Craving a bowl of something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, but want to skip the usual red sauce? This White Turkey Chili is the answer! It’s a creamy, dreamy, and unbelievably satisfying twist on a classic, guaranteed to warm you from the inside out and become your new go-to comfort food. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that’s both healthy and utterly delicious, I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
- Tortilla chips
- Lime wedges
Let’s Get Started: Preparing Your White Turkey Chili
Okay, friend, are you ready to dive into this White Turkey Chili adventure? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a steaming bowl of deliciousness in no time. Trust me, you’ve got this!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step! Sautéing the vegetables properly will build a wonderful flavor base for your chili.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey
- Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Drain off any excess fat.
- Don’t forget: Nobody likes greasy chili! Draining the fat makes a world of difference.
Step 3: Spice it Up!
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Spice Level Alert: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with just a pinch of cayenne pepper and add more to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Step 4: Simmer and Simmer Some More
- Pour in the chicken broth, great Northern beans (rinsed and drained), and diced green chilies (undrained).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
- Patience is Key: I know it’s tempting to skip the simmering step, but trust me, it’s what makes this chili truly amazing.
Step 5: Creamy Goodness
- Stir in the frozen corn, cream cheese, and sour cream. Cook until the cream cheese is melted and the chili is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cream Cheese Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is softened! This will help it melt more easily and prevent any clumps in your chili.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, and tortilla chips. A squeeze of lime juice adds a bright, fresh touch!
- Topping Bar Time: Let everyone customize their own bowl! It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy this delicious chili.
Why This White Turkey Chili is the BEST
So, what makes this White Turkey Chili recipe stand out from the crowd? It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures. The creamy base perfectly complements the savory turkey, while the beans, corn, and green chilies add a delightful heartiness. And let’s not forget the customizable toppings – the possibilities are endless!
- Flavor Explosion: A harmonious blend of spices creates a rich and complex flavor profile.
- Creamy Dreamy: The cream cheese and sour cream add a luscious creaminess that’s simply irresistible.
- Healthy and Hearty: Packed with lean protein and fiber, this chili is both satisfying and good for you.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your personal preferences.
Variations and Swaps: Make It Your Own!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with this White Turkey Chili recipe! Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Spice It Up: Add more cayenne pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Bean Bonanza: Use different types of beans, such as cannellini beans or navy beans.
- Vegetable Power: Add other vegetables, such as chopped zucchini, spinach, or kale.
- Chicken Instead of Turkey: Feel free to substitute ground chicken for ground turkey. You can also try using shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Slow Cooker Option: Brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream cheese and sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For a slow cooker twist, you might enjoy this Crockpot White Chicken Chili!
Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Bowl
While a bowl of White Turkey Chili is delicious on its own, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy it:
- Chili Cheese Fries: Top a bed of crispy fries with chili and shredded cheese.
- Chili Dogs: Spoon chili over hot dogs and top with your favorite condiments.
- Chili Nachos: Load tortilla chips with chili, cheese, and other toppings.
- Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with a mixture of chili and rice, then bake until tender.
Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve Alongside
Complete your White Turkey Chili meal with these delicious side dishes:
- Cornbread: A classic pairing that’s always a hit. If you’re a fan of Southern flavors, you might also enjoy Southern Chili With Cornbread!
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A comforting and satisfying combination.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy chili.
Other Delicious White Chili Options
If you’re looking for similar recipes, be sure to explore these other white chili variations:
- White Chicken Chili – A classic and flavorful alternative.
- White Chicken Chili – Another delicious take on the popular dish.
- White Chicken Chili – A highly-rated version that’s sure to please.
- Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili Ultimate – A low-carb option for those watching their carbs.
Storing and Reheating: Enjoying Leftovers
This White Turkey Chili is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a pot on the stove over medium heat, or microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to thin it out.
Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Chili Recipe
There you have it! Your complete guide to making the most amazing White Turkey Chili ever. I know you’ll love how easy it is to make and how incredibly delicious it tastes. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will warm your heart and soul. Happy cooking, my friend!
Can I substitute ground chicken for the ground turkey in the White Turkey Chili recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for ground turkey. Shredded rotisserie chicken can also be used as a shortcut.
How long can I store leftover White Turkey Chili in the refrigerator?
You can store leftover White Turkey Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What are some good toppings to serve with White Turkey Chili?
Some good toppings to serve with White Turkey Chili include shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, and tortilla chips. A squeeze of lime juice can also add a nice touch.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this chili in a slow cooker. Brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream cheese and sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

BEST White Turkey Chili EVER
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: Shredded Monterey Jack cheese, Chopped cilantro, Diced avocado, Sour cream, Tortilla chips, Lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, great Northern beans (rinsed and drained), and diced green chilies (undrained).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
- Stir in the frozen corn, cream cheese, and sour cream. Cook until the cream cheese is melted and the chili is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, and tortilla chips. A squeeze of lime juice adds a bright, fresh touch!
