White Bean Turkey Chili: Gluten-Free, 30 Minutes - Healthy Hearty Recipes (2024)

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This gluten- free white bean turkey chili is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey, and a simple recipe to make a healthy weeknight dinner. It cooks on the stovetop in one pot in 30 minutes, and reheats well if you’re making it for meal prep. There’s very little prep work involved, so everything comes together quickly!

White Bean Turkey Chili: Gluten-Free, 30 Minutes - Healthy Hearty Recipes (1)

White Bean Turkey Chili Ingredients

Aside from the common pantry spices used in chili, there really aren’t any complicated or prep-heavy ingredients in this recipe. You’ll need shredded turkey, broth, and greek yogurt.

For the vegetables and beans, this chili recipe uses canned green chiles, canned corn, and canned white beans or cannellini beans. The only prep work needed is dicing an onion and chopping up some cilantro.

White Bean Turkey Chili: Gluten-Free, 30 Minutes - Healthy Hearty Recipes (2)

This really is a dump-and-go type of recipe which is why I love utilizing canned items for quick yet healthy dinners, especially soups and chilis. All of these ingredients are easily found in major grocery stores, or from online discount retailers like Thrive Market.

Using Chicken Instead of Turkey

You can absolutely substitute shredded chicken instead of shredded turkey in this chili recipe. This white bean turkey chili is my go-to for leftover Thanksgiving turkey, but it can be enjoyed year round by simply swapping the shredded turkey for chicken.

White Bean Turkey Chili: Gluten-Free, 30 Minutes - Healthy Hearty Recipes (3)

If you don’t have chicken breast on hand, you can easily poach it while you prepare the rest of the ingredients and get the chili started. Or you can place two chicken breasts on a sheet pan, spray with a bit of oil, lightly season with salt and pepper and bake them for 30 minutes on 350 degrees F., and then shred them to add to the chili.

How to Cook White Bean Turkey Chili on the Stovetop

This stovetop turkey chili recipe doesn’t get easier to make. You’ll need a large stock pot or dutch oven, enameled cast iron being my go-to. Add your olive oil, onion and garlic to the bottom of the pot over medium-high heat and then you’ll sauté it for a few minutes until the onions have become translucent.

White Bean Turkey Chili: Gluten-Free, 30 Minutes - Healthy Hearty Recipes (4)

Then you’ll add in the chopped cilantro and give it another minute to sauté while you mix it in together with the onion and garlic. Next, all of the remaining ingredients except for the greek yogurt will get added into the stock pot.

The broth is then poured over the canned vegetables and beans, turkey and spices and you’ll want to stir to combine everything together well. You will bring your chili to a simmer and then reduce the heat a bit. The pot then is covered while you let the chili cook for about 25 minutes.

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After the 25 minutes is up, take a potato masher and mash the beans in the chili about 3 to 4 times. This helps thicken the soup naturally. You don’t want to do it anymore than a few times because we still want there to be whole beans in the chili.

The final step is to stir in the greek yogurt, and you’ll do this until it’s all combined into the chili. Give it a taste and add any additional spices, salt or pepper to your preference.

White Bean Turkey Chili: Gluten-Free, 30 Minutes - Healthy Hearty Recipes (6)

Serving and Storing Your Turkey Chili

Topping the chili is the best part! You can really make it your own, and use up things you have on hand. Options for topping the white bean chili include chips, crackers, additional chopped cilantro, diced or sliced avocado, shredded cheese, jalapeños, or onions.

This turkey chili reheats really well in the microwave, but because of the dairy, you do need to give it a few good stirs to reincorporate everything together. Make sure to let the chili cool completely, and then store the chili in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

White Bean Turkey Chili: Gluten-Free, 30 Minutes - Healthy Hearty Recipes (7)

Other Chili Recipes You’ll Love:

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

3 Bean Vegetarian Chili

Slow Cooker Hamburger Vegetable Stew

Spicy Sausage Gnocchi Stew

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White Bean Turkey Chili

This gluten- free white bean turkey chili is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey, and a simple recipe to make a healthy weeknight dinner. It cooks on the stovetop in one pot in 30 minutes, and reheats well if you’re making it for meal prep. There’s very little prep work involved, so everything comes together quickly!

  • Author: Bailey
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 35
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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White Bean Turkey Chili: Gluten-Free, 30 Minutes - Healthy Hearty Recipes (8)

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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro
  • 34 cups shredded turkey
  • 3 (14 oz) cans cannellini beans or white northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can corn
  • 2 (4.5 oz) cans diced green chiles
  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 tablespoon cumin
  • 1/2 tablespoon oregano
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: cilantro, avocado, shredded cheese, jalapeños, green onion

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large stock pot over medium heat and add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the chopped cilantro and mix in with the onion, stirring for about 1 more minute
  2. Add in all of the remaining ingredients, except for the Greek yogurt, and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low and cover
  3. Cook for 25 minutes. Then use a potato masher 3-4 times to lightly mash some of the beans in the pot (this thickens the soup)
  4. Let simmer for 5 additional minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt
  5. Ladle into bowls, garnish with optional toppings

Notes

  • Can use shredded chicken breast instead, frozen corn can be used in place of canned, sour cream can be used in place of Greek yogurt

