White Turkey Chili with Avocado

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chili is rich in flavor but lighter than traditional versions thanks to lean turkey and a white bean base. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and zesty flavor from green chilies, cumin, and garlic. Avocado adds a creamy, cooling contrast to the mildly spicy broth. It’s easy to make, great for leftovers, and can be customized with your favorite toppings or spice level.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground turkey
• Olive oil
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Canned white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• Diced green chilies (mild or spicy)
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Ground coriander
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh lime juice
• Avocado, diced (for topping)
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, shredded cheese, dairy-free yogurt or sour cream

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink.
4. Add cumin, oregano, coriander, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the turkey and aromatics in the spices.
5. Add white beans, green chilies, and broth. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in a splash of lime juice before serving.
8. Ladle into bowls and top with avocado and any additional toppings you like.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 40 minutes

Variations

• Creamier Version: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or dairy-free cream at the end.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce to increase the heat.
• Thicker Chili: Mash a portion of the beans before adding to the pot.
• No Turkey: Use shredded rotisserie chicken, ground chicken, or omit the meat for a vegetarian version.
• Cheesy Finish: Stir in shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar (or a vegan alternative) before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Microwave individual servings in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Is this chili spicy?

It’s mildly spiced from the green chilies. Adjust the heat by using hot green chilies or adding jalapeños.

Can I use dried beans?

Yes, but cook them in advance. This recipe is designed for canned beans to save time.

What type of avocado works best?

Ripe but firm avocados are best so they hold their shape when diced.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the turkey and sauté the onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, it’s naturally dairy-free unless you add cheese or sour cream toppings.

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely. Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe.

What can I serve with this chili?

Try it with tortilla chips, cornbread, rice, or a crisp green salad.

How do I thicken the chili?

Mash some of the beans or let it simmer uncovered longer to reduce the liquid.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the turkey and add more beans or a meat alternative like tofu or tempeh.

Conclusion

White Turkey Chili with Avocado is a deliciously wholesome meal that’s quick to prepare, deeply satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. With tender turkey, creamy beans, and bright avocado, it offers comfort and flavor in every spoonful. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or warming up on a cool night, this chili is a simple yet standout dish you’ll want to make again and again.

White Turkey Chili with Avocado

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White Turkey Chili with Avocado is a light yet hearty chili made with lean ground turkey, white beans, green chilies, and warm spices. Topped with creamy avocado and fresh herbs, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for cool nights or healthy weeknight dinners.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (mild or spicy)
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 ripe avocado, diced (for topping)
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, shredded cheese, dairy-free yogurt or sour cream

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring often, until fragrant.
3. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
4. Stir in cumin, oregano, coriander, salt, and pepper to season the turkey.
5. Add white beans, green chilies, and broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, allowing flavors to develop and the chili to slightly thicken.
7. Stir in fresh lime juice and adjust seasoning to taste.
8. Ladle chili into bowls and top with diced avocado and any additional toppings desired. Serve hot.

Notes

• Mash some beans before adding for a thicker texture.
• Use ground chicken as an alternative to turkey if preferred.
• Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamier version.
• For extra heat, stir in jalapeños or hot sauce.
• Great for meal prep—flavors improve after a day in the fridge.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 60mg