Creamy White Turkey Chili
A creamy, comforting chili made with leftover turkey, white beans, green chiles, and warm spices. Perfect for chilly nights and easy to make in under an hour.
5 Servings
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- ½ pound dry white beans soaked overnight and drained (or 2 cans, 15 oz each, white beans, drained)
- 3 cups turkey stock
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 medium onion chopped and divided
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper stem and most seeds removed, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cans 4 oz each chopped green chiles
- 2 cups diced cooked turkey
- Salt to taste (approximately ½ to 1 teaspoon)
For Garnish (Optional):
- 1 ½ cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
- ⅓ cup loosely chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1 avocado peeled and diced (or guacamole)
- Chopped tomatoes or salsa
- Corn tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas for serving
Instructions
Cook the Beans (if using dried):
- Place the soaked and drained beans, turkey stock, and half the chopped onions into a large soup pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook until the beans are tender, 1 to 3 hours depending on the variety used. Cannellini beans typically cook faster, while navy beans require more time. Add more stock or water as needed during cooking to maintain liquid levels.
- Pressure cooker option: Combine beans, turkey stock, and onions in the pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Aromatics:
- In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the remaining onions and jalapeño (if using). Sauté until softened, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Build the Flavor Base:
- Add the chopped green chiles, cumin, oregano, cloves, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat the vegetables and release the spices’ aroma, cooking for about 1 minute.
Combine Ingredients:
- Transfer the onion and spice mixture to the pot containing the beans and stock. Stir well to combine, then add the diced turkey and season with salt to taste.
Simmer the Chili:
- Allow the chili to simmer for at least 10 minutes, or up to 1 hour, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even heating.
Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the chili into serving bowls. Garnish generously with grated Monterey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, green onions, avocado, tomatoes, or salsa as desired. Serve with corn tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas on the side.
Notes
This Creamy White Turkey Chili is naturally gluten-free when prepared with gluten-free ingredients. To ensure a completely gluten-free meal:
- Use certified gluten-free turkey stock or homemade stock.
- Confirm that all canned goods, including beans and green chiles, are labeled gluten-free.
- Serve with corn tortilla chips or certified gluten-free corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.