White bean turkey chili is hearty, healthy and very comforting. It combines lean turkey, creamy white beans and spices. This chili tastes rich and warms you from the inside.
Many people love it for lunch or dinner. It is easy to make at home with simple ingredients. This White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe is perfect for beginners.
If you want to learn how to make white bean turkey chili, this guide shows step-by-step instructions and the best ingredients for white bean turkey chili.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made this chili on a chilly evening. I wanted a meal that was filling and healthy. The turkey made it lean, but still tasty. The white beans added creaminess without using cream.
The spices made it flavorful but not too hot. My family loved it instantly and asked for seconds. Since then, I make it often in winter. It always feels homemade, warm and satisfying. This recipe is also great for meal prep.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: White Bean Turkey Chili
- Servings: 4–6 bowls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving

Equipment List
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients You Need for White Bean Turkey Chili
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat Olive Oil
Place a large pot on medium heat. Add olive oil. Let it warm before adding vegetables.
2. Cook Onion and Garlic
Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant. Stir often to prevent burning.
3. Brown the Turkey
Add ground turkey to the pot. Break it into small pieces. Cook until no pink remains.
4. Add Spices
Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and black pepper. Stir well to coat the turkey evenly.
5. Add Tomatoes
Pour in diced tomatoes. Stir into the turkey mixture. Let it cook for two minutes.
6. Add White Beans
Add drained white beans. Mix gently. These make the chili creamy and filling.
7. Pour in Broth
Add chicken broth. Stir everything together. Bring chili to a gentle simmer.
8. Simmer the Chili
Lower heat and cover the pot. Let chili simmer for twenty minutes. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
9. Taste and Adjust
Taste the chili. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Add extra chili powder for more heat.
10. Serve Hot
Ladle chili into bowls. Garnish with parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Use lean turkey for a healthier chili.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Use low-sodium broth for better control.
- Make ahead and refrigerate; flavor improves next day.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot for the best taste. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs.
It works great for lunch or dinner. You can also serve it over brown rice for a hearty meal. This chili is filling, healthy, and comforting.
Best Sides To Serve With
Crusty bread or cornbread pairs well with this chili. Simple green salad adds freshness. Roasted vegetables make it a complete meal. Tortilla chips are also a fun option. Keep sides simple to balance the rich chili flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low heat.
Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Chili can also be frozen for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.

White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cans 15 oz each white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Heat Olive Oil
- Place a large pot on medium heat. Add olive oil. Let it warm before adding vegetables.
Cook Onion and Garlic
- Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant. Stir often to prevent burning.
Brown the Turkey
- Add ground turkey to the pot. Break it into small pieces. Cook until no pink remains.
Add Spices
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the turkey evenly.
Add Tomatoes
- Pour in diced tomatoes. Stir into the turkey mixture. Let it cook for two minutes.
Add White Beans
- Add drained white beans. Mix gently. These make the chili creamy and filling.
Pour in Broth
- Add chicken broth. Stir everything together. Bring chili to a gentle simmer.
Simmer the Chili
- Lower heat and cover the pot. Let chili simmer for twenty minutes. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the chili. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Add extra chili powder for more heat.
Serve Hot
- Ladle chili into bowls. Garnish with parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Use lean turkey for a healthier chili.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Use low-sodium broth for better control.
- Make ahead and refrigerate; flavor improves next day.
FAQs About White Bean Turkey Chili
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well. Cook it the same way. Flavor and texture remain similar.
Can I make white bean turkey chili spicy?
Yes, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust according to taste preference.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge. Flavor improves after a day. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I use canned beans instead of cooking from scratch?
Yes, canned beans save time. Drain and rinse them well before adding to chili.
How do I make chili thicker?
Simmer longer without lid. Mash a few beans to thicken naturally.
Conclusion
This White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe is healthy, filling and easy to make. It uses simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Now you know how to make white bean turkey chili at home. The flavors are comforting and satisfying. Perfect for family meals, meal prep or cozy nights.
Try it once and it will become a favorite recipe. This chili is a delicious way to enjoy lean protein and beans.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.


















Leave a Review