This White Bean Turkey Chili is a MUST on your fall lineup of soups! It’s an easy, zesty, healthy soup that everyone will love!

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White Bean Turkey Chili: Your Ultimate Healthy & Hearty Fall Comfort Food

As the leaves begin their magnificent transformation and a crisp coolness fills the air, there’s an undeniable shift in our culinary desires. Fall brings with it an irresistible urge for comfort, warmth, and dishes that nourish both body and soul. For many, this means a delightful return to the kitchen, where the aroma of slow-cooked stews, robust soups, and satisfying chili takes center stage. What truly captures your heart about this cozy season?

Whether it’s the vibrant foliage, the joy of pulling out your coziest sweaters, or the simple pleasure of curling up with a warm mug, fall truly offers something special for everyone. And for us, it unequivocally marks the beginning of chili season. There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chili to make a chilly evening feel perfectly complete. It’s the kind of hearty soup that brings families together, warms you from the inside out, and makes you feel truly at home.

Why This Healthy White Bean Turkey Chili is a Fall Essential

In our home, chili isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience, largely thanks to my resident chili enthusiast, Mr. Picky. His refined palate for chili has actually elevated my own, pushing me to experiment with new flavors and ingredients to create dishes that meet his exacting standards – and, of course, delight everyone else too! He often orders chili when we dine out, making him an invaluable source of inspiration for our homemade creations, always inspiring me to try a new flavor at home.

While our Spicy Black Bean Turkey Chili has long been a beloved staple for cooler months, today we’re shining the spotlight on another equally cherished recipe: our **White Bean Turkey Chili**. This version offers a lighter, yet incredibly satisfying, twist on the classic, making it a perfect addition to your fall and winter menu. It’s designed to be a healthy chili option without compromising on the rich, complex flavors you crave, proving that wholesome eating can be utterly delicious.

Unveiling the Flavor Profile: Key Ingredients for This Hearty Chili

What makes this White Bean Turkey Chili truly stand out? It’s a harmonious blend of high-quality, flavorful ingredients that come together to create a robust and deeply satisfying meal. We start with lean ground turkey, a healthier alternative to traditional ground beef, providing ample protein without the extra fat. This makes our turkey chili a fantastic choice for those looking for a wholesome and nutritious dinner option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

The star beans of this chili are creamy cannellini beans, offering a delightful texture and mild flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Unlike kidney or black beans, cannellini beans provide a subtly buttery richness that makes each spoonful incredibly comforting. They absorb the wonderful spices, adding substance and a satisfying mouthfeel to this hearty soup. But the flavor journey doesn’t stop there!

We infuse this chili with a vibrant trio of peppers: mild green chiles for a foundational savory note, earthy poblano peppers for depth, and finely chopped jalapeños for that perfect zesty kick. This combination ensures a multi-layered spice profile that’s exciting but not overwhelmingly hot, appealing to a wide range of palates. To tie it all together, we introduce a medley of warming spices like ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, and a hint of ground cinnamon. Yes, cinnamon! It’s the secret ingredient that adds an unexpected warmth and complexity, elevating the chili from good to extraordinary. Finish it off with spicy Pepper Jack cheese for an extra layer of flavor and a touch of indulgence, creating a truly unforgettable easy chili recipe.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Delicious White Bean Turkey Chili

Creating this flavorful **White Bean Turkey Chili** is simpler than you might think, making it an ideal weeknight meal or a fantastic option for meal prepping. This easy chili recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to bring this hearty dish to life in your kitchen:

**Brown the Turkey:** Begin by heating a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add your two pounds of ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat, transfer the turkey to a separate bowl, and set it aside. A quick clean of the Dutch oven ensures the next step’s flavors develop perfectly without any burnt bits.
**Sauté the Aromatics and Peppers:** In the same (now cleaned) Dutch oven, add two tablespoons of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Introduce your two cups of chopped yellow onion, two cans of chopped green chiles, one seeded and chopped poblano pepper, and one seeded and finely chopped jalapeño. Sauté these vibrant vegetables until they soften, which should take about 5 minutes, releasing their fragrant aromas and building a robust flavor base.
**Infuse with Spices:** Now for the magic! Add one tablespoon of ground cumin, two teaspoons of kosher salt, one teaspoon of chili powder, one teaspoon of dried oregano, and that intriguing quarter teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the pot. Stir well, allowing the spices to toast lightly with the vegetables for about 1 minute. This crucial step is for deepening the flavor profile of your turkey chili. Finally, stir in two minced cloves of garlic and continue to cook for just 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
**Simmer to Perfection:** Pour in five cups of low-sodium chicken broth and add the two 15.5-oz. cans of drained and rinsed cannellini beans, along with your pre-cooked ground turkey meat. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let your chili simmer for at least 30 minutes until heated through. Stir the chili often during this time to prevent sticking and to ensure all the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich and complex broth.
**Finish with Cheese and Lime:** Just before serving, stir in one cup of shredded Pepper Jack cheese and the juice from one small lime. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the chili. The fresh lime juice adds a bright, zesty finish that truly brings all the flavors into balance, cutting through the richness beautifully.

