be made ahead of time and kept warm in a slow cooker, allowing guests to serve themselves. It’s also easy to pair with various toppings like cheese, sour cream, and green onions, letting everyone add what they want!

White Turkey chili in a bowl with lime and avocado and cilantro and cheese with a spoon of the soup

Can I make this chili on the stove top instead of a slow cooker?

To make the Ground Turkey Chili on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker, follow these steps:

Ingredients

Follow the original recipe for ingredients.

Instructions (Stovetop Adaptation)

Cook the Ground Turkey:
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add a drizzle of oil and cook the ground turkey until browned and fully cooked. Remove it from the pot and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed.
- Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and any other vegetables, sautéing until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
Build the Base:
- Add the garlic and spices (e.g., chili powder, cumin) and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the cooked turkey to the pot.
Add the Liquids:
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, beans, and any broth or water listed in the recipe. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer the Chili:
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid, leaving a small gap for steam to escape, and simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional spices. Serve hot with your favorite toppings!

Enjoy a stovetop version that’s just as hearty and delicious as the slow cooker original! 🍲

How to store the white bean turkey chili:

Refrigerator: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Place the cooled chili in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, leaving a little space for expansion. Label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating the chili:

Stovetop: For larger portions, reheat the chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.
Microwave: For smaller portions, transfer the chili to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
From Frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then follow the stovetop or microwave instructions above.

Enjoy the same hearty, flavorful chili every time! 🌶️