Turkey Chili with Kidney Beans (Printable version)

Savory turkey and bean dish with corn and spices, ideal for cozy dinners or casual meals.

# What you need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 pound lean ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
06 - 1 (15 ounce) can corn kernels, drained
07 - 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices

→ Liquids

08 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
14 - 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
15 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Oils

16 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# How To:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper; sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
04 - Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat meat and vegetables with spices.
05 - Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, kidney beans, corn, and chicken broth. Mix well to combine.
06 - Bring chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or sour cream.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Its lighter than beef chili but still delivers that deep, comforting satisfaction you crave on cold nights
  • The house smells absolutely incredible while it similers, like youve been cooking all day even though it takes less than an hour
02 -
  • Turkey chili needs more salt than beef chili to taste properly seasoned, dont be afraid to add it gradually
  • The chili will taste better the next day as the spices continue to meld, so consider making it ahead
03 -
  • If you want deeper flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste with the spices and let it cook for a minute
  • A splash of apple cider vinegar or lime juice right before serving brightens everything