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Creamy White Turkey Chili Recipe

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3.9 from 1 review

This Creamy White Turkey Chili is a comforting, flavorful twist on traditional chili featuring lean ground turkey, white beans, kale, and a rich cream cheese base. Infused with a blend of warm spices and simmered to perfection, it's a hearty and nutritious meal perfect for cozy nights.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Spices

  • 2 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste

Main Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 pound ground turkey, 92% lean (450g)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 ribs celery, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium bell peppers, red or orange, chopped
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups chicken stock (945ml)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 bunch lacinato kale, stemmed and thinly sliced
  • 6 ounces block full-fat cream cheese (170g)

Instructions

  1. Make spice mix: In a small bowl, combine ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to create a uniform spice blend.
  2. Brown the turkey: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and half of the spice mix. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  3. Cook the veggies: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot. Sauté chopped onion, celery, garlic, and bell peppers. Sprinkle the leftover spice mix over the vegetables and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
  4. Build the chili: Stir in the cream cheese and let it melt into the vegetables, creating a smooth, creamy base. Add the bay leaf and pour in the chicken stock. Stir and bring to a simmer. Then add the drained white beans, browned turkey, and sliced kale. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes until the kale is tender but still vibrant green.
  5. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 10 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve warm with your favorite chili toppings.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cream cheese for best creaminess; low-fat versions may alter texture.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper depending on your spice preference.
  • For added depth, consider topping with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped fresh cilantro.
  • This chili stores well and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat