Turkey Chili Kidney Beans Corn (Printable Version)
Flavorful turkey chili combining kidney beans, corn, and rich spices for a cozy meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground turkey
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
→ Beans & Corn
06 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 cup corn, frozen or canned, drained
→ Tomatoes & Liquids
08 - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
09 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
15 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Garnishes (optional)
17 - Chopped cilantro
18 - Sliced green onions
19 - Shredded cheese
20 - Sour cream
# Method:
01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
02 - Incorporate minced garlic and jalapeño if desired; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink.
04 - Mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for 1 minute to release aromas.
05 - Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
06 - Stir in kidney beans and corn until evenly distributed.
07 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
08 - Taste and modify seasoning as needed. Serve hot with optional garnishes such as cilantro, green onions, shredded cheese, or sour cream.
# Chef's Tips:
01 -
- It's lean and satisfying without feeling like you're missing out on flavor or substance.
- Everything comes together in under an hour, which means you're not standing over the stove all evening.
- The spice blend is forgiving enough for beginners but layered enough to keep things interesting.
02 -
- Don't skip the step of browning the turkey properly; those caramelized edges and browned bits stuck to the pan are where the rich, savory flavor lives.
- If your chili tastes thin or watery after simmering, remove the lid for the last 10 minutes and let it reduce—sometimes that's all it needs to go from soup-like to proper chili.
- Taste as you go and adjust seasonings near the end, especially if you're using store-bought broth, which can vary in saltiness.
03 -
- If you're making this on a busy weeknight, do your chopping in the morning and store it in containers in the fridge so everything is ready when you walk in the door.
- The smoked paprika is the secret ingredient that makes this taste like it simmered for hours; don't skip it or substitute with regular paprika.