Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe (2024)

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posted by Crissy Pageon Oct 15, 2016 (updated Feb 21, 2024) 45 comments »

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I love healthy, clean eating recipes and I wanted to share one of my favorite quick clean eating meal ideas—this clean eating turkey chili recipe that you can make in your slow cooker!

Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe (1)

Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe

I love using ground turkey in my chili because it contains less fat than ground beef but still gives carnivores a satisfying meal option. That said, you can always skip the meat and add extra beans!

Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe (2)

I’ve tried so many different varieties of chili in my life. The thing I love about chili is how completely customizable it is. My clean eating turkey chili recipe is perfect for my family, but feel free to go wild and make it your own by adding or subtracting your favorite ingredients.

Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe (3)

Whether you subscribe to a clean eating lifestyle or you just appreciate a delicious bowl of chili, you’re going to love this recipe. It is absolutely yummy on its own, but if you wan to send it over the top while still keeping it clean, you can add some diced avocado to the top.

It’s a great way to add some creaminess and an extra blast of nutrition.

Speaking of nutrition, you’re also going to want to bookmark or pin my amazing easy vegan chili recipe. If you’ve ever thought about incorporating more plant-based meals into your weekly routine, it’s a great recipe to start with.

Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe (4)

Of course, certain members of my family won’t eat a bowl of chili unless it’s smothered in cheese and sour cream. That’s an option, too! :)

Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe (5)

I hope you love my scrumptious clean eating turkey chili recipe. Be sure to let me know how it turned out for you in the comments below.

More Yummy Recipes

  • Clean Eating Marinara Sauce
  • Ground Chicken Chili
Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe (6)

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. 99% fat free ground turkey breast
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 6 oz. can tomato paste
  • 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes
  • 2 15 oz. cans black beans, rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin

Instructions

  1. Add olive oil, onion and garlic to a large skillet and saute 3 to 4 minutes until slightly tender. Add ground turkey and cook until done, crumbly and brown. It should not be necessary to drain.
  2. Add the meat mixture to the crockpot. Add the remaining ingredients starting with the water. Stir until blended.
  3. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or 6 to 8 hours on low.

Dinner Soups

originally published on Oct 15, 2016 (last updated Feb 21, 2024)

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45 comments on “Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe”

  1. Amie Reply

    This is such a tasty chili recipe. It is my go to for a crock pot chili! I used this recipe with venison instead of turkey and it was delicious!

    Rating: 5

    • Crissy Page Reply

      Yay, I’m glad you love it! It’s funny, I was just telling my husband that if he hunted more often I could probably benefit from creating some venison recipes for my blog! :)

  2. Samantha C Reply

    Is this freezable?

  3. Kristin Reply

    Love this chili it something I can eat days in a row and not get tired of it.

  4. Courtney Reply

    Can I make this stovetop instead of crockpot?

  5. Stacee M Banko Reply

    I am tracking calories for a health condition. Can someone provide the serving size and calories per serving? Thanks!

    • Darlene Reply

      Yes I do all the time!

  6. Josee Soucy Reply

    Hello, just so you know this is my favorite recipe for chili, always. My question is, how many servings and calories per serving?

    Thank you in advance
    JOSEE

    • Lauren Reply

      I made it with 1.75 lbs Turkey (package from Costco) minus the corn and with 6 servings my fitness pal came out to 413 calories 47g carbs 9.5g fat and 37g protein. This may vary slightly on ingredients used.

  7. Noelle Reply

    Hello,

    I would like to make this next week but we’re a family of 2 and my husband doesn’t eat chili. Can I cut this recipe in half? Do I need to adjust cooking times by much?

    Thanks!

  8. Dana Reply

    Are there updated cooking instructions to make this recipe in the instant pot?

  9. Mary Regini Reply

    Saw this recipe today and made it for dinner tonight. YUMMY, YUMMY,YUMMY‼️?? I have to tell you I was a little hesitant to use cumin. Would not change a thing. The flavor of this chili was fabulous‼️ 5 stars for me?? Looking forward to trying more of your dishes?

    Rating: 5

  10. Crystal Reply

    I made this delicious chili for meal prep this week!!!! I can’t find the nutritional valies. Please advise.

    Rating: 5

    • Jean-Marie Carroll Reply

      Did you ever find out the nutritional value?

  11. Kathy Harris Reply

    Love it!!! Delish??. What is serving size and calorie count?

  12. Joanie Reply

    should I reduce water amount if I plan to add beans after crockpot cooking and eliminate the corn all together?

  13. Nolan Reply

    I added 8 jalapenos. 2 habs turned out great!

    Rating: 4

  14. Tara Reply

    Made this and trust I am not a cook – easy and very tasty – added some hot sauce :) Thank you for sharing!

    Rating: 5

  15. Sharyce Reply

    I made this and we have 6 people in our family and there were left overs for all 6 of us again! It’s so yummy. I cooked on stovetop on medium for about an hour and used extra can of black beans.

    Rating: 5

  16. Whitney Reply

    Did we find or how many this serves? Can’t seem to find an answer.

    • Rosemary Smaglick Reply

      Same question. How many servings is this recipe?

    • Marc Reply

      How would this cook on the instant pot? How long?

      • Gigi

        Same as a slow cooker. Hit the slow cook feature and adjust time. You would sauté the meat first to brown and the veggies, etc.

  17. Sharyce Reply

    Can I cook this faster on the stovetop??

  18. jen Reply

    hi! instead of using tomato paste, can I used red sauce?

    • Crissy Reply

      Should be fine, maybe not as thick, but the flavor will be good. :)

  19. Melissa Reply

    I made this recipe, wow it was so amazing!! My whole family loved it!! Can you tell me the nutrition facts?

