turkey white chili recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
turkey white chili recipe
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The Best turkey white chili recipe

I’ve been making this turkey white chili recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish originated from the American Southwest, where chili peppers and beans were staples in many traditional recipes.

This version is a twist on the classic, using ground turkey instead of beef and adding in some creamy cannellini beans. The flavors are rich and deep, with a nice balance of spices and acidity from the tomatoes.

My kids love it because it’s not too spicy, but still packed with flavor. I love it because it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit our tastes.

We often serve it with crusty bread or over rice, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Plus, it’s relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods, so we feel good about serving it to our family.

The technique behind this recipe is all about layering flavors – you start with sautéed onions and garlic, then add in the ground turkey and cook until browned, followed by the canned beans and diced tomatoes. Finally, you add in your spices and simmer everything together until the flavors are well combined.

It’s a simple process, but one that yields incredible results every time.

Turkey White Chili

Turkey White Chili

4.7 from 699 votes

A hearty and flavorful white chili made with ground turkey, white beans, and a blend of spices. This comforting dish is ready in under an hour and perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chili

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can white hominy, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish (optional)

Fresh cilantro, chopped
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Sour cream
Sliced jalapeños
Lime wedges

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4Stir in minced garlic, diced green chiles, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil over high heat.
6Reduce heat to low, add cannellini beans and hominy, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7Stir in heavy cream and continue to simmer for 5 more minutes until the chili is slightly thickened.
8Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
9Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with desired toppings like cilantro, cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime.
Serve hot.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 7g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a thicker chili, mash one cup of the beans before adding them to the pot. You can substitute ground chicken or pork for the turkey. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Watch Video Of How Turkey White Chili Works

This turkey white chili recipe has become a staple in our household due to its ease of preparation, vast customization options, as well as its rich, deep flavors that never fail to impress both myself and my family members alike.

One thing I love about this dish is how versatile it remains across various occasions – whether you’re hosting guests, gathering around the table as one big happy family, or simply looking for something comforting after work hours…

as long as there’s always food ready when needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey White Chili

1. Can I use leftover turkey instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can absolutely use leftover cooked turkey. Just shred or dice it and add it to the pot after the onions and garlic are softened. You will not need to brown it first. Simmer for about 10 minutes so it heats through and absorbs the flavors.

2. How do I make this chili thicker or thinner?

For a thicker chili, mash some of the white beans with a fork before adding them to the pot or let the chili simmer uncovered for an extra 10 minutes. For a thinner chili, add a little more chicken broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency.

3. Can I make this dairy free?

Yes, you can make this dairy free by using a dairy free cream cheese or coconut cream instead of regular cream cheese. Use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing. The chili will still be creamy and delicious.

4. What toppings go well with turkey white chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, diced red onion, a squeeze of lime juice, and crushed tortilla chips. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

5. Can I freeze turkey white chili?

Yes, this chili freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Stir in a splash of broth or milk if it seems too thick after reheating.

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