QUICK White Turkey Chili Recipe (spicy or mild) - Delicious Little Bites (2024)

White Turkey Chili is a really quick and easy, hearty recipe that is just loaded with flavor. It’s a great way to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. The instructions include both spicy and mild variations.

QUICK White Turkey Chili Recipe (spicy or mild) - Delicious Little Bites (1)

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White Chicken Chili has been on my to-make list for so long, and when I finally got around to making it, it turned into a White Turkey Chili. Ah well, I’ll get around to that chicken chili someday, but for now, I am loving this turkey version.

This is considered a white chili because it uses a milk-base rather than tomato, like in this other recipe of mine for Instant Pot Turkey Chili. It’s not actually white though. This is due to the added chili powder and cumin.

White Turkey Chili tastes great on its own, but also pairs will with breads like Rosemary Focaccia for soaking up all the extra liquid. It’s definitely healthy comfort food at it’s best!

Why This Recipe Works

This is an incredibly easy recipe that takes less than 30 minutes, but tastes as if you spent hours upon hours making it.

It’s a great way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey. You can use a roasted, grilled, or smoked turkey. If you don’t have leftover turkey, you can quickly cook turkey chops or tenderloins instead.

This recipe uses ingredients like kale, shallot, garlic, white beans to keep it light and healthy yet comforting and hearty. Whole milk is added to make it creamy. There are approximately 285 calories per serving and only 9 grams of fat.

This recipe can be made spicy or mild to keep it more family and kid-friendly.

How to Make White Turkey Chili (spicy or mild)

What You Need To Make This Recipe

QUICK White Turkey Chili Recipe (spicy or mild) - Delicious Little Bites (2)

To make this recipe, you will need:

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 shallot (finely diced)
  • 1 jalapeno pepper (finely diced, optional)
  • 1/4 cup loosely packed cilantro
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (can add more later, if needed)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 4 cups kale (roughly chopped)
  • 2 cups turkey (cooked and shredded)
  • 1 15 ounce can cannellini beans (drained)
  • 1 cup vegetable stock
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Prep!

If you are not using leftover turkey, you will need to cook and shred your turkey first.

Mince the garlic, and finely dice the shallot, and jalapeno. Roughly chop the kale and cilantro. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and set aside.

Create!

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Add the olive oil to a stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Once the oil is hot, add the garlic, shallot, jalapeno (if using), cilantro leaves, salt, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender.

QUICK White Turkey Chili Recipe (spicy or mild) - Delicious Little Bites (4)

Add the kale and cook another 2-3 minutes until it is just starting to wilt.

QUICK White Turkey Chili Recipe (spicy or mild) - Delicious Little Bites (5)

Stir in the turkey, cannellini beans, vegetable stock, milk, and cornstarch slurry. Raise the heat to simmer and cook 3-4 minutes until the liquid starts to thicken.

Taste and season with salt and pepper, as needed.

Present!

QUICK White Turkey Chili Recipe (spicy or mild) - Delicious Little Bites (6)

Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings.

Topping Suggestions For White Chili

Here are some ideas for toppings for your white chili:

  • Shredded cheese like white cheddar or even crumbled queso
  • Sour Cream
  • Avocado
  • Lime
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Green onion
  • Jalapeno pepper slices
  • Tomatoes
  • Salsa
  • Corn
  • Bacon
  • Tortilla strips

Tips and Techniques

  • Omit the jalapeno pepper for a mild chili. You can also remove the seeds from the jalapeno for a hint of spiciness.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cooked turkey should be used within 3-4 days from the day it was first prepared.

FAQ’s

Can You Freeze White Turkey Chili?

Yes. You can freeze white turkey chili in freezer bags or airtight containers. Use within 3 months.

To use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

More Turkey Recipes

Here are more turkey recipes that you might want to try:

  • Healthy Turkey Quinoa Bowls
  • Rosemary Apricot Glazed Turkey
  • Strawberry Basil Roasted Turkey Recipe
  • Parmesan Crusted Turkey Cutlets
  • Turkey Cutlets with Rosemary and Thyme
  • Italian Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
  • Grilled Turkey BLT Sandwich with Roasted Garlic Aioli

Love this White Turkey Chili recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!

If you try this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would please leave a comment and star rating. Thanks!

QUICK White Turkey Chili Recipe (spicy or mild) - Delicious Little Bites (7)

Print

White Turkey Chili

White Turkey Chili is a really quick and easy, hearty recipe that is just loaded with flavor. It’s a great way to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. The instructions include both spicy and mild variations.

