Creamy White Turkey Chili: 1 Satisfying Meal

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Creamy white turkey chili has become my go-to comfort food, especially on chilly evenings. I remember the first time I tried a truly creamy white chili recipe, and it was a revelation – so much richer and more satisfying than I expected! My grandmother perfected this homemade creamy white turkey chili, infusing it with tender white beans and a hint of spice that warms you from the inside out. The aroma of simmering garlic and cumin filling my kitchen always brings a smile to my face. It’s the perfect dish to share with loved ones, offering a comforting hug in a bowl. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy White Turkey Chili

• Incredible flavor: It’s rich, savory, and perfectly seasoned for a truly comforting taste.
• Super quick to make: You can whip up this easy white turkey chili in under an hour.
• Healthy and satisfying: Packed with lean protein and fiber, it’s a nutritious meal.
• Budget-friendly: Uses common pantry staples, making it a great economical dinner.
• Family favorite: Even picky eaters will love this mild and creamy chili.
• Versatile: This easy white turkey chili is perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
• Hearty and filling: The combination of turkey and beans keeps you satisfied.
• Deliciously creamy: The smooth texture is pure comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients for Creamy White Turkey Chili

Gathering these creamy white turkey chili ingredients is the first step to a delicious meal. I love that this recipe uses simple, accessible items you might already have on hand. For the best texture, make sure your 1 medium onion is finely diced, and your 3 cloves garlic are minced. We’ll be using 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed, which are key for that creamy base and hearty fiber. The 4 cups chicken broth provides the liquid foundation, while spices like 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder build depth. Don’t forget the 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt – this is what gives our chili its signature luscious, creamy finish!

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 pound ground beef (optional) – for extra richness
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing
• 1 medium onion, diced – about 1 cup
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed – like cannellini or Great Northern
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies – adds a mild kick
• 4 cups chicken broth – low sodium is great
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – for a bit of heat
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt – for creaminess
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese (optional) – for extra flavor
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

How to Make Creamy White Turkey Chili

Making this creamy white turkey chili is so straightforward, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a flavorful dish. Let’s get started on how to make creamy white turkey chili!

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 1 medium onion, diced, and sauté for about 4 minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly softened. Stir in the 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for just 1 minute more until fragrant – be careful not to burn it!
2. Step 2: Add the 1 pound ground turkey and the 1/2 pound ground beef (if using) to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned. Drain off any excess grease if needed.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle in the spices: 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and the optional 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Stir everything together and toast the spices for about 1 minute. This really wakes up their flavors and is a key step in how to make creamy white turkey chili.
4. Step 4: Now, add the 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed, and the 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies. Pour in the 4 cups chicken broth and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 30–40 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating that signature rich taste.
6. Step 6: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt and the optional 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese until everything is smooth and creamy.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a burst of freshness. Enjoy your delicious homemade creamy white turkey chili!

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy White Turkey Chili

I’ve learned a few tricks to make this creamy white turkey chili absolutely perfect every time. Follow these tips for the best results!

• For an extra creamy texture, don’t skip stirring in the sour cream or Greek yogurt off the heat.
• If you like it a little thicker, you can mash some of the white beans against the side of the pot before adding the liquid.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving – a little extra salt or a pinch more cumin can make a big difference.
• Using good quality chicken broth really enhances the overall flavor of your chili.

What’s the secret to perfect creamy white turkey chili?

The real secret to a perfect creamy white turkey chili is building flavor layers. Toasting the spices and adding a touch of creaminess with sour cream or even a bit of white turkey chili with cream cheese makes all the difference in achieving that rich, comforting taste. For more on building flavor, check out these tips from our kitchen.

Can I make creamy white turkey chili ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! This creamy white turkey chili actually tastes even better the next day. Prepare it completely, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before reheating. For storage guidelines, see our privacy policy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with creamy white turkey chili?

The most common mistake is overcooking the beans, which can make them mushy. Also, be careful not to boil the chili after adding the sour cream or yogurt, as it can curdle. Gently reheat it. For more cooking advice, you can consult our contact page.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy White Turkey Chili

This comforting creamy white turkey chili is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic pairing that complements the creamy, mild flavors, I love serving it with warm, crusty cornbread. The slight sweetness and crumbly texture of cornbread are a match made in heaven!

Another fantastic option is to top your bowl with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, a simple side salad with a citrus vinaigrette works beautifully. For those who enjoy a heartier meal, consider serving this white bean turkey chili creamy style alongside tortilla chips for scooping or even over rice. You can find more serving suggestions on our homepage.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy White Turkey Chili

This creamy white turkey chili is a delicious and hearty meal that also offers great nutritional benefits. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving, keeping in mind these are estimates.

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 540mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For more information on nutritional data, please refer to our affiliate disclaimer.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy White Turkey Chili

Properly storing and reheating your creamy white turkey chili ensures it stays delicious and safe to eat. Once cooked, let the chili cool down for about an hour at room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. This helps prevent condensation buildup. You can keep this wonderful creamy white turkey chili in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you have a lot leftover, freezing is a great option! Pack it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion, and it will keep beautifully for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to reheat your chili, you have a few options. On the stovetop, gently warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too – just heat in short intervals, stirring between each. If your chili seems a bit too thin after storage or reheating, you can try how to thicken white turkey chili by simmering it gently uncovered for a few minutes, or by stirring in a cornstarch slurry or a bit more sour cream or Greek yogurt. You can learn more about food safety and storage from the FDA.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy White Turkey Chili

What is creamy white turkey chili?

Creamy white turkey chili is a comforting and flavorful dish made with lean ground turkey, white beans, and a rich, creamy broth, often seasoned with mild spices like cumin and oregano. It’s a delightful alternative to traditional red chili, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying taste experience.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey for this turkey chili recipe creamy white?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can easily substitute ground chicken for ground turkey in this turkey chili recipe creamy white. The cooking process remains the same, and you’ll still achieve a wonderfully creamy and delicious chili. The flavor profile might be slightly milder, but it’s a fantastic option.

What are the best toppings for creamy white turkey chili?

The beauty of this creamy white turkey chili is its versatility with toppings! I love adding fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness, a squeeze of lime for brightness, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. Shredded Monterey Jack cheese, diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, or even a few sliced jalapeños for a little heat are also fantastic additions.

Is this creamy white turkey chili recipe spicy?

This creamy white turkey chili is designed to be mild and comforting, with a gentle warmth from the spices. The recipe includes optional cayenne pepper for those who like a bit more heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne, or by including diced jalapeños with the green chilies.

Variations of Creamy White Turkey Chili You Can Try

This creamy white turkey chili is wonderfully adaptable, and you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas I love!

• Healthy creamy white turkey chili: For a lighter version, skip the ground beef and use only ground turkey. Swapping the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt also cuts down on fat while keeping it creamy. You can also load it up with extra white beans and vegetables like corn or bell peppers.
• Creamy ground turkey chili white: If you don’t have ground turkey, ground chicken works just as well. For a vegetarian or vegan option, replace the meat with extra beans (cannellini, Great Northern, or even chickpeas) and consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For vegan creaminess, a can of full-fat coconut milk stirred in at the end is a delicious alternative to sour cream.
• Slow Cooker Creamy White Turkey Chili: To make this even easier, you can adapt it for your slow cooker. Sauté the onion and garlic first, brown the meat, and toast the spices as usual. Then, combine everything except the sour cream/yogurt and cheese in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the creamy elements just before serving.
• Spicy White Turkey Chili: If you love a kick, add finely diced jalapeños along with the green chilies, or increase the amount of cayenne pepper. A dash of hot sauce at the end can also amp up the heat.

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