Turkey Chili Kidney Beans Corn (Printable)

Lean turkey, tender kidney beans, and sweet corn combine in a rich, spiced tomato sauce.

# What goes in:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

→ Beans & Corn

06 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 cup corn, frozen or canned, drained

→ Tomatoes & Liquids

08 - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
09 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
15 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
16 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Garnishes (optional)

17 - Chopped cilantro
18 - Sliced green onions
19 - Shredded cheese
20 - Sour cream

# Directions:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and jalapeño (if using); cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 5 to 6 minutes.
04 - Mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to toast spices evenly.
05 - Pour in crushed tomatoes and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
06 - Add drained kidney beans and corn to the pot; stir to combine thoroughly.
07 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, topped with garnishes of choice.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour without feeling rushed or stressful.
  • The turkey keeps it lighter than beef but still deeply satisfying and filling.
  • Leftovers get even better the next day, which means easy lunches all week.
02 -
  • If your chili looks too thin, leave the lid off for the last 10 minutes so the liquid can reduce and thicken naturally.
  • Toasting the spices before adding the wet ingredients makes a huge difference, it unlocks deeper flavor you can't get any other way.
03 -
  • Use a wooden spoon to break up the turkey as it cooks, it prevents clumping and helps it brown evenly.
  • Let the chili rest for 10 minutes after cooking so the flavors meld together before you serve it.

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