The Easiest Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe (2024)

Modified: by Katie Hale · This post may contain affiliate links · 3 Comments

This Simple Turkey Chili Recipe is one of my all-time favorite zero point foods on the WW FreeStyle Plan. It is so easy to throw together in under 30-minutes. I've made it dozens of times, and love the results every time. In fact, there are never leftovers for long since everyone loves this!

The Easiest Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe (1)

Zero Point Simple Turkey Chili Recipe

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The pictures of this recipe aren't great, but it tastes amazing and is super easy to make. I love that it is zero points because I can add my favorite cheese and some crackers with absolutely zero guilt. For an amazingly simple dinner, this is going to become a family-favorite meal to add to the rotation.

If you are looking for something that freezes well, you won't be disappointed. This simple chili recipe is great for making in larger batches, and then you can easily separate into individual portions to put into freezer soup containers for a later date. Just make sure you label each container with the recipe name and date it was cooked.

Tips for Making Chili in 30-Minutes

Chili is typically best when it is simmered slowly all day. I have often made this same recipe in my Instant Pot or Slow Cooker, but sometimes you just need a fast stovetop recipe. Below are my two most important tips to share.

  • Invest in the Freshware Vegetable Chopper. This is one of the most amazing kitchen gadgets I have ever found. It makes dicing onions and peppers take seconds. Plus all of the pieces are the same size, so they cook more evenly.
  • Season your ground turkey while it cooks. I find that for a better flavor in a shorter time when cooking on the stovetop, I mix ¼ of the seasonings into the meat as it cooks. This imparts a flavor that cooks in longer.

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The Easiest Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe (2)

Way to Serve Zero Point Chili

I love making chili as an easy low-point lunch throughout the week. Over the last year, I have discovered a few ways that I enjoy serving this chili, as well as my Chili Cheese Dip or White Bean Turkey Chili. Keeping these low in points but still delicious is a must. My favorite methods are listed below for you to check out.

  • Cut up light string cheese and mix into the chili for that cheesy goodness without a lot of added points since most light string cheeses are only 1 SmartPoint each on the WW FreeStyle Plan.
  • Pour over baked french fries for a fun loaded fry recipe
  • Serve a cup of soup over diced lettuce with a few crumbled tortilla chips for a "taco salad"
  • Add a spoon to the top of a turkey hot dog on a low-point bun for a healthier chili dog recipe

Yield: 8

Zero Point Simple Turkey Chili Recipe

The Easiest Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe (3)

This delicious recipe is a perfect protein-packed meal that is ready in just 35-minuets! A turkey chili recipe that will fool even those who say they don't like ground turkey!

Prep Time5 minutes

Cook Time30 minutes

Total Time35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground 98% fat-free turkey breast
  • 2 cups of water or stock
  • 1 can pinto beans
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 can dice tomatoes
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 medium tomato diced
  • 1 ½ tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼-1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)

Instructions

Stovetop Directions

  1. In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and black pepper.
  2. Using a nonstick stock pot, brown ground turkey over medium heat adding ¼th of the spice mixture to the meat. Continue cooking until cooked through and no longer pink.
  3. Add in all other ingredients except salt and mix until well combined.
  4. Simmer over medium heat for additional 25-30 minutes
  5. Taste and add salt if desired/needed to taste.
  6. Serve with favorite chili toppings and sides

Slow Cooker Directions

  1. Brown ground turkey in a nonstick skillet.
  2. Once cooked through, add to slow cooker and combine with all other ingredients except salt.
  3. Cook on low heat for 2-3 hours.
  4. Remove lid, taste, and add in salt if needed/desired to taste.

Instant Pot Directions

  1. Turn Instant Pot to saute and cook ground turkey until cooked through and no longer pink making sure to stir regularly so it doesn't stick.
  2. Add in broth or water and stir well scraping any bits off the bottom of the pot.
  3. Mix in all other ingredients except for salt, and set the lid to seal.
  4. Turn to manual pressure for 10 minutes
  5. Once done cooking, allow to naturally pressure release for 5 minutes. Release remaining pressure.
  6. Stir well and taste. Add salt if desired or needed to taste.

Notes

  • PersonalPoints™: 0-7
  • BLUE: 1
  • GREEN: 2
  • PURPLE: 1
  • SmartPoints: 4
  • PointsPlus: 5

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 204Total Fat: 2.6gSaturated Fat: .5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 465mgCarbohydrates: 17.4gFiber: 6.1gSugar: 2.5gProtein: 30.2g

How Many WW Points are In This Turkey Chili?