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American, Gluten Free, Turkey

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 285kcal

Author Lauren Harris

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add the olive oil to a stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Whisk together cornstarch and water. Set aside.

  • Once the oil is hot, add the garlic, shallot, jalapeno (if using), cilantro leaves, salt, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender.

  • Add the kale and cook another 2-3 minutes until it is just starting to wilt.

  • Stir in the turkey, cannellini beans, vegetable stock, milk, and cornstarch slurry. Raise the heat to simmer and cook 3-4 minutes until the liquid starts to thicken.

  • Taste and season with salt and pepper, as needed.

  • Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings.

Notes

Tips and Techniques

  • Omit the jalapeno pepper for a mild chili. You can also remove the seeds from the jalapeno for a hint of spiciness.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cooked turkey should be used within 3-4 days from the day it was first prepared.

** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary. Optional toppings are not included.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 733mg | Potassium: 598mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 7273IU | Vitamin C: 86mg | Calcium: 254mg | Iron: 5mg

This recipe was originally published on February 6, 2020. It was updated with new images, more thorough instructions, tips, techniques, and FAQ’s in October 2020.

QUICK White Turkey Chili Recipe (spicy or mild) - Delicious Little Bites (2024)

FAQs

How to make white chili less spicy? ›

I find Sour Cream not only adds to the complexity of flavors in most chili's (a great thing!), but also quells the heat quite a bit. I'd leave your chili how it is, and then as you serve it, allow the individual to add sour cream to taste. You can also top your chili with a healthy dose of your favorite cheese.

What is the difference between chili and white chili? ›

There's your red. On the other hand, white versions are made with chicken instead of beef, and without tomatoes but with beans (usually white beans) and tons of flavor from green chilies.

How to make chili more flavorful? ›

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

What liquid do you add to 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.

How to make chili spicier? ›

Spicier chili: to make chili even spicier, don't remove the ribs or seeds from the jalapeño. You can also add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes or dice up another hot chili pepper. I recommend trying the recipe as stated and letting the flavors sit for a few hours before adding additional spice.

What is a thickening agent for white chili? ›

Cornmeal is one of our go-to thickening agents for chili. Unlike all-purpose flour, this Southern pantry staple adds a subtle earthy flavor to the chili in addition to thickening it up. You can use white or yellow cornmeal that is fine to medium-grain.

Which is hotter mild or original chili seasoning? ›

A: It says right on their site that the mild is not as hot as the original.

Why do you put white vinegar in chili? ›

Stirred into the pot right before serving, a spoonful of vinegar brightens up the finished product, and gives it that full, rounded taste that was missing. Even if the chili recipe you're using doesn't call for vinegar, go ahead and add it anyway. You won't actually taste the tang or sharp flavor of the vinegar.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

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.

Why doesn't my chili have enough flavor? ›

Modify it. 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 is the secret to making good chili? ›

Cook it long enough

Chili recipes need time for flavors to meld and come together, and collagen-rich meat (like chuck roast or ground beef) needs 90 minutes to two hours to fully break down and become tender. If you don't have time for a long simmer, try using a slow cooker or making it the day before.

Should I saute onions before adding to chili? ›

Sautéing onions, garlic, and other veggies first coaxes maximum flavor out of them. So make sure your onions, for example, are soft and translucent before you add your liquid.

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.

How to take the heat out of white chili? ›

You can also stir in dairy like yogurt, sour cream, milk (only if the dish isn't sour, or it will curdle), buttermilk, or kefir into a dish; the capsaicin will bind with the milk proteins instead of the nerve receptors in your mouth.

What neutralizes spicy chili? ›

Turns out, the fiery chemical in hot chilis, capsaicin, likes to bind itself onto a compound in milk, which neutralizes the burn. Add a generous dollop of sour cream, creme fraiche, or yogurt to scorching hot chili or stews, or even a touch of milk or cream. For best results, though, go with full-fat dairy.

How do you make white sauce less spicy? ›

Add or Remove Some Fat

Adding more fat to a dish or sauce is an easy way to reduce the spiciness. Capsaicin (which is what most dish and hot sauce get their heat from) is oil soluble. This means that by adding more fat to your dish can help to dissolve some of the heat.

How do you neutralize white pepper taste? ›

Sour cream, yogurt, ghee, butter and milk can all neutralize the pepper flavor, depending on the dish. Mix in a small amount of a dairy and see if you taste a difference. Cream or milk helps balance out broth-heavy dishes, as well as a variety of other recipes.

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