White Bean Turkey Chili Verde is the perfect comforting dish for any occasion. This quick and flavorful recipe combines the richness of turkey, the creaminess of white beans, and the zesty kick of salsa verde. It’s a healthy, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Packed with protein, fiber, and delicious Mexican flavors, this chili will soon become your go-to recipe.
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Why White Bean Turkey Chili Verde Is a Must-Try
White Bean Turkey Chili Verde stands out among chili recipes thanks to its distinct flavor profile. Unlike traditional tomato-based chili, this version uses tangy salsa verde as the base, offering a delightful twist. It’s incredibly easy to make, taking only 20 minutes of prep time and requiring minimal cooking skills. Whether you’re cooking for a small family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is adaptable and guaranteed to please everyone.
Plus, it’s a great choice for those seeking a lighter chili option, as it’s made with lean turkey and fiber-rich white beans. The recipe is also freezer-friendly, making it a great make-ahead meal.
Ingredients
To make this delicious White Bean Turkey Chili Verde, you’ll need the following ingredients:
• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that forms the base of the chili.
• White Beans (Great Northern or Cannellini): Adds creaminess and fiber.
• Salsa Verde: The star ingredient, giving the chili its tangy, bright flavor.
• Onion: Offers a savory depth to the dish.
• Garlic: Adds fragrance and flavor.
• Bell Pepper: Sweet and crunchy texture.
• Jalapeño: Adds a touch of heat.
• Ground Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that complements the salsa verde.
• Ground Coriander: Lends a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor.
• Oregano: Earthy herb that enhances the overall taste.
• Kosher Salt: Seasoning to bring out the flavors of the chili.
• Chicken Broth: Provides the base liquid for the chili.
• Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle aromatic flavor to the chili.
• Green Chilies: Mild or hot, depending on your preference.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing any of the ingredients or want to adapt the recipe to specific dietary needs, here are some swaps:
• Ground Turkey: For a richer, more flavorful chili, you can use ground beef or chicken. If you want a vegetarian option, try using plant-based ground meat or tofu for a meat-free version.
• Salsa Verde: If you can’t find salsa verde, canned tomatillos make a great substitute. You can also blend fresh tomatillos with lime juice and cilantro for a homemade version.
• Jalapeño: For a milder chili, leave out the jalapeño or use a mild green chili instead.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5 minutes until browned, then transfer the turkey to a bowl and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add the Spices: Stir in the cumin, coriander, oregano, and salt, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release the spices’ flavors.
- Simmer the Chili: Return the cooked turkey to the pot. Add the salsa verde, canned green chilies, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook uncovered for 45 minutes.
- Add the Beans: Stir in the white beans and let the chili simmer for another 20 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Optional toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, cilantro, or lime wedges.
Tips & Tricks
To make your White Bean Turkey Chili Verde even more delicious, here are some helpful tips:
• Check the Texture: The chili should have a thick, hearty consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce.
• Add More Heat: If you like your chili spicier, add an extra jalapeño or some hot sauce when simmering.
• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just reheat when ready to serve.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
White Bean Turkey Chili Verde pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:
• Cornbread: Serve with a slice of warm cornbread for a classic chili meal.
• Rice: A side of steamed white or brown rice is a great addition.
• Salad: Try pairing with a crisp green salad, like a shredded kale salad, for a refreshing contrast to the rich chili.
For a variation, you can make a spicier version by adding more jalapeños or substituting some of the mild green chilies with a hotter variety. If you’re gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy it without worrying about cross-contamination.
Conclusion
White Bean Turkey Chili Verde is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of lean turkey, creamy white beans, and tangy salsa verde makes it a standout recipe in any chili collection. With its simplicity and bold flavors, this chili can quickly become your go-to weeknight meal or the highlight of your next gathering. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making a cozy dinner for yourself, White Bean Turkey Chili Verde delivers on both taste and convenience. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings for an extra touch of flavor!
FAQ
1. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily swap ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. If you prefer a richer, more robust flavor, ground beef will work perfectly. However, keep in mind that ground beef may make the chili slightly higher in fat content compared to turkey.
2. What type of salsa verde should I use?
For the best flavor, choose a salsa verde where tomatillos are listed as the first or second ingredient. You can find mild, medium, or hot salsa verde depending on your heat preference. If you can’t find salsa verde, you can substitute it with canned tomatillos, and adjust the heat level with extra jalapeños or green chilies.
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this chili vegetarian by replacing the ground turkey with plant-based ground meat or tofu. The rest of the recipe can stay the same, and it will still be delicious and hearty, with the same great salsa verde base.
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White Bean Turkey Chili Verde
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
White Bean Turkey Chili Verde is a healthy, hearty, and easy-to-make chili recipe made with lean ground turkey, creamy white beans, and tangy salsa verde. This flavorful chili is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds ground turkey (dark or white meat or a combination)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (2 cups)
- 3–4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped (2 tablespoons)
- 1 yellow, red, or green bell pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 24 ounces of store-bought salsa verde
- 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles (mild or hot, depending on your taste)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 15-ounce cans of white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), drained
- Optional Toppings: Chopped cilantro, chopped red onions or sliced scallions, grated cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack), sour cream or plain yogurt, sliced avocado, lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add turkey, season with a pinch or two of salt, and cook, using a heavy wooden spoon to stir and break up any lumps, until turkey loses its pink color, about 5 minutes. Transfer turkey and any juices to a bowl and return the pot to heat.
- Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat and sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño, stirring often, until tender and starting to brown, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add spices – cumin, coriander, oregano, and salt – and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
- Return turkey to the pot and add the bay leaf, salsa verde, canned chiles, and broth. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook gently, uncovered, for 45 minutes.
- Stir in beans and simmer gently for 20 minutes more.
- Serve the chili in bowls and top with cilantro, onions, cheese, avocado, and/or sour cream. Alternatively, serve toppings on the side.
Notes
- Use ground beef or plant-based meat as an alternative to ground turkey.
- For a spicier chili, add extra jalapeños or hot green chilies.
- If salsa verde is unavailable, you can substitute it with canned tomatillos or a homemade salsa verde mix.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Chili
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
