Thick & Healthy Turkey Chili is a healthy, hearty chili made with lean turkey, kidney beans, corn, and bell pepper. It's loaded with protein and fiber without sacrificing any flavor. This heart-healthy dinner can be made on a weeknight in under an hour and yields plenty of leftovers.
In a 5 quart dutch oven or large pot, heat olive oil on medium heat. Add bell pepper and onion and cook until the onion is fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
1 onion, 1 red or green bell pepper, 2 tablespoon olive oil
Add turkey breast and break apart the meat into crumbly pieces. Allow the turkey to cook until it is no longer pink. Stir in garlic and soy sauce, and simmer for 3 more minutes.
Add tomatoes, water, corn, kidney beans, chiles, bay leaf, cumin, chili flakes, and salt. Stir the ingredients until well-mixed.
2 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes with juices, 1 cup water, 1 15 oz can whole kernel corn, 2 15 oz cans kidney beans, 1 can 4 oz can diced green chiles, 1 bay leaf, 4 teaspoon ground cumin, 2 teaspoon chili flakes, 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Cover the pot and turn the heat down to low-medium. Allow the chili to simmer for 25 minutes.
While the chili is simmering, bake the Crunchy Garlic Tortilla Strips by slicing the corn tortillas into thirds, then cutting each third into strips. Next, in a mixing bowl, toss the tortilla strips with vegetable oil, garlic powder, and salt to taste until evenly coated. Once coated, place the tortilla strips on a baking sheet and cook in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving with chili.
4 corn tortillas, 2 tablespoon vegetable oil, 2 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
While the chili is simmering, make the homemade Greek Yogurt by using a food processor to pulse and blend Greek yogurt, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, lemon juice, green onions, and water until creamy and well mixed, about 30 seconds.
Greek yogurt, Diced green onions
Once the chili is cooked, let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken. Serve in bowls and garnish with Crunchy Garlic Tortilla Strips, cheese, Greek yogurt, red onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
1 onion, Cojita or shredded cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, Cilantro, Lime wedges, Diced red onion
Notes
Cooking Tips
To make Healthy Turkey Chili spicier, add another can of diced green chiles or more chili flakes.
To make this recipe vegan, substitute turkey with an additional can of kidney beans.
Store in an air-tight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pot on medium heat and stir occasionally.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an air-tight container for up to 4 days. You can store the chili in smaller containers for meal prep. To reheat, transfer leftovers into a pot. Heat the chili over low-medium heat and occasionally stir.