When the weather turns cool, I always find myself wanting a big bowl of warm, comforting food. For me, chili is the perfect meal that checks all the boxes for easy weeknight dinners and cozy weekend gatherings. It’s truly a feel-good food.
Today, I’m sharing two of my absolute favorite chili recipes. Whether you prefer the classic taste of turkey or a lighter chicken version, I’ve got you covered. These recipes are simple to make and packed with flavor that you and your family will love.
Jump to Recipe:
Hearty Turkey Chili Recipe
This classic Turkey Chili is packed with flavor and makes for a filling meal. It’s a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner or game day food, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Turkey Chili
- Lean Ground Turkey: Using lean ground turkey keeps this chili lighter without sacrificing any of the great taste. Brown it well for better flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to make it as mild or as spicy as you like. A little kick always makes chili better!
What You Need for Turkey Chili
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions
⏱️ Time: 45 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Hearty Turkey Chili
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Spices
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the turkey and cook until it softens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Chili
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and chicken broth. Stir everything together. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors blend. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
📝 Final Note
This turkey chili tastes even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
If you’re looking for something a little different, this White Chicken Chili is a fantastic choice. It’s creamy, hearty, and uses mild green chilies for a wonderful depth of flavor without too much heat.
Key Ingredients & Tips for White Chicken Chili
- Cooked Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, makes this recipe come together super fast. Just shred it and add it in!
- Creaminess Factor: The cream cheese at the end really makes this chili rich and smooth. Make sure it’s softened before adding it to help it melt evenly.
What You Need for White Chicken Chili
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans (white kidney beans), rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, avocado, lime wedges
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and clear, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell it.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients & Simmer
Add the diced green chilies, cannellini beans, great northern beans, chicken broth, shredded chicken, cumin, oregano, and optional cayenne pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese & Serve
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the softened cream cheese cubes until they are fully melted and the chili is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
📝 Final Note
For an extra layer of flavor, you can finish this chili with a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving. It really brightens everything up!