    Rating: 5

  20. Amanda Reply

    How many servings is this?

  21. Sandra Ramos Reply

    Made this for my husband and I and had enough to take some to a home bound neighbor. Big Hit!

    Rating: 4

  22. Scooby Reply

    Making this today Thank You!!

  23. Alex Reply

    Do u have to cook the turkey first or can u just throw it all in the crock pot?

    • Crissy Reply

      You need to cook it first, per the instructions! :)

  24. Gabby Reply

    Would it make a huge difference if I used canned corn instead of frozen corn?

    • Crissy Page Reply

      not at all!

  25. Rexanne Reply

    I would also like to know how many this serves…..?

  26. Rebecca Baron Reply

    This recipe looks really good because I love ground turkey. I forget about using it, but I always like it when I use it because it’s has a light flavor . I definitely need to try this recipe!

  27. Jana Reply

    I’m making this for meal prep for the week & for dinner. Can you tell me the serving size please? Thank you

  28. Jessica Reply

    I made this tonight and with some modifications, it was the best chili! I halved the recipe, except for the corn and the spices. I used an entire can of corn and doubled the spices. I cooked it on the stove top due to time and it was so, so good! Will make again.

  29. Jess Reply

    I made this for dinner and it was awesome. I only had a pound of turkey so I halved it and it still made about 3 servings. I added fresh cut avocado and it was delicious! Thanks!!

  30. Ashley Reply

    How many does this serve?

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  33. Jennifer Reply

    Hello, can you tell me how many servings this makes?
    Thanks!

  34. Janelle Carlson Reply

    DearChrissy,
    I made your chili on Saturday and it turned out great! It didn’t look quite as pretty as yours but it sure tasted fantastic.???? I’m usually not a big chili fan but my hubby is, so I thought he’d like it (and he did!) To my surprise I loved it – so much lighter than traditional!!????
    Thx for the awesome recipe!

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Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is chili considered clean eating? ›

Chili can be healthy, with qualifiers. The iconic dish—typically made with ground meat, tomatoes, kidney beans, and seasonings—is packed with protein, fiber (thanks, beans!), and iron. This makes chili relatively healthy, provided you don't get too carried away with high-fat toppings like sour cream and cheddar cheese.

What is the secret to good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

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 to add to chili to make it healthy? ›

Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene that gets converted to vitamin A in the body, which is important for eye and skin health. Add a can of pumpkin to the chili, and garnish with other kid-friendly toppings like raisins and Greek yogurt.

Is turkey chili healthier than beef chili? ›

Turkey chili is the perfect compromise on a cold day when you want a warm bowl of comfort food with fewer calories than beef chili.

Which chili is the healthiest? ›

Green chillies have higher water content and zero calories which makes them a healthy choice for those who are trying to shed some pounds. Green chillies are a rich source of beta–carotene, antioxidants and endorrphins while red chilies consumed in excess can cause internal inflammation which results in peptic ulcers.

What meat is clean eating? ›

MEAT & SEAFOOD

Organic and grass-fed beef, organic poultry, and wild-caught or sustainable seafood. Grass-fed beef is much healthier, is better quality, and is better for the environment. Typically grass-fed beef is organic by nature.

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.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

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 liquid is best for 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 thicken turkey chili? ›

The good news is there are lots of easy ways to thicken up your chili with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry— flour, cornmeal, pureed beans, cornstarch, or even crushed tortilla chips will help do the job, along with some good old extra simmering time.

What are the best beans for chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

Can I eat ground turkey every day? ›

The bottom line is yes—it is okay to include ground turkey in your diet regularly, though as with any food, it's crucial to eat it in moderation and variety in your food choices. Eating a diverse range of nutrient sources helps ensure you obtain all of the essential nutrients needed for enhancing overall health.

What ground meat is the healthiest? ›

Ground beef and turkey are both nutritious meats that provide protein, fat, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Turkey is generally lower in saturated fat than beef. As such, it may be a better choice for heart health. Fat-free turkey is also the lowest calorie option if you're interested in weight loss.

Is turkey chili good for cholesterol? ›

Make Chili With Ground Turkey

The lower the saturated fat, the less detrimental it is to your cholesterol level. Even better, "No one can tell the difference," says Gebo, who uses ground turkey all the time to make chili. Ground turkey also makes a great substitute for ground beef in dishes like meatballs or meatloaf.

What is not considered clean eating? ›

Eating cleaner means limiting processed foods like bologna, salami, pepperoni and hot dogs. These—and other processed meat products—are usually high in sodium and may contain artificial colors as well as preservatives. Choosing environmentally sustainable protein when possible can help you with clean eating, too.

What food category is chili? ›

Though many people think of chili as its own category, it is technically just a type of stew, with origins in Tex-Mex cuisine. Chili isn't a soup mostly because it usually is more solid than it is liquid, with most chili recipes containing majority meat and/or vegetables that are simmered in a tomato sauce.

Is chili high in carbohydrates? ›

Traditional chili recipes usually include beans, which are high in carbs and not very keto-friendly. However, you can easily make a keto-friendly version of chili by replacing the beans with low-carb vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. You can also add some ground beef or pork for protein and healthy fats.

What can't you eat when eating clean? ›

The foods to avoid:
  • Overprocessed foods, especially white flour and sugar.
  • Artificial sweeteners.
  • Sugary beverages, such as soda and juice.
  • Alcohol.
  • Foods with chemical additives like food dyes and sodium nitrite.
  • Foods with preservatives.
  • Artificial foods, such as processed cheese slices.
  • Saturated fats and trans fats.
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