A 1 ½ cup serving is what the points below are based upon.

  • PersonalPoints™: 0-7
  • BLUE: 1
  • GREEN: 2
  • PURPLE: 1
  • SmartPoints: 4
  • PointsPlus: 5

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. joyce

    I love chili and this recipe sounds great but what size do you use for the tomatoes. I gave it 4 stars for the recipe and hope it will be 5 when I make it. Joyce

    Reply

  2. Ellen

    I tried making this in the slower cooker and followed the directions to a T, but my chili came out incredibly watery. I drained the canned beans before putting them in. Not sure what went wrong?

    Reply

    • Janet Porucznik

      Possibly the steam that accumulates with a slow cooker. Not sure but just a thought.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

The Easiest Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What to add to chili to make it healthy? ›

"By adding extra veggies you'll increase nutrients, fiber, and satisfaction," the twins say. "Bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, crushed tomatoes, onions, and carrots are all great choices."

How many calories are in 1 cup of homemade turkey chili? ›

Turkey Chili With Beans (1 cup) contains 19.3g total carbs, 13.7g net carbs, 7.5g fat, 19.4g protein, and 218 calories.

Is turkey chili healthier than beef chili? ›

Turkey chili is the perfect compromise on a cold day when you want a warm bowl of comfort food with fewer calories than beef chili.

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 adds the most flavor to chili? ›

Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight. Warming spice blends, like Garam Masala, Ras el Hanout or Baharat are another simple and delicious way to add layered flavors to this simple one-pot meal.

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 best liquid for chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

What makes can chili taste better? ›

Although canned chili will already have some seasonings, fresh herbs and spices will add bolder flavor. You can upgrade your chili using ingredients you likely already have on your spice rack, such as chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

How long is homemade Turkey Chili good for in the fridge? ›

How to Store & Freeze Leftovers. Leftover turkey chili will keep in the fridge for about 5 days. It can also be frozen for about two months. Thaw and then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How much cholesterol is in Turkey Chili? ›

Nutrition Facts
Calories347
Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat2.5 g
Cholesterol64 mg
Sodium129 mg
7 more rows

How many carbs are in Turkey Chili without beans? ›

Nutrition Facts
% Daily Value*
Cholesterol 85mg28%
Sodium 990mg41%
Total Carbohydrate 16g5%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
7 more rows

Can I eat ground turkey every day? ›

The bottom line is yes—it is okay to include ground turkey in your diet regularly, though as with any food, it's crucial to eat it in moderation and variety in your food choices. Eating a diverse range of nutrient sources helps ensure you obtain all of the essential nutrients needed for enhancing overall health.

Which chili is the healthiest? ›

Green chillies have higher water content and zero calories which makes them a healthy choice for those who are trying to shed some pounds. Green chillies are a rich source of beta–carotene, antioxidants and endorrphins while red chilies consumed in excess can cause internal inflammation which results in peptic ulcers.

Does chilli burn belly fat? ›

Research shows that eating chili peppers may boost your metabolism and reduce swelling. This could help you lose weight, including burning belly fat. While eating chili peppers alone is unlikely to make a huge difference, it could help in combination with exercise and eating a healthy diet.

Can homemade chili be healthy? ›

Chili might be one of the world's healthiest meals. Purists will argue that “real” chili is ground meat (usually beef) flavored with chili pepper and other spices, but more inclusive recipes use beans, tomatoes, and other vegetables—and even whole grains or tofu. It's pretty user-friendly, too.

What is healthy to eat with chili? ›

9. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
Accompaniment TypeHealthy Options
Salads & Fresh AdditionsGreen Salads, Avocado
Grain & Low-Carb BasesQuinoa, Brown Rice, Cauliflower Rice, Zoodles
Vegetable SidesSteamed/Roasted Veggies, Brussels Sprouts
Toppings & DipsGuacamole, Avocado Crema, Greek Yogurt
1 more row
Nov 3, 2023

How to doctor up chili? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

What can I add to canned chili to make it better? ›

Freshen up the flavors of your canned chili by adding vegetables like garlic, corn, mushrooms, tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, or even diced sweet potatoes. You can use either fresh or canned vegetables, depending on your preference.

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