This white bean turkey chili is a simple, satisfying way to use up leftover holiday turkey. It’s filling, comforting, and carries a pleasant, controlled heat from two kinds of peppers plus chili powder. The texture comes from tender white beans and shredded turkey, and it’s ideal served with grated cheese, tortilla chips, avocado, and lime wedges.
White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe
Turkeys are generous in size, which often leaves you with more meat than you can eat in sandwiches. This white bean turkey chili transforms those leftovers into a warming, flavorful meal in under an hour. It’s a favorite for using cooked turkey or chicken, and it pairs well with beer, cornbread, or a simple green salad.
Ingredients For White Bean Turkey Chili
Below are the ingredients used to make this chili. Quantities are listed so you can cook exactly as written, or scale up if needed.
For the Chili:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, minced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 poblano peppers, diced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 pound cooked, shredded turkey (or leftover chicken)
- 1 lime, juiced
For Serving:
- Grated cheddar or jack cheese
- Tortilla chips
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges
What Do Poblano Peppers Taste Like?
Poblano peppers are milder than jalapeños and have a slightly sweet, green-pepper flavor with a gentle underlying heat. When cooked, their spice mellows and their sweetness becomes more pronounced, making them a great match for beans and poultry in a chili.
How to Make White Bean Turkey Chili
Follow these steps for a straightforward, flavorful chili.
- Sauté the aromatics. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, poblano peppers, and jalapeño. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add spices and garlic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder and stir to coat the vegetables.
- Simmer with broth and beans. Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained white beans. Bring the pot to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook gently for about 20–25 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Finish with turkey and lime. Stir in the shredded turkey and the lime juice, taste and adjust seasonings, and cook 4–5 minutes more until heated through. Serve hot with your preferred toppings.
Tips for Success
- Use what you have. This chili is forgiving—add leftover vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or corn with the onions to stretch the recipe and add texture.
- Season carefully. Start with a moderate amount of salt and taste near the end. The saltiness of your broth and turkey will affect the final seasoning level.
- Low and slow if you have time. While the recipe comes together quickly (about 35 minutes cooking time), simmering an extra hour on low deepens the flavors if you can spare the time.
Serving Suggestions
This chili works well on its own, but it’s even better with simple sides. Try it with:
- Sweet cornbread
- Taco-style stuffed pepper poppers
- Crispy baked steak fries
- A crisp fall-inspired beer or seasonal beverage
How to Store Turkey Chili
Let the chili cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate and use within a few days, keeping in mind how long the original leftover turkey has already been stored. You can also freeze portions for longer storage; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings
Instructions (Quick Reference)
- Heat oil and sauté onion, poblano, and jalapeño for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, then season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder; cook 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and white beans; simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Stir in shredded turkey and lime juice; cook 4–5 minutes and adjust seasoning.
- Serve topped with grated cheese, tortilla chips, avocado, and lime wedges.