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Made with turkey, tender white beans, corn, and the perfect blend of spices this White Turkey Chili recipe is hearty and flavorful. Ready in just 30 minutes, this white bean turkey chili is the ultimate comfort food. A great way to use up leftover turkey!
Why You’ll Love This White Turkey Chili
When the temperature drops, there are few things more comforting than a steamy bowl of hot chili. While I usually fall back on what I think it the best chili recipe ever, this white bean turkey chili has become a new favorite. Here’s why:
- Great way to use up leftover turkey. This easy chili recipe will warm you up any day of the year. But it’s especially good right after Thanksgiving because it comes together quickly using leftover turkey.
- Quick and easy. Since you’re starting with cooked turkey, this white turkey chili recipe comes together in just 30 minutes – just long enough for everything to heat through and the flavors to meld.
- Family friendly. One thing I love about white turkey chili is that it appeals to even those who aren’t big fans of traditional beef chili. It’s cozy and comforting and there is some warmth to the flavor but it’s not spicy. (Though you could make it so, if you desired!)
Looking for more cozy recipes? Try my chicken and orzo soup, Instant Pot white chicken chili, and slow cooker turkey chili recipes too!
Recipe Ingredients
Here’s an overview of what you’ll need to make this white bean turkey chili. See the recipe card below for measurements.
- Cooked turkey – Shredded or diced, depending on your preference. You can also use chicken.
- Turkey or chicken stock – This tastes extra rich and flavorful if you made homemade turkey stock with the carcass after Thanksgiving dinner. But you can always used a box of chicken broth.
- Spices – A simple blend of cumin, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, bay leaf, salt, and pepper make it perfectly flavorful and smoky with a hint of spice. If you want to kick up the heat, you can add more cayenne.
- Frozen corn – If you have leftover fresh corn or even canned corn, that will work fine too. Just be sure to rinse drain the liquid from the can.
- Canned navy beans – Make sure these are drained and rinsed well. Other white beans like cannellini or Great Northern beans can be substituted.
- Cornstarch slurry – A mixture of equal parts cornstarch and water helps thicken the chili, but it still naturally gluten free.
To make this chili, you’ll need a 6- to 8-quart stock pot, preferable a heavy-bottomed one to ensure even heat distribution, especially if you’d like to let this simmer longer. I especially like enameled cast iron for recipes like this or Chicken Corn Chowder for both that even cooking and because the soup or chili doesn’t stick.
A Le Creuset Dutch Oven is a fantastic investment because it will last forever. But you can get great results from a Lodge Dutch Oven at a lower price point.
How to Make White Turkey Chili
This easy white turkey chili recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. While this is definitely a quick chili recipe, you can always feel free to simmer it longer to really let the flavors develop. See the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Combine the ingredients. Add the turkey, stock, spices, corn, and beans to a stockpot.
- Simmer. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
- Thicken. Whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add to the chili, stirring constantly. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken.
- Enjoy. Ladle into bowls and enjoy with your favorite toppings!
Topping Ideas
The ability to customize each bowl with your favorite toppings is one of my favorite things about chili and this white bean turkey chili is no exception. Here are a few ideas:
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Chopped cilantro
- Minced red onion
Make it a Meal
A hearty bowl of white turkey chili can be a meal on its own, but you might also want to serve it with one of these simple side dishes:
- Pepper Jack Cauliflower Tots
- Gluten Free Cornbread
- Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing
- Cranberry Balsamic Cauliflower Wings
Instead of a bowl, you can also spoon it on top of one of these:
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Fridge. White turkey chili can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Just allow it to cool then transfer to an airtight container.
- Freezer. This chili also freezes well. Let cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy duty freezer storage bag. For the best flavor, enjoy within two months.
- Reheat. Reheat gently on the stove, or even keep it warm in a slow cooker. If needed, stir in some extra chicken broth to thin it out.
More Chili Recipes To Try
- Slow Cooker Aloha Chili
- Quick Easy Chipotle Turkey Chili
- Pineapple Black Bean Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
- Cauliflower Quinoa Vegan Chili
White Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 3 cups diced or shredded cooked turkey
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch of cayenne , or to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
- two 15 oz. cans of navy beans , drained and rinsed well
- 4 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 Tablespoons water
Instructions
- In a large stockpot or dutch oven add the turkey, stock, cumin, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, bay leaf, salt, pepper, corn, and beans.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- In a small bowl whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the chili while stirring constantly.
- Simmer an additional 5 minutes or until thickened.
- Serve and top with your favorite toppings such as tomatoes, sour cream, cilantro, and diced avocado.
Did you make this?
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