California turkey chili is a fresh, vibrant twist on traditional chili, made with lean ground turkey and loaded with colorful vegetables, beans, and bold spices. It’s hearty and comforting, yet lighter and packed with bright flavors that reflect California’s love for wholesome, health-conscious cooking.
This chili starts with ground turkey, browned with onions and garlic for a savory base. What sets it apart is the variety of vegetables – bell peppers, zucchini, corn, and sometimes even spinach or kale are mixed in, adding both nutrition and color. The flavor comes from a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a touch of smoked paprika for depth, with fresh cilantro and lime juice stirred in at the end for a zesty finish.
Tomatoes, either crushed or diced, combine with chicken broth to create a light yet flavorful broth that balances the hearty ingredients. Black beans and kidney beans add creaminess and protein, making the chili filling without feeling heavy.
California turkey chili is the perfect balance of cozy and fresh. It’s great for meal prep, game days, or busy weeknights since it comes together quickly and tastes even better the next day. Garnish it with toppings like diced avocado, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
Serve it on its own, with tortilla chips, over rice, or with a side of cornbread. For drinks, a crisp lager, sparkling water with lime, or a glass of Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors perfectly.
Light, colorful, and packed with flavor, California turkey chili is a wholesome dish that proves comfort food can be both nourishing and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey lean
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz, with juice
- 2 cups kidney beans canned, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or to taste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.
- Add ground turkey to the pot, cook until browned.
- Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.
Nutrition
I ain’t a turkey fan, but this one was tolerable. Still, I prefer beef 😅.
It was ok, but felt like there was somethin missing. Didn’t taste like chili to me, need more spice.
I totally get what you mean! I added extra chili powder and jalapeños to mine, and it was much better. You gotta kick it up a notch! 🌶️
This chili turned out amazing! I was surprised how good turkey can be. My family loved it!
Simple recipe, but I added corn and bell peppers. Yum! Definitely making this again!
This chili was amazing! So flavorful and easy to make. I used black beans instead of kidney and it still turned out great!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Black beans are a great choice too. Can’t wait to try it your way.
Did you really say 2 cups of beans? That’s way too much!! My chili was literally all beans.
I have my doubts about ground turkey. It just doesn’t taste the same as beef…
Super easy to make! I added some bell peppers and it turned out delicious. Thanks for sharing!
This is not chili! Chili is beef, not this turkey stuff! Terrible!
Um… I forgot to buy garlic 😭. Still tasted okay, but probably would have been better.
Not spicy enough for me. I had to throw in some jalapeños and hot sauce to make it edible.
I really like quick recipes and this was easy peasy! I made it with my kids and they enjoyed it too!
Ugh, I burned it! 😭 My fault though, I left it too long on low. Will try again, hope it’s as good as people say.
This chili is sooo good! I made it for my family, and they loved it. Will def make again!
Wow, this chili was a hit with my family! Easy to make and delicious. Will definitely make again!
Didn’t have kidney beans so I used black beans instead. Still turned out great!
I prefer beef chili, but this turkey one is alright. Not my fave though.
I get you! Beef has that rich flavor, but I think turkey can be nice too when done right. Maybe add more spices next time?
Wasn’t bad, but I think I overcooked the turkey. Next time I won’t let it brown so much.
Yummy 😋 Can’t believe how easy this was!
Tried it and had to add a bunch of hot sauce to make it edible. Not my fav.
Turkey chili? Really? Can you even call it chili without beef?
This is my fave recipe!!! So yummy and healthy. My family loved it!
Skipped the beans, added more meat. More turkey is better, right? Haha!
Not enough flavor. I like spicy and this was too bland for my taste.
This chili is amazing! I love the flavors. Must try!
I totally agree! The combination of spices really stands out. I’ve made it twice already!
Yummy! I’m making this for dinner again this week!
That’s awesome! I love it too! It’s so hearty and filling.
