The Best Award Winning Turkey Chili Recipe That Wows Every Time

Crafting an exceptional turkey chili demands creativity and passion that will leave dinner guests begging for seconds.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this remarkable dish, creating layers of robust flavor.

Spices dance across tender meat, promising a comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Home cooks appreciate how simple techniques can produce restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Each carefully selected component contributes to a symphony of taste that surprises and delights.

Bold seasonings and lean protein make this chili a nutritious powerhouse perfect for weeknight dinners.

Scoop up a bowl and let the magic of this recipe transform your evening meal into an unforgettable culinary experience.

What Makes Award Winning Turkey Chili Stand Out

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with lean ground turkey and protein-rich beans, this chili delivers a powerhouse of healthy ingredients that support muscle growth and sustained energy.
• Customize with Ease: Swap toppings or adjust spices to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different palates and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Comes together in less than an hour, perfect for busy families wanting a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Offers a warm, rich flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming a simple dinner into a delightful gathering moment.

Ingredients for Award Winning Turkey Chili

• Ground Turkey: Lean meat that provides a healthy protein foundation for the chili.
• Kidney Beans, Black Beans: Hearty legumes that add texture and additional protein to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that create a robust and savory base for the chili.
• Green Chiles: Adds a mild heat and fresh vegetable complexity to the recipe.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy liquid base that helps create the chili's signature sauce.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Black Pepper, Salt, Garlic Powder: Spice blend that delivers traditional chili flavor and depth.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the spices and tomato acidity.

• Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese, Green Onions: Fresh garnishes that add extra flavor and visual appeal to the finished chili.

How to Prepare Award Winning Turkey Chili

Step 1: Brown The Turkey

In a spacious pot, sizzle ground turkey over medium heat until it transforms into a beautiful golden brown color.

Toss in minced garlic and diced onion, stirring and cooking until the onions become translucent and soft.

Step 2: Create The Flavor Base

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Green chiles
• Kidney beans
• Black beans

Stir everything together to create a rich, hearty mixture.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Brown sugar

Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly throughout the chili.

Step 4: Simmer And Develop

Bring the chili to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Let it simmer gently for 30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 5: Garnish And Serve

Ladle the steaming hot chili into bowls.

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Sliced green onions

Enjoy this comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Pro Tips for Award Winning Turkey Chili

• Use lean ground turkey for a healthier protein source that's lower in fat compared to traditional beef chili.
• Toast the spices in the pot for 30-60 seconds before adding liquids to enhance their depth and release more intense flavors.
• Mix kidney and black beans for a more complex texture and nutritional profile, adding extra fiber and protein to the dish.
• Let the chili cook slowly for at least 30 minutes to allow spices to fully blend and develop a rich, complex taste that tastes even better the next day.
• This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent meal prep option for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

Variations on Award Winning Turkey Chili

• Vegetarian Chili Swap: Replace ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or diced firm tofu for a meat-free protein option.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add diced jalapeños, use chipotle chili powder, and include a dash of smoked paprika for an extra kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chili: Substitute beans with riced cauliflower and use more ground turkey to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Slow Cooker Version: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to develop deeply.

Serving Suggestions for Turkey Chili

• Fresh Taco Twist: Serve the chili over crispy tortilla chips for a fun, crunchy nacho-style meal that brings extra texture and excitement.
• Hearty Bowl Companion: Pair with warm cornbread or fluffy white rice to create a complete, satisfying dinner that fills hungry bellies and warms hearts.
• Garnish Galore: Top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of greek yogurt to add bright, creamy layers of flavor that enhance the chili's rich profile.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining chili into stuffed peppers or a delicious topping for baked potatoes, making one meal stretch into multiple delicious experiences.

How to Store Award Winning Turkey Chili

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even warming and prevent hot spots.
• Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and steaming.

FAQs

• Why use ground turkey instead of beef?

Ground turkey is leaner, lower in calories, and provides a healthier protein option while still maintaining great flavor and texture in chili.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes, add jalapeños, increase chili powder, or include cayenne pepper to boost the heat level according to your spice preference.

• Is this chili recipe gluten-free?

The recipe appears naturally gluten-free, but always check individual ingredient labels to confirm, especially for canned beans and tomato sauce.

• How nutritious is this turkey chili?

This chili is protein-packed, high in fiber from beans, low in fat, and contains vitamins from tomatoes and vegetables, making it a balanced and nutritious meal.

Award Winning Turkey Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy and hearty, our award-winning turkey chili recipe delivers comfort in every savory spoonful. Packed with robust flavors and lean protein, this chili promises a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground turkey

Beans:

• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can kidney beans, drained, rinsed
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can black beans, drained, rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (7 ounces/198 grams) can diced green chiles

Tomato Base:

• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1–2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Toppings:

• sour cream
• shredded cheese
• sliced green onion

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Instructions

1. Sauté ground turkey in a large pot over medium heat (375°F) until it turns golden brown and loses its pink color, approximately 7-8 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and diced onions to the browned turkey, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and green chiles, stirring to combine with the meat mixture.
4. Incorporate kidney beans and black beans into the pot, mixing thoroughly to distribute evenly.
5. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and brown sugar over the mixture, stirring to ensure all ingredients are well-seasoned.
6. Increase heat to bring the chili to a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
7. Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and help flavors meld together.
8. Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 5 minutes to further develop its rich, complex taste.
9. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a scattering of sliced green onions.

Notes

• Ensure turkey is fully cooked and crumbled to avoid large chunks, which can make the chili texture uneven.
• Brown sugar helps balance the acidity of tomatoes and adds a subtle depth to the overall flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free version, double-check that all canned ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles to create a vegetarian alternative without compromising taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg