High Protein Turkey Chili Recipe (Macro Friendly)

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This high-protein turkey chili, made with lean meat, fresh peppers, beans, and tomatoes, is the perfect meal to come home to after a long day. Filled with protein, veggies, and just the right blend of spices, it’s both delicious and macro friendly.

Looking for more easy dinner recipes? Try this chicken and broccoli penne, turkey smash burgers, or healthy beef and broccoli next.

This macro friendly chili recipe could not be easier…just toss everything into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. While you’re out running errands, working, or just catching up on your favorite show, this chili is bubbling away, ready to greet you with its comforting warmth on a cold day. This will be your new go-to recipe for chili. 🙌🏻

But the best part? Piling on your favorite chili toppings. Whether it’s a spoonful of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, or those irresistible tortilla chips – make this chili truly yours.

Are you on the hunt for more macro-friendly dinner ideas? Check out these macro meals.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Rachel’s Nutrition Tip: Using lean turkey boosts protein without excess fat, and pairing it with high-fiber beans promotes fullness and healthy digestion.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Healthy Chili Recipe:

Ingredient Notes

Ground Turkey: 93/7 is the sweet spot—packed with protein and just enough fat to keep things juicy without going overboard, making it perfect for those mindful of their meals.

Ground Chipotle: You can find this in the spice section at any grocery store. It adds a unique smokey flavor to your chili. It may also be labeled as “Chipotle Chili Pepper”.

Bell Pepper: Any color works! I used green but a red bell pepper would be great too. 

Love chili? Try this Instant Pot No Bean Chili next.

How to make High Protein Chili: Step by Step

Step 1:  Start by browning the meat. To do this, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and break it up. Then season the ground turkey with salt and pepper.

Step 2:  Next, add the green pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until you can no longer see pink in the ground turkey

Step 3: Add all the ingredients into the crockpot, including the turkey mixture, add in the chili powder, cumin, ground chipotle, and ground cayenne pepper. Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.

Step 4:  Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours (time may need to be adjusted based on your crockpot.

Storage, Freezing, & Reheating

Storage: Let your chili cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it into the fridge. It should stay fresh and tasty for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.

To Freeze: Want your chili to last even longer? Consider portioning it out into individual or family-sized servings and then freezing. This makes it convenient to grab just what you need later on. Be sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags, squeezing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and ensure the best flavor when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating: When you’re ready to dive back into your chili, make sure to thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use a microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If you find your chili has thickened up a bit in the fridge or freezer, just add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to your desired consistency.

What to Serve With Turkey Chili

Turkey chili’s pretty awesome on its own, but toss in the right side, and it’s a whole new game. Here are some fun ideas:

Cornbread: A classic pairing! The sweetness of cornbread complements the spicy, savory flavors of the chili.

Rice: Whether it’s white, brown, or wild rice, a bed of fluffy rice serves as a neutral base that soaks up the rich chili sauce.

Baked Potato: Load up a baked potato with chili, cheese, sour cream, and green onions for a fulfilling meal.

Tortilla Chips: Great for scooping! Plus, the crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the softness of the chili.

Crusty Bread: Fresh, warm bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce at the bottom of the bowl.

Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the chili and provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Dip slices of a gooey grilled cheese sandwich into the chili for a comforting, indulgent treat.

Pasta: Similar to chili mac, you can serve your turkey chili over pasta for a filling twist.

Toppings for Ground Turkey Chili

Now for the fun part: dressing up that bowl of chili! Toppings can really make each serving unique and personalized. How about setting up a topping bar for dinner? That way, everyone can deck out their bowl just the way they like. Here are some must-haves for your chili topping spread:

Shredded Cheese: Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack all melt beautifully over a hot bowl.

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a touch of creaminess and to balance out the heat.

Sliced Green Onions or Chives: They add a fresh bite and a pop of color.

Diced Avocado: A creamy addition that’s a cool contrast to the chili’s warmth.

Fresh Cilantro: For those who love its unique flavor, it adds a fresh herbal note.

Jalapeños: Sliced fresh for a bite, or pickled for a tangy kick.

Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime can brighten up the flavors.

Tortilla Chips: Great for scooping or just adding some crunch.

Diced Red Onions: For a sharp, fresh contrast.

Hot Sauce: For those who want to turn up the heat even more!

Make It On The Stovetop

Your turkey chili can be easily adapted for the stovetop. Start by browning the ground turkey in a large pot over medium-high heat, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Once browned, add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic, cooking until they’re softened.

Stir in the seasonings: chili powder, cumin, ground chipotle, and cayenne. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke, mixing well. Reduce the heat and let your chili simmer for at least 30 minutes.

Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and brown the 1 lb ground turkey, seasoning with salt and pepper. Add diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in spices, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.

Secure the lid, ensuring the vent is set to “Sealing”, and pressure cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow a 10-minute natural release, then manually vent any remaining pressure. Stir, adjust seasonings if needed, and serve with your favorite toppings.

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