Healthy Turkey Chili

Healthy Turkey Chili

February 6, 2026

Here's a healthy turkey chili recipe that can be made in under 35 minutes for a delicious weeknight meal! This ground turkey chili will leave you feeling full and satisfied without the guilt.

Normally when I think about chili I think of a slow weekend meal where the chili simmers on the stove or in the slow cooker all day, but in real life sometimes a girl is craving chili and needs a quicker solution. Enter this dreamy Healthy Turkey Chili. The whole thing is ready in about 30 minutes but you would never know it from the deep flavor. It tastes like a chili that spent all day on the stove.

What’s the main difference that makes this chili option a bit healthier? Ground turkey! Making this lean ground turkey chili in place of the usual higher-fat ground beef does not change the flavor or texture in my opinion. Since most chili is made with higher-fat ground beef, this is just a lower-fat, lower-calorie chili option that still tastes amazing. 

Healthy Turkey Chili

Recipe by: Kristen McCaffrey of Slender Kitchen
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 red pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
  • 2 tbsp canned chipotle pepper in adobo, diced
  • 1 lb. 99% lean ground turkey
  • 1.5 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp. oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 14 oz. canned diced tomatoes (not drained)
  • 1.5 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper
  • 14 oz. canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained

Directions

  1. Heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion, garlic, red pepper, celery, and jalapeno. Cook for 5-8 minutes until onions are beginning to become translucent.
  2. Add the turkey, chipotle peppers, chili powder, oregano, cumin, and bay leaf. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the turkey, until it is browned.
  3. Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, and beans. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Serve with fresh lime juice, baked tortilla chips, sour cream/Greek yogurt, avocado, cilantro, or cheese.

Nutritional Info (1 Cup)

Calories 295; Carbohydrates 26 grams; Fat 6 grams; Protein 36 grams

Kristen McCaffrey makes a variety of healthy and delicious recipes that she shares on her website, SlenderKitchen.com.

Healthy Turkey Chili
Kristen Mccaffrey

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristen McCaffrey makes a variety of healthy and delicious recipes that she shares on her website, SlenderKitchen.com. Before diving into the world of healthy cooking, she struggled to lose weight, eat well, and find a healthy balance in her life. She has always been in love with food and enjoys healthy recipe development. Kristen is passionate about cooking and creating delicious recipes that encourage other people to eat healthy. See more recipes from Kristen!
Recipe Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated and may vary depending on the brands and quantities of ingredients used. If you have food allergies, dietary restrictions, or follow a specific nutrition plan, please review the ingredient list before consuming. All information on ObesityHelp.com is provided for general informational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a qualified medical professional. Please contact your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns related to your nutrition.