White Turkey Chili is thick, hearty, and filled with satisfying ingredients like lean ground turkey, tender white beans, crisp corn, and fire-roasted green chiles.
author’s note
White Turkey Chili You’ll Crave All Season Long!
White Chicken Chili has always been a staple in my home. It’s the kind of recipe that disappears as soon as I set the pot on the table. I can’t count how many times readers have asked me for a turkey version, especially one that’s dairy-free. Challenge accepted!
I started testing this White Turkey Chili before the weather even turned chilly, determined to get it just right. Batch after batch, I played around with the spices, tested shortcuts, and tweaked the broth until it hit that reliable balance of creamy, flavorful, and satisfying.
Now, it’s officially one of my family’s go-to dinners. My kids love it, my husband requests it weekly, and It is satisfying to how straightforward it is to prep ahead or freeze for later.
Let’s Chat Ingredients
Below are notes on some of the ingredients in this White Turkey Chili:
| Ingredient | Notes & Swaps |
|---|---|
| Ground Turkey | Use turkey in a carton for better flavor and less liquid. Ground chicken also works. |
| White Beans | Cannellini or Great Northern beans are best. Mash a portion for thickness. |
| Green Enchilada Sauce | I use Old El Paso® mild, but hot versions add more kick. You can also make from-scratch. |
| Green Chiles | Fire-roasted adds smokiness without extra effort. Choose mild or hot based on spice preference. |
| Corn | Fresh, frozen, or canned all work fine. Frozen fire-roasted corn adds a great flavor boost. |
| Chicken Stock | Swanson® gives a rich base. Vegetable broth works if you want this chili completely poultry-free. |
How To Make White Turkey Chili
- Cook Turkey: Brown the ground turkey with onion and garlic until cooked through.
- Add Flavor: mix in spices, green enchilada sauce, and chicken stock.
- Beans: Blend part of the beans with broth, then stir into the pot to thicken the chili.
- Simmer: Add chiles, corn, and the rest of the beans. Simmer until everything is hot.
- Finish & Serve: Squeeze in lime juice, mix in fresh cilantro, and load up with toppings.
Make This Chili As Mild Or Spicy As You Like
The way the recipe is written, it has a little heat, but it’s not too much (my kids loved it!).
- Adding cheese or sour cream helps reduce the heat.
- For a milder chili, use mild enchilada sauce, mild green chiles, and mild chili powder.
- For a spicier chili, use medium or hot enchilada sauce, hotter green chiles, and add 1-2 tbsp of chopped jalapeños or 1/8 to 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.
Storage
Leftover White Turkey Chili?
- Fridge: Leftovers last 3-5 days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Cool completely, then fill freezer bags 3/4 full and seal without air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in a pot.
More Hearty Soup Recipes:
One Pan / One Pot
White Bean Soup Recipe
Soups And Stews
Taco Chili
Soups And Stews
Creamy Vegetable Soup
Soups And Stews
Carrot And Ginger Soup RecipeShortcuts
- It is worth fire-roasted diced green chiles for added flavor with no extra work.
- Use pre-minced garlic from the jar to save time.
- Pre-diced onions are a huge time-saver. You can find them in the produce section or grab frozen ones by the other veggies.
Toppings
White Turkey Chili is great on its own, but the toppings really make it! Here are some favorites: (If I had to pick two, it would be cheese and sour cream.)
- Cheese: Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or sharp cheddar.
- Sour cream: Regular or light.
- Avocado: Sliced or mashed into guacamole.
- Tortilla chips or strips: For crunch.
- Fresh cilantro and lime juice: Add brightness.
