Turkey White Bean Chili

This turkey and white bean chili brings together lean protein and creamy beans in a comforting bowl that’s perfect for cooler evenings. It is hearty, packed with flavor, and has just the right balance of spice without overwhelming heat. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or a dish to feed a crowd, this chili hits the mark every time.

I first made this chili during a chilly fall weekend and now it’s requested often by family members craving a healthy comfort meal.

Ingredients

• Avocado oil: Three tablespoons avocado oil which has a mild flavor and handles sautéing well at medium heat
• Yellow onion: Two cups diced yellow onion for sweetness and a sturdy base flavor choose firm onions without soft spots
• Garlic: Three cloves minced garlic for aroma and depth fresh garlic works best over preminced
• Lean ground turkey: Two pounds lean ground turkey ideally Honeysuckle White brand for quality and texture
• Kosher salt: Two teaspoons kosher salt to season the meat and beans properly without being overpowering
• Black pepper: One teaspoon black pepper for subtle warmth and seasoning balance
• Ground cumin: Two teaspoons ground cumin which contributes an earthy smoky note purchase fresh whole cumin for grating if possible
• Ground coriander: One teaspoon ground coriander that adds a bright citrus undertone complementing the warmth of cumin
• Chili powder: One and a half teaspoons chili powder for mild heat and complexity choose a variety without added salt
• Dried oregano: One and a half teaspoons dried oregano which offers a savory herbal brightness crush a bit before adding if preferred
• Cayenne pepper: Quarter teaspoon cayenne pepper to add a gentle kick without overwhelming the palate
• Mild diced green chiles: Two 4ounce cans mild diced green chiles providing tender chunks and mild flavor check for freshness and avoid cans with dents or rust
• Cannellini or great northern beans: Two 15ounce cans cannellini or great northern beans that bring creaminess and fiber rinse briefly to reduce sodium
• Chicken broth: Two cups low sodium chicken broth to bind flavors and keep the chili moist homemade broth is ideal or opt for low sodium brands
• Bay leaves: Two bay leaves which infuse a subtle herbal depth during simmering
• Optional toppings: Shredded Monterey Jack cheese for melty richness pico de gallo for brightness pickled jalapenos to add a tangy spice contrast fresh cilantro leaves for herbaceous lift sour cream to mellow heat and lime wedges to brighten each serving These help tailor the chili toward your taste preferences

Instructions

Heat the Oil and Sauté the Aromatics:

Warm the avocado oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook gently, stirring occasionally for about five minutes until the onions are translucent and soft but not browned. This step builds the flavor base and softens the vegetables for a pleasant texture.

Cook the Ground Turkey:

Add the ground turkey to the pot along with kosher salt and black pepper. Use the edge of a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Stir frequently and continue cooking until the turkey is no longer pink inside, about five minutes. Properly cooking the turkey ensures safety and even flavor absorption.

Add and Toast the Spices:

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, coriander, chili powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Toss everything to evenly coat the turkey with the spices. Continue cooking for two more minutes, stirring frequently to toast the spices gently. This deepens their flavor and releases fragrant oils enhancing the chili’s aroma.

Add Chiles, Beans, Broth, and Bay Leaves:

Pour in the mild diced green chiles with their juices and the canned white beans along with their liquid. Add the low sodium chicken broth and tuck in the bay leaves. Stir to combine, then turn the heat up until the chili reaches a rolling boil.

Simmer and Thicken:

Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the chili cook uncovered, stirring occasionally for about twentyfive minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the chili to thicken slightly. Monitor to avoid burning on the bottom and adjust heat as needed so it simmers but does not boil vigorously.

Serve and Garnish:

Remove the bay leaves and ladle the chili into warm bowls. Add any desired toppings such as shredded cheese, pico de gallo, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve while hot and enjoy the comforting depth with each bite.

I love how the subtle warmth from the cayenne balances perfectly with the mild green chiles. One family memory that stands out is making this chili during a holiday weekend when everyone was home. It became our tradition to gather around the pot and share stories as it simmered, filling the kitchen with an unforgettable cozy vibe.

Storage Tips

Let the chili cool completely before storing. Use airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of broth if it thickens too much. This chili also freezes well in portions. Remember to leave room in the container for expansion and thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave with periodic stirring to maintain texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey can be replaced with ground chicken or lean ground beef depending on preference. If you prefer vegetarian, omit meat and add extra beans and perhaps mushrooms for umami. Cannellini beans can be swapped with navy beans or pinto beans. If you like more heat, swap mild diced chiles for fire roasted or add extra cayenne.

Serving Suggestions

This chili shines on its own or served with warm cornbread or tortilla chips. Add a side salad for freshness or a simple slaw to contrast the warmth and softness of the chili. Leftovers make great filling for stuffed baked potatoes or topping over rice.

This turkey and white bean chili is an easy weeknight meal that scales well and stores beautifully. Serve with your favorite toppings for a cozy satisfying dinner.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of beans work best in this dish?

Cannellini or great northern beans are ideal for their creamy texture and mild flavor that complement the turkey and spices.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, it can be made ahead. Cooling completely before refrigerating or freezing helps maintain flavors and texture.

→ What spices give it the warm flavor?

A blend of cumin, coriander, chili powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper create a warmly spiced profile.

→ How do I best reheat leftovers?

Gently reheat on the stove with occasional stirring or in the microwave, adding extra broth if needed to maintain consistency.

→ What are some popular toppings to enhance the dish?

Shredded monterey jack cheese, pico de gallo, pickled jalapenos, fresh cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges provide freshness and extra flavor.