Description
A cozy, healthy, and crowd-pleasing White Turkey Chili that delivers creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and lean protein. Made with tender ground turkey, mild spices, white beans, and a touch of creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt, this chili is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals. It’s comforting, versatile, and wholesome – ideal for all seasons.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean, moist)
Beans
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Heat and Flavor
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- Salt, to taste
Liquids
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
Creaminess
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (added off heat)
Garnishes (Optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Shredded cheese
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, building a flavorful foundation for the chili.
- Brown the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink and starting to develop a golden crust, enhancing richness and depth of flavor.
- Add Spices and Green Chilies: Sprinkle in the cumin, oregano, chili powder, and salt. Stir well to coat the turkey, then mix in the canned diced green chilies to add mild heat and smokiness.
- Pour in Broth and Beans: Add the chicken broth and the drained white beans. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for about 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Stir in Creaminess: Remove the pot from heat. Gently stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt to create a smooth, creamy texture. Avoid boiling after this step to prevent curdling.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the chili hot, topped with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, shredded cheese, or your favorite garnishes. Pair it with warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or a green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use lean but moist ground turkey to prevent dryness.
- Don’t skip browning the turkey for deeper flavor.
- Simmer gently on low heat to develop richness without toughening meat.
- Add sour cream or yogurt off the heat to keep creaminess silky smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasonings gradually for perfect balance.
- Customize heat by adding jalapeños or cayenne if desired.
- For dairy-free version, substitute sour cream with coconut milk or non-dairy yogurt.
- Prepare ahead and store leftovers refrigerated up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on stovetop, adding broth or water if chili thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: white turkey chili, healthy chili, creamy chili, easy weeknight dinner, ground turkey recipe, low-fat chili
