QUICK White Turkey Chili Recipe (spicy or mild) - Delicious Little Bites (2024)

White Turkey Chili is a really quick and easy, hearty recipe that is just loaded with flavor. It’s a great way to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. The instructions include both spicy and mild variations.

QUICK White Turkey Chili Recipe (spicy or mild) - Delicious Little Bites (1)

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White Chicken Chili has been on my to-make list for so long, and when I finally got around to making it, it turned into a White Turkey Chili. Ah well, I’ll get around to that chicken chili someday, but for now, I am loving this turkey version.

This is considered a white chili because it uses a milk-base rather than tomato, like in this other recipe of mine for Instant Pot Turkey Chili. It’s not actually white though. This is due to the added chili powder and cumin.

White Turkey Chili tastes great on its own, but also pairs will with breads like Rosemary Focaccia for soaking up all the extra liquid. It’s definitely healthy comfort food at it’s best!

Why This Recipe Works

This is an incredibly easy recipe that takes less than 30 minutes, but tastes as if you spent hours upon hours making it.

It’s a great way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey. You can use a roasted, grilled, or smoked turkey. If you don’t have leftover turkey, you can quickly cook turkey chops or tenderloins instead.

This recipe uses ingredients like kale, shallot, garlic, white beans to keep it light and healthy yet comforting and hearty. Whole milk is added to make it creamy. There are approximately 285 calories per serving and only 9 grams of fat.

This recipe can be made spicy or mild to keep it more family and kid-friendly.

How to Make White Turkey Chili (spicy or mild)

What You Need To Make This Recipe

QUICK White Turkey Chili Recipe (spicy or mild) - Delicious Little Bites (2)

To make this recipe, you will need:

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 shallot (finely diced)
  • 1 jalapeno pepper (finely diced, optional)
  • 1/4 cup loosely packed cilantro
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (can add more later, if needed)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 4 cups kale (roughly chopped)
  • 2 cups turkey (cooked and shredded)
  • 1 15 ounce can cannellini beans (drained)
  • 1 cup vegetable stock
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Prep!

If you are not using leftover turkey, you will need to cook and shred your turkey first.

Mince the garlic, and finely dice the shallot, and jalapeno. Roughly chop the kale and cilantro. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and set aside.

Create!

QUICK White Turkey Chili Recipe (spicy or mild) - Delicious Little Bites (3)

Add the olive oil to a stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Once the oil is hot, add the garlic, shallot, jalapeno (if using), cilantro leaves, salt, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender.

QUICK White Turkey Chili Recipe (spicy or mild) - Delicious Little Bites (4)

Add the kale and cook another 2-3 minutes until it is just starting to wilt.

QUICK White Turkey Chili Recipe (spicy or mild) - Delicious Little Bites (5)

Stir in the turkey, cannellini beans, vegetable stock, milk, and cornstarch slurry. Raise the heat to simmer and cook 3-4 minutes until the liquid starts to thicken.

Taste and season with salt and pepper, as needed.

Present!

QUICK White Turkey Chili Recipe (spicy or mild) - Delicious Little Bites (6)

Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings.

Topping Suggestions For White Chili

Here are some ideas for toppings for your white chili:

  • Shredded cheese like white cheddar or even crumbled queso
  • Sour Cream
  • Avocado
  • Lime
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Green onion
  • Jalapeno pepper slices
  • Tomatoes
  • Salsa
  • Corn
  • Bacon
  • Tortilla strips

Tips and Techniques

  • Omit the jalapeno pepper for a mild chili. You can also remove the seeds from the jalapeno for a hint of spiciness.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cooked turkey should be used within 3-4 days from the day it was first prepared.

FAQ’s

Can You Freeze White Turkey Chili?

Yes. You can freeze white turkey chili in freezer bags or airtight containers. Use within 3 months.

