Turkey White Bean Chili

This Turkey and White Bean Chili is hearty, smoky, and slightly spicy. Best of all, it’s ready in less than an hour. Make a big batch to enjoy now or freeze a portion for later!

If you’ve got ground turkey to use up, you’re also bound to love this ground turkey stroganoff!

This white bean turkey chili is a favorite around here! White beans stay tender and creamy after being cooked with juicy ground turkey, smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and the usual chili fixings. 

While this isn’t a white turkey chili recipe, it’s not as tomato-heavy as a classic chili recipe either. I combined canned tomatoes and chicken broth to create the base of this chili since ground turkey is milder in flavor than ground beef. 

This is a great make-ahead recipe for weeknight dinners, winter gatherings, or meal prep! Serve it with a green salad or a piece of cornbread to complete the meal.

Ingredients for Ground Turkey and White Bean Chili:

• Olive oil: You can sub another neutral cooking oil, if desired.
• Onion: I used a white onion, but yellow onion may be used.
• Garlic: Feel free to add extra garlic if you really love garlic.
• Bell pepper: I prefer using a red bell pepper since it’s the sweetest, but use your favorite color.
• Spices: You’ll need salt, pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, and ground cinnamon.
• Ground turkey: You’ll need 1 pound for this recipe.
• Tomato paste: Creates a richer flavor than you can achieve with just canned tomatoes.
• Canned tomatoes: Use fire roasted for a smokier chili, or use plain.
• Chicken broth: Thins out the chili without making it bland.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Are often sold in small cans in the Mexican or international aisles of most major grocery stores.
• White beans: Choose your favorite! Cannelini beans, white kidney beans, and white navy beans all work.

How to Make Turkey Chili with White Beans: 

1. In a large pot, add the olive oil, onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté over medium high heat until softened.
2. Add in the ground turkey and cook until no longer pink.
3. Add the spices and stir to combine.
4. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, followed by the peeled tomatoes.
5. Then, add broth, chipotle peppers, and white beans.
6. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes before serving. 

Can This Recipe Be Made in Advance? 

Absolutely! The chili will last up to 5 days in the fridge, and the flavor improves as the ingredients have time to mingle with the spices. 

Reheat on the stovetop when ready to serve the leftovers. 

Can This Recipe Be Made in a Slow Cooker? 

Yes! Making this recipe for white bean turkey chili in a slow cooker would be great for parties or busy weeknights. 

To make this recipe in a slow cooker: 

1. Cook the ground turkey in an oiled skillet until no longer pink. 
2. Add the cooked turkey into a slow cooker, along with the remaining ingredients. 
3. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. 

Variations:

• Swap the ground turkey for ground chicken, leftover roast turkey from your holiday dinner, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. 
• Make it spicier by adding additional chipotle peppers. Start with one extra pepper and work your way up from there. They’re spicy! 
• Swap the white beans with black beans or another bean variety, if that’s all you have on hand. 

What to Serve with This Chili:

Pair the white bean and turkey chili with some sort of bread for dipping, plus a side salad to add some freshness.

• Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Bread
• Cheesy Cornbread Muffins
• Skillet Honey Cornbread
• Green Salad with Apple and Pecans

Looking for More Easy Chili Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered! 

• Crockpot No-Bean Chili
• Black Bean Chicken Chili
• Instant Pot No-Bean Chili
• Slow Cooker Pizza Chili
• Chili with Pasta