Best Healthy Chili Recipe (Turkey or Chicken) (2024)

This is the best cozy, healthy chili recipe made with either lean ground turkey or ground chicken. It’s super flavorful, full of hidden vegetables, protein-rich, gluten-free, and made in one pot. The perfect comforting, secretly healthy meal!

The best quick and easy healthy chili recipe

Cold weather is upon us, which means it’s chili and soup season! I love a good, healthy chicken tortilla soup or this filling turkey lentil soup, but let’s be honest here… chili is just the best! I make this healthy chili recipe at least once a week.

This recipe is the best because you can use lean ground turkey or lean ground chicken. The chili is super flavorful, packed with fresh vegetables, and high in protein from the meat and beans. It is very customizable and secretly healthy with all the fresh vegetables we sneak in. Picky eaters will love this recipe; trust me, I tested it on with friends and my little brother!

This healthy chili recipe is made with crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, zucchini, yellow squash, and a few other delicious ingredients. It’s 100% gluten-free and dairy-free but still rich and creamy.

Anyway, I cannot wait to hear what you think about this chili recipe. It is seriously the best comforting and cozy meal during the fall and winter. I love to serve mine with this gluten-free healthy cornbread, too!

Why you’ll love this healthy recipe:

• Satisfies Cravings: A hearty meal that tastes better than regular chili.
• Filling: Provides a warm, hearty meal that leaves you satisfied and nourished.
• Gluten-Free: This hearty and cozy chili is 100% gluten-free.
• One Pot: Super easy to make in one pot on the stove.
• Customizable: You can make this chili with ground chicken, ground turkey, or even ground beef.
• High Protein: It’s loaded with flavor and over 30 grams of protein per serving.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with fresh vegetables like zucchini, squash, corn, beans, and onion.
• Easy Weeknight Recipe: Perfect cozy dinner for cold weather!
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love these mild, approachable flavors.
• Meal Prep It: You can easily make this healthy gluten-free chili ahead of time for meal prep or lunch.
• Try this peanut butter chicken curry or this turkey lentil soup for another cozy meal!

Ingredients & substitutions

This secretly healthy chili is loaded with fresh vegetables, corn, beans, and spices. The best part is that we are using ground chicken or ground turkey as the protein source. Here is a list of all the ingredients so you are prepared – scroll to the bottom of this blog post to see the entire recipe card with measurements.

• Olive Oil: For sautéing veggies. You can use butter or avocado oil.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and texture. Red or white onions work, too.
• Bell Pepper: Provides crunch and sweetness. Try red or orange.
• Zucchini & Yellow Squash: Extra hidden veggies for healthiness.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is best, but you can use garlic powder.
• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Use lean ground turkey, chicken, or beef.
• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and chili flakes for flavor.
• Diced or Crushed Tomatoes: The base of the chili.
• Chicken Broth: Adds liquid and flavor. Low-sodium is a good choice.
• Kidney Beans: Dark red kidney beans for texture, fiber, and protein.
• Corn: Fresh corn or canned sweet corn can be used.

How to make one-pot healthy chili with turkey or chicken

This one-pot healthy chili is super easy to make, and you can use ground turkey or ground chicken. It’s hearty, high-protein, cozy, and super flavorful. Here are step-by-step directions and pictures for visual reference:

Step 1:

To start, heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Once heated, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and minced garlic. Then, saute for 3 – 4 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 2:

Then, create room in the middle of the pot by pushing the onions, peppers, and squash to the side and add in the ground turkey or ground chicken. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook for 3 – 4 minutes or until no longer pink.

Step 3:

Next, add chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes (optional if you want some heat). Then, stir to combine.

Step 4:

Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, red kidney beans, and corn. Stir to combine, then bring to a rapid boil.

Step 5:

Finally, reduce heat and simmer for 35 – 50 minutes or until chili thickens. Taste and adjust seasonings and salt as necessary.

I love to garnish mine with shredded cheese, green onion, greek yogurt, or sour cream. A side of cornbread is perfect, too!

Expert recipe tips:

1. Let it simmer: Don’t skip this step! Let it simmer for at least 35 minutes for the best taste.
2. Time saver: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftovers to save time.
3. Make it spicy: If you like spicy chili, add 1 – 2 tsp of red chili flake or cayenne pepper.
4. Make it ahead: Prepare this chili a day in advance for parties or events. It’s also great for meal prep, good in the fridge for up to 4 days.
5. Add spinach: Boost the veggie content by adding 3-4 cups of spinach at the end. It wilts into the chili.
6. Double the recipe: Easily double the recipe for large gatherings, just use a big enough pot or two.
7. Serve it with cornbread: Everyone loves cornbread, so elevate this easy chili with homemade healthy cornbread.
8. Easily freeze the chili: This healthy chili can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Healthy chili variations:

• Ground Chicken Chili: Use 1 pound of ground chicken breast to make this healthy chili high in protein and low in fat. It’s super delicious!
• Ground Turkey Chili: This gluten-free chili is great with ground turkey, too. You can use 99% lean white meat or 93% lean – both are super good!
• Ground Beef Chili: Try making this healthy chili with ground beef too! It adds the best flavor and is perfect for Football Sunday.
• Low-Carb Chili: Reduce the carb content by using cauliflower rice or skipping the beans. It’s a great option for those on low-carb diets.
• Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Chili: If you have leftover Thanksgiving turkey, make this easy gluten-free chili! You can add 3 cups of chopped-up cooked turkey instead of the ground turkey.
• White Chicken Chili: Use lean chicken breast, white beans (cannellini or great northern beans), and a creamy broth for a milder, lighter chili.
• Leftover Chicken Chili: Do the same thing but with leftover cooked chicken breasts or thighs. Add 3 cups instead of the ground chicken!
• Pumpkin Chili: Incorporate canned pumpkin puree for a unique, slightly sweet flavor and added nutrients like vitamin A.
• Quinoa Chili: Add quinoa for extra protein and a unique texture. Quinoa is a complete protein and a great option for vegetarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this chili recipe healthy?

This chili is considered healthy because it is (1) made with simple, wholesome ingredients, (2) protein packed with 30g per serving, (3) made with lean ground turkey or chicken, (4) it is 100% dairy-free and gluten-free, and (5) it is filling without any sugars.

Can I use leftover turkey in chili?

Yes, you can use leftover chopped turkey or chicken in this chili. I love making this chili a day after Thanksgiving since we always have leftovers! Substitute 3 cups of chopped turkey or chicken with the ground meat.

Can I use ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground beef instead of ground turkey or chicken.

Can I make turkey chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt your turkey chili recipe for a slow cooker. Just brown the turkey first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Is this chili gluten-free and dairy-free?

Yes, this healthy chili is 100% dairy-free and gluten-free.

Does chili keep well for meal prep?

Turkey and chicken chili is a great meal prep recipe and keeps for four days in the fridge.

Can you freeze chili?

Yes, this gluten-free chili freezes really well. Portion it out in separate freezer-safe containers, so on a day you don’t have time to cook, you can just reheat it for lunch or dinner!

If you loved this recipe, try these next!

• Healthy Tomato Soup
• Sweet Potato Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
• Peanut Butter Curry
• Greek Chickpea Soup
• Best Chicken Bolognese
• Turkey Lentil Soup
• Healthy Chicken Pot Pie

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie onInstagram and use the hashtag#healthfulblondieso I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, by purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!

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