To use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

More Turkey Recipes

Here are more turkey recipes that you might want to try:

  • Healthy Turkey Quinoa Bowls
  • Rosemary Apricot Glazed Turkey
  • Strawberry Basil Roasted Turkey Recipe
  • Parmesan Crusted Turkey Cutlets
  • Turkey Cutlets with Rosemary and Thyme
  • Italian Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
  • Grilled Turkey BLT Sandwich with Roasted Garlic Aioli

Love this White Turkey Chili recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!

If you try this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would please leave a comment and star rating. Thanks!

QUICK White Turkey Chili Recipe (spicy or mild) - Delicious Little Bites (7)

Print

White Turkey Chili

White Turkey Chili is a really quick and easy, hearty recipe that is just loaded with flavor. It’s a great way to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. The instructions include both spicy and mild variations.

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American, Gluten Free, Turkey

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 285kcal

Author Lauren Harris

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add the olive oil to a stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Whisk together cornstarch and water. Set aside.

  • Once the oil is hot, add the garlic, shallot, jalapeno (if using), cilantro leaves, salt, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender.

  • Add the kale and cook another 2-3 minutes until it is just starting to wilt.

  • Stir in the turkey, cannellini beans, vegetable stock, milk, and cornstarch slurry. Raise the heat to simmer and cook 3-4 minutes until the liquid starts to thicken.

  • Taste and season with salt and pepper, as needed.

  • Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings.

Notes

Tips and Techniques

  • Omit the jalapeno pepper for a mild chili. You can also remove the seeds from the jalapeno for a hint of spiciness.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cooked turkey should be used within 3-4 days from the day it was first prepared.

** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary. Optional toppings are not included.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 733mg | Potassium: 598mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 7273IU | Vitamin C: 86mg | Calcium: 254mg | Iron: 5mg

This recipe was originally published on February 6, 2020. It was updated with new images, more thorough instructions, tips, techniques, and FAQ’s in October 2020.

QUICK White Turkey Chili Recipe (spicy or mild) - Delicious Little Bites (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between chili and white chili? ›

Regular chili has a rich base of red chilies (or chili powder) and sometimes tomato, while white chili calls for green chilies. We use canned Hatch green chilies, white beans, and tender shredded chicken to make our white chili recipe. It tastes quite different from red chili but is just as delicious!

How do you fix bland turkey chili? ›

But deepen that meat color just a little with the soy sauce and you are back in the land of Real Meaty Chili. The soy sauce also adds tons of rich, savory meaty flavor, a big benefit for a meat that can taste a little flat. Final tip: Add a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder, which deepens both the color and the flavor.

How do you make chili more flavorful? ›

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 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.

What is a substitute for green chilies in white chili? ›

Jalapeños are a classic alternative to green chilies. They offer a moderate level of heat with a slightly fruity flavor, making them a versatile choice in various dishes, from salsas to stir-fries.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What is the secret to good chili? ›

Here Are Our Six Secret Ingredients for the Best Chili
  • Canned Puréed Pumpkin. You already use this to make pumpkin-infused quick breads and waffles, but did you know you can add it to chili too? ...
  • Cocoa Powder. ...
  • Coffee. ...
  • Maple Syrup. ...
  • Pepperoncinis (Plus Liquid) ...
  • Root Beer.
Sep 2, 2022

What is white chili made of? ›

White chili is made with white beans, chicken (sometimes pork), and mild green chiles. (That said, if you must, must have scorching heat in your chili, there are ways to do that while still keeping the chili white.

What is the meaning of white chili? ›

White chili is a delicious variation of classic chili, featuring chicken or turkey and white beans in a savory broth base instead of the typical kidney beans and tomato base.

What are the two types of chilli? ›

While too many classifications can confuse, here is a simple way to segregate red chillies based on their color and pungency.
  • Regular chili with medium color, medium pungency.
  • Red hot chili with high color and high pungency.
  • Kashmiri chili with very high color and low pungency.

Are white chillies hot? ›

The White Ghost Pepper, also known as Bhut Jolokia, is one of the hottest chilli peppers in the world. Its heat level ranges from 800,000 to 1,041,427 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), making it about 400 times hotter than Tabasco sauce!

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