Healthy Turkey Chili

Name: Healthy Turkey Chili
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil (divided); 2 pounds lean ground turkey; 2 cups chopped yellow onion; 6 garlic cloves (minced); 1 large red bell pepper (cored, seeded, and chopped); 1 cup chopped celery; 1 jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped); 1 chipotle pepper in adobo (minced); 1 teaspoon adobo sauce; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 4 tablespoons American-style chili powder blend; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1½ teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 bay leaves; 1 28-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained; 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 15-ounce cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided, plus more to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; shredded cheddar cheese; sliced green onions; chopped yellow onion; diced avocado; fresh or pickled jalapeño slice; plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream); chopped fresh cilantro; lime wedges

Cheryl Malik Posted: 10/22/26 Updated: 11/04/26

What Makes This Easy Chili Recipe Different

This turkey chili is satisfying without feeling heavy! Lean ground turkey brings the high protein, while kidney beans add even more protein, plus fiber. Together with the veggies, it makes a yummy, well-rounded meal.
I love chili for a lot of reasons: it’s filling, all done in one pot, feeds a crew, but it’s also great to spread out over a week. Eat it for lunches or a quick dinner when you’ve got busy days on the agenda.
My secret ingredient? Cocoa. Just 1 teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa rounds out the tomato-and-chile flavors. You won’t taste chocolate either, just a richer, more flavorful chili.

Cheryl’s Tested Notes & Tips

I give the turkey room to brown. Use a wide, heavy pot (or Dutch Oven) and let the moisture cook off before moving on. If the turkey is crowded and steaming, brown it in batches. If you see a bit of color at the bottom of the pot, that means more flavor in your chili!
Stir constantly after adding tomato paste and seasonings. You want a darker paste and a fragrant, toasty smell. If the mixture starts catching, add a small splash of the measured-out broth and scrape the bottom.
I always keep the pot partially covered during the first simmer, then uncover it after adding the beans. If the consistency gets too thick, stir in a little extra broth to help it.

Healthy turkey chili in a black pot, showing crumbled ground turkey, red kidney beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, and celery.

Helpful Ingredient Notes

Ground turkey – I recommend using 93% lean ground turkey, which gives this chili a good balance of flavor and tenderness. If you only have ground chicken in the fridge, this makes an easy swap in the same amount.

Chili powder – I use the American-style chili powder blend here. With 4 tablespoons going into the pot, pure ground chile or cayenne could make things insanely spicy! If you prefer less heat, go for a milder blend.

Cocoa – trust me here that adding a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa adds incredible flavor depth. Don’t skip this!

Chipotle pepper in adobo – don’t overload these; you need just one pepper from the can, plus some of the adobo sauce. For less heat, use half a pepper.

Kidney beans – a classic chili ingredient, adding creamy texture and fiber. I always try to drain and rinse these well before adding them to the pot. Black beans or pinto beans are a solid substitute in the same quantity.

What Goes Well With Turkey Chili?

Lots! While you can eat it as a standalone meal with the optional toppings suggested in the recipe, combining it with sides makes the eating experience that much better!

With tasty cornbread. A classic chili pairing and great for soaking up every last bit of broth!! Check out our Instant Pot cornbread recipe.
Parker House Rolls. Hear me out! Yes, these are normally eaten at Thanksgiving, but since chili is often a fall favorite, why not make my rolls recipe?
Crispy garlic bread. This is heaven… buttery garlic bread is SO ideal for dipping into this chili. Try this Air Fryer garlic bread, which is delicious and easy!
Potatoes, done in a variety of ways. I love this with a baked potato or a sweet potato (see my Air Fryer recipe), or serve it with these oven-roasted diced potatoes.

I could list another 5 things, but my last suggestions are fresh coleslaw or a tangy black bean salad.

Bowl of healthy turkey chili topped with shredded cheddar, diced red onion, cilantro, and a creamy dollop, with tortilla chips alongside.

Storage & Make Ahead

Making it Ahead: I sometimes do chili for a potluck or PTO gathering, and prepare it a day in advance. Then, I throw it in a portable cooler like this one if I’m serving it at a different location.
Fridge: I refrigerate this for up to 5 days, and use it over the week for lunches or fast dinners. And it goes nicely with sandwiches too (my fave is grilled cheese).
Freezer: Chilis are my go-to meals to freeze for later, especially in the fall and winter! You could freeze for up to 4 months, but I use it sooner, like within a month or 2.

Recipe FAQs

Is turkey chili healthy? This turkey chili combines lean ground turkey with beans and vegetables, providing protein and fiber in a satisfying meal. Using low-sodium broth and adjusting the salt at the end gives you more control over seasoning.
Can I make it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot? For sure! For a slow cooker, brown the turkey first, then add the rest of the ingredients and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours. If using an Instant Pot, sauté the meat and aromatics, add the beans, and then pressure cook on High for 15 minutes with a quick release.