  • You can add an additional cup of water or broth for a thinner soup if you’d like

Keywords: chili, white bean turkey chili, turkey recipes, gluten-free recipes, soup

White Bean Turkey Chili: Gluten-Free, 30 Minutes - Healthy Hearty Recipes (9)
White Bean Turkey Chili: Gluten-Free, 30 Minutes - Healthy Hearty Recipes (10)
White Bean Turkey Chili: Gluten-Free, 30 Minutes - Healthy Hearty Recipes (11)

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White Bean Turkey Chili: Gluten-Free, 30 Minutes - Healthy Hearty Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to chili to make it healthier? ›

Stir in Some Beans

Instead, use beans in your healthy chili to add fiber and stretch your dish healthfully and inexpensively. You can use one type of beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, or mix several types for a variety.

How do you thicken white bean chili? ›

Use All-Purpose Flour or Cornstarch

"Transfer some warm liquid [from the chili] to a separate bowl. Whisk in the flour or cornstarch, then slowly stir it back in the pot," advises Wofford. Bring the mixture back to a boil, which will "activate" the ingredient, instantly thickening the dish.

How do you thicken gluten free chili? ›

If cornstarch is not readily available, you can also use all-purpose flour and water or gluten-free flour to thicken the chili. However, if you go with this alternative, remember to double the amount of water. Flour or cornstarch work really well. Baking powder is another handy option to thicken your chili.

Is turkey chili healthier than beef chili? ›

Ground turkey, when compared to ground beef, has lower levels of saturated fat—making it a better choice for heart health—and is lower in calories. Lentils are well-known to vegetarians and are a solid option for adding texture, protein, and deliciousness to chili; plus, they're good for you.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

Elevate with Extra Flavor

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Cook it long enough

Chili recipes need time for flavors to meld and come together, and collagen-rich meat (like chuck roast or ground beef) needs 90 minutes to two hours to fully break down and become tender. If you don't have time for a long simmer, try using a slow cooker or making it the day before.

What liquid to add to chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

What is a thickening agent for white chili? ›

Mix in a scoop of cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or oats.

For 1 tablespoon of flour, use 2 tablespoons of water. No slurry is required for the absorbent oats; simply stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons. In all cases, allow the chili to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes more, and you should notice it thicken up.

Is it better to use cornstarch or flour to thicken chili? ›

Adding flour directly into the chili will create lumps. Instead, make a slurry by mixing one tablespoon of cold water with one tablespoon of cornstarch. If you're using all-purpose flour, double the amount of water. Stir in the cornstarch slurry, evenly distributing it throughout the chili.

What is the best gluten-free thickener? ›

White Rice Flour: An all-purpose flour for breading and thickening. Sweet Rice Flour (Mochiko): Thickens gravy and sauces, and is used to make noodles. Tapioca Flour (Tapioca Starch): Use it to thicken sauces, as you would starch. Xanthan Gum: Include in gluten-free flour mix to help your baked goods stick together.

What can you use instead of flour in chili? ›

Cornmeal is one of our go-to thickening agents for chili. Unlike all-purpose flour, this Southern pantry staple adds a subtle earthy flavor to the chili in addition to thickening it up. You can use white or yellow cornmeal that is fine to medium-grain.

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Chili should be thick and hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but sometimes there's just a bit more liquid than you want in the pot. While you can simply keep simmering the chili, that method risks overcooking softer ingredients like the beans, losing all your nice texture to mushy monotony.

What ground meat is the healthiest? ›

The Bottom Line

If you're eating for a healthy heart, lean ground turkey—which is lower in saturated fat—is the better pick for you. Of course, you can still enjoy ground beef from time to time, but choosing lean ground turkey more often will help your heart in the long run.

What are the healthiest beans for chili? ›

Kidney beans are commonly used in popular recipes like chili and rice dishes. These slightly sweet, soft beans are loaded with nutrients such as fiber, folate, protein, magnesium, manganese, and potassium.

Which chili is the healthiest? ›

Best: Eden Black Bean and Quinoa Chili

Additionally, it is a lower-calorie option with a low fat content, allowing you to incorporate your favorite toppings to create a balanced meal. Top your chili with avocado or shredded cheese for a boost of fat, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a little extra protein.

Can homemade chili be healthy? ›

In general, chili is seen as a healthy food since chili contains ingredients from key food groups. If you want to build a healthier bowl of beef chili, choose lean ground beef. Reducing the fat content in the meat is important for heart health and can lower your risk of developing diabetes.

What else should I put in my chili? ›

Stir in tomato sauce, kidney beans, and stewed tomatoes with juice. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add water. Season with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

What can I add to canned chili to make it better? ›

"Adding fresh ingredients — like diced onions, cilantro, and jalapenos — will take any canned chili to another level," Dunleavy said. "The fresh burst of flavor will brighten and elevate the chili while also adding great texture and crunch."

How can I reduce the effects of chili on my body? ›

Starchy foods like bread and albumin proteins in eggs can also help prevent capsaicin from binding with nerve receptors. Serve chile-loaded food with a starch side, like rice, boiled potatoes, or bread; some recipes might also benefit from adding these ingredients, like chunks of boiled potatoes in a spicy curry.

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