Serving Suggestions & Creative Toppings for Your Turkey Chili

A bowl of this homemade White Bean Turkey Chili is already incredibly satisfying on its own, but the right accompaniments and toppings can truly elevate the experience. For a classic pairing, serve your chili with a generous side of crunchy tortilla chips – my current obsession is sweet potato tortilla chips for an extra layer of flavor and crunch! A slice of warm, sweet honey cornbread is another perfect match, ideal for soaking up every last bit of that savory broth and adding a touch of sweetness.

Don’t be shy with the toppings! For all the cheese lovers out there, an extra sprinkle of shredded Pepper Jack, sharp cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese is practically mandatory. Other fantastic additions include a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast, freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness and color, sliced avocado for healthy fats and a smooth texture, or even a few extra lime wedges for squeezing over each serving. Get creative and customize your bowl of healthy chili to perfection – perhaps some chopped red onion or a sprinkle of hot sauce for an extra kick! Don your fuzzy slippers and cozy flannel PJs for the full fall effect, and you’ll be all set!

Tips & Variations for Making Your Best Turkey Chili

This White Bean Turkey Chili recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for adjustments to suit your dietary preferences and taste buds. Here are a few cook’s notes and ideas to help you customize your batch and make it truly your own:

**Protein Alternatives:** While I specifically chose ground turkey to keep this recipe on the healthier side, you can absolutely experiment with other proteins. Ground chicken is another lean option, or for a richer, more traditional flavor, ground beef or ground pork work beautifully. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly if needed and drain any extra fat after browning to maintain a balanced chili.
**Cheese Choices:** Pepper Jack cheese adds a fantastic spicy kick, which I adore and recommend for a zesty flavor. However, if you prefer a milder chili or a different flavor profile, feel free to substitute it with other shredded cheeses like classic sharp cheddar, creamy Monterey Jack, or even a Colby blend. All of them melt wonderfully and add a delicious richness to the finished dish. As I always say, no one ever turns down extra cheese – well, except my nephew Cody!
**Spice Level Adjustments:** If you love a serious heat, consider adding an extra jalapeño, or for even more fire, leave some of the seeds and membranes in the jalapeño when chopping. For an even bigger punch, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can be stirred in at the end. If you’re sensitive to spice, simply reduce the amount of jalapeño or omit it entirely, relying on the green chiles and chili powder for a more subtle flavor.
**Make Ahead & Storage:** This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to deepen and meld! It’s perfect for meal prepping for busy weeks. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this easy chili freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust consistency.

More Delicious Chili Recipes to Enjoy

If you’ve fallen in love with this White Bean Turkey Chili, you’re in for a treat! We have a collection of other beloved chili recipes that are just as hearty and satisfying, perfect for cozy evenings or feeding a crowd. Be sure to explore these other family favorites from our kitchen:

Spicy Black Bean Turkey Chili
Uncle John’s Chili Mac
Chili Cheese Empanadas

White Bean Turkey Chili

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 8 servings

This White Bean Turkey Chili is a MUST on your fall lineup of soups! It’s an easy, zesty, healthy soup that everyone will love!

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Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

2 lb. ground turkey
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cups yellow onion, chopped
2 4-oz. cans chopped green chilies
1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 15.5-oz. cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded, plus extra for serving
1 small lime, juiced

Instructions

In a large Dutch oven, over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and remove to a bowl. Set aside. Clean Dutch oven.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, green chiles, poblano pepper, jalapeno pepper, cumin, salt, chili powder, oregano and cinnamon and cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to cook for 1 minute.
Increase the heat to high. Add the chicken broth, cannellini beans and turkey meat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes until heated through, stirring often.
Add one cup of the shredded cheese and the lime juice and stir until the cheese is melted and well combined. Serve immediately with tortilla chips and/or cornbread and extra shredded cheese.

Notes

To keep this recipe on the healthier side, I use ground turkey meat, but I have also made it with ground beef or ground pork.
I like to add Pepper Jack cheese to give it a little more of a spicy kick, but feel free to add cheddar, Monterey jack or Colby cheese instead.
I always serve our chili with extra shredded cheese for sprinkling. No one ever turns down extra cheese. Well, except my nephew Cody.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 211 kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 62mg
Sodium: 594mg
Potassium: 572mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 245 IU
Vitamin C: 3.3mg
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 2.8mg

Keyword: Chili, white beans

Cuisine: Mexican

Course: Soup

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Updated: This post was first published here in October 2018. I decided it was worthy of a re-share, so I’ve updated the content and added some notes to the post above, ensuring it continues to inspire delicious meals for seasons to come.