HIGH PROTEIN TURKEY CHILI (No Beans, Big Volume)

HIGH PROTEIN TURKEY CHILI (No Beans, Big Volume) is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 190 calories per serving. Recipe by Clean & Delicious on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 50 min

Cost: $11.71 total, $2.93 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 large Onion (peeled and diced using tic‑tac‑toe method)
  • 1 large Green Bell Pepper (seeded and diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (peeled and minced)
  • 2 pieces Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce (finely chopped; use the sauce as well)
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (tube version preferred)
  • 1 pound Extra Lean Ground Turkey (99% lean, frozen or fresh)
  • 1 can Petite Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz, undrained)
  • 2 cups Low‑Sodium Chicken Broth (adjust for desired thickness)
  • 1 cup Canned Corn (drained)
  • 2 cups Kale (finely chopped; pre‑cut bag works well)
  • 1 teaspoon Olive Oil (for sautéing vegetables)
  • 2 tablespoons Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (adds smoky depth; regular paprika works too)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Greek Yogurt (for topping; optional)
  • 2 tablespoons Shredded Cheddar Cheese (for topping; optional)
  • 2 stalks Scallions (thinly sliced for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the vegetables

    Dice the onion using the tic‑tac‑toe method, dice the bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Rough‑chop the chipotle peppers.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté aromatics

    Heat the large pot over medium heat, add 1 tsp olive oil, then add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Toast the spices

    Stir in chili powder, oregano, cumin, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Add chipotle and tomato paste

    Add the chopped chipotle peppers with a spoonful of their adobo sauce and the tomato paste. Stir until the paste melts into the vegetables.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  5. Brown the turkey

    Add the 1 lb extra‑lean ground turkey. Break it up with a wooden spoon or meat chopper and cook until no longer pink, about 5‑7 minutes.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  6. Add tomatoes and broth

    Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with juices) and 2 cups chicken broth. Mix well.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  7. Incorporate corn and kale

    Add the drained corn and chopped kale. Stir until kale is evenly distributed.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  8. Simmer

    Bring the mixture to a gentle rolling boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cook 10‑15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and flavors meld.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Low simmer

  9. Serve and garnish

    Ladle chili into bowls and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, and sliced scallions if desired.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
190
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Low-Fat, Paleo‑Friendly (if corn omitted), Whole30‑Compatible (omit dairy toppings)

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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HIGH PROTEIN TURKEY CHILI (No Beans, Big Volume)

Recipe by Clean & Delicious

A quick, high‑volume turkey chili packed with lean protein, colorful vegetables, and smoky chipotle flavor. Perfect for weight‑loss meal prep or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
11m
Prep
28m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
49m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.71
Total cost
$2.93
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Properly dice the onion using the tic‑tac‑toe method to save prep time.
  • Sauté vegetables with salt to draw out moisture before adding spices.
  • Toast spices early to develop deep flavor.
  • Brown the turkey until fully opaque to ensure safety and texture.
  • Simmer long enough for kale to wilt and flavors to integrate.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and pot with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Ensure ground turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Chipotle peppers are spicy; wash hands after handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of turkey chili in American cuisine?

A

Chili originated in the American Southwest and has traditionally been made with beef. Using turkey is a modern, health‑focused twist that reflects today’s emphasis on lean protein and weight‑loss friendly meals.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chili in the United States?

A

Texas chili (often bean‑free and beef‑based), Cincinnati chili (served over spaghetti with unique spice blend), and New Mexico green chili (using roasted green chilies) are classic regional styles. This turkey version follows the bean‑free, meat‑centric tradition of Texas‑style chili.

cultural
Q

How is turkey chili traditionally served in the American Southwest?

A

It is typically ladled into a bowl and topped with shredded cheese, chopped onions, and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. Cornbread or warm tortillas are common side accompaniments.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is turkey chili commonly associated with in American culture?

A

Chili is popular for casual gatherings, game‑day parties, and as a hearty meal‑prep option for busy weekdays. It’s also served at pot‑luck events because it scales easily.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a classic Texas‑style chili versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Classic Texas chili uses beef, chili powder, cumin, and sometimes dried ancho chilies. In this recipe, turkey replaces beef for a leaner profile, and chipotle peppers in adobo provide smoky depth as a substitute for dried chilies.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making turkey chili?

A

Common errors include under‑seasoning the vegetables, not browning the turkey fully, and adding too much broth which makes the chili watery. Follow the sauté and simmer steps closely for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this turkey chili recipe add the spices at the beginning instead of later?

A

Adding spices early allows them to toast with the vegetables, releasing aromatic oils and preventing a raw spice flavor. This technique mimics the depth of a slow‑cooked chili in a quick 30‑minute version.

technical
Q

Can I make this turkey chili ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the chili freezes well. Cool it completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the turkey chili is done cooking?

A

The chili should have a thick but saucy consistency, with the kale wilted and the corn bright. The turkey will be fully cooked, breaking into small crumbles, and the broth should coat the vegetables without pooling.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Clean & Delicious specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Clean & Delicious focuses on healthy, weight‑loss‑friendly recipes that are easy to prepare, emphasizing high protein, high volume meals with minimal prep time.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Clean & Delicious' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Clean & Delicious swaps traditional high‑fat ingredients for lean proteins and abundant vegetables, providing nutrition‑focused twists while keeping classic flavors intact, unlike many channels that prioritize indulgence over health.

channel
Q

What other high‑protein, high‑volume meals is the YouTube channel Clean & Delicious known for?

A

Clean & Delicious is known for recipes like lean turkey meatballs with zucchini noodles, chicken stir‑fry bowls, and protein‑packed lentil soups, all designed for meal‑prep and weight‑loss goals.

general

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