White Bean Turkey Chili: A Healthy Comfort Food Classic
This white bean turkey chili delivers all the comfort of traditional chili without the heaviness. Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and aromatic spices, it’s a weeknight dinner solution that satisfies cravings while keeping nutrition on track. The creamy texture comes from blended beans – no heavy cream or flour needed.
Why This White Bean Turkey Chili Works
Unlike traditional tomato-based chilis, this version uses:
- 93% lean ground turkey for optimal flavor-to-fat ratio
- Cannellini beans blended for natural creaminess
- Poblano peppers for mild heat and depth
- Cumin and coriander for warm, earthy notes
Key Ingredients for Flavorful White Bean Turkey Chili
The magic happens with these components:
Protein Base
Ground turkey (93% lean) provides the perfect balance – enough fat for flavor while keeping calories in check. For extra leanness, 99% ground turkey works but may require additional olive oil.
Bean Selection
Cannellini beans offer the creamiest texture when blended. Great Northern beans make an excellent substitute. Always rinse canned beans to reduce sodium.
Aromatic Foundation
The holy trinity of onions, garlic, and poblano peppers builds layers of flavor. Poblanos add mild heat without overwhelming spice.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Stovetop Method (45 minutes)
- Brown turkey in Dutch oven over medium-high heat
- Add diced onions, peppers, garlic and sauté until soft
- Stir in spices to toast briefly (30 seconds)
- Add beans, broth and bring to simmer
- Blend 1 cup mixture then return to pot
- Simmer uncovered 20 minutes to thicken
Slow Cooker Adaptation
After browning turkey and sautéing vegetables, transfer everything to slow cooker. Cook on LOW 6-8 hours or HIGH 3-4 hours. Blend portion before serving.
Nutritional Benefits
One serving (1.5 cups) provides:
- 310 calories
- 28g protein
- 8g fiber
- 45% daily folate
- 25% daily iron
Creative Serving Suggestions
Transform your bowl with these toppings:
- Crunch: Tortilla strips, pepitas
- Creaminess: Greek yogurt, avocado
- Brightness: Lime wedges, cilantro
- Heat: Jalapeño slices, hot sauce
Meal Prep and Storage
This chili improves with time as flavors meld. Portion into containers:
- Refrigerator: 4-5 days in airtight containers
- Freezer: 3 months in freezer-safe bags
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace turkey with 1.5 cups cooked quinoa or 12 oz meatless crumbles. Increase beans by 1 can if using quinoa.
What if I can’t find poblano peppers?
Green bell peppers work well. For more heat, substitute 1-2 jalapeños (seeds removed).
How can I thicken the chili further?
Simmer longer uncovered or blend an additional cup of beans. Avoid flour or cornstarch which dull flavors.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Unlike many white chili recipes, this version:
- Uses blended beans instead of heavy cream
- Balances spices for complexity without heat overload
- Delivers restaurant-quality depth from home ingredients
- Adapts seamlessly to various cooking methods
More Healthy Comfort Food Recipes
If you enjoyed this white bean turkey chili, try these reader favorites:
For more recipe inspiration, follow us on Pinterest where we share weekly meal ideas.
Healthy White Bean Turkey Chili – Easy Low-Calorie Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, spray with oil. Preheat the Oven
- Sauté onions and garlic until soft, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the meat and cook, breaking it up until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Preheat the Oven
- Stir in diced green chilies, salt, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes. Example correction: "Ing edients for the Sa ce" → "Ingredients for the Sauce"
- Blend 1 can of beans with 1 cup of broth. Add to the pot along with the remaining beans, broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors blend. (For the second task, please provide the incomplete heading you'd like reconstructed.)
- Add sour cream and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Season with salt to taste. --- Preheat the Oven
- Top with your favorite toppings before serving. Preheat the Oven
- "Slow Cooker Directions:" "To make in the slow cooker, follow steps 1 through 5, reduce the broth to 1½ cups, then transfer to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours."
- Use an 8-quart Instant Pot or halve the recipe. Reduce broth to 1½ cups, cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
Nutrition
Notes
- Retested to fix overly liquid texture.