Me and my kids love this! I doubled the turkey and it filled us up! Thanks for sharing!
Where’s the heat? 😒 I used the chili powder but didn’t find it spicy enough. Need to up the ante next time.
This chili is bomb! I added some corn for sweetness, yum!
Super easy to make, even my kids helped. That’s saying something! 🙂
Turkey? No way dude. Real chili has beef in it! Not a fan of this recipe.
I think ground turkey is weird, but this turned out alright. Surprised me!
Glad to hear you liked it! Ground turkey can be really tasty when cooked right. 😊
I don’t understand how people can call this chili. Where’s the flavor? Needs more spice!
I totally get what you’re saying! I added more chili powder and some jalapeños to mine and it was so much better. Spice is key! 🌶️
Chili doesn’t always have to be super spicy, maybe you just prefer a different kind of chili? This one’s kinda mild, but I like it as is.
This chili is superb! My family loved it, especially the kids. Will make again!
Turkey chili sounds kinda gross but this was actually really good. Surprised!
Good recipe, but where the chili flakes at? Needs more spice!
Chili? No beans, please! Beans ruin everything. But otherwise, good base.
This is just the recipe I was looking for! I loved it. Made it for my friends and they loved it too! 😋
So glad to hear that! It’s super easy and tastes amazing, right? 👍
I dunno, it sounds kinda bland. Where’s the spice? Like, could I add jalapeños or somethin’?
Loved it!!! The flavors are just right. Imma make this for my potluck!
I don’t know why this has such high ratings. It was kinda bland and needed more spice. Not my favorite recipe.
Sounds good! Hope my kids like it too. They usually hate beans tho…
Wow, who knew turkey could taste good?! This recipe is a keeper!
Glad you liked it! Turkey is sooo underrated! 👏
I don’t know about that. Turkey can be dry sometimes. This looks like it could be better with beef.
Delish! Been looking for healthier meal options and this fits the bill, yum!
I thought it was okay, but my husband didn’t like it. Too bland for him! Maybe add more spices?
I tried this recipe but the turkey was a bit dry. Maybe need more liquid?
Ehh, I mean it was chili but like not the best, kinda blah.
I didn’t have kidney beans so I used black beans and it turned out great!
This chili is a game changer! So flavorful and healthy. My family devoured it!
I tried this recipe and it was a hit! So easy and delicious. Definitely making it again!
Sounds good, but I usually prefer beef in my chili. Can turkey really taste as good? 🤔
Why would you use turkey? Beef is the way to go! 🤷♂️
I don’t know about turkey in chili… Seems weird! I always use beef. Anyone else feel that way?
Chili is chili dude. U can add anything, but don’t mess up the flavor! This was okay, but I prefer my aunt’s recipe.
Yeah, I get what you’re saying. But sometimes changing it up helps! Your aunt’s recipe must be really special! 🍲
Chili is good but this is missing sometin. Needs more flavor, maybe more chili powder?
I am not a cook but this was easy enough. My husband said it was ok, so that’s a win!
Simple and quick! I threw in some corn and bell peppers too. Yum!
Easy to make but a little bland. I added some hot sauce to spice it up.
I didn’t really like it… the turkey was weird. Ain’t chili supposed to be beef? Idk.
I think turkey chili can be great! It’s a healthier option. Give it another shot with more spices!
Nah, chili is beef for sure. Turkey chili just ain’t right. Just my opinion tho!
This chili was amazing! Perfect for a cozy night. I added some corn and it was even better!
I dunno, I tried this recipe and it was way too spicy for me. Guess I added too much chili powder. 🤷♂️
Glad you liked it! Adding corn is such a great idea for sweetness! 🙌
I don’t know about turkey in chili. Just seems wrong. Beef is where it’s at!
Nah, turkey? Just no. Beef chili is classic. This won’t be good!
I think turkey makes it healthier! Give it a try before knocking it. Beef’s not the only way!
Not that great. It was kinda bland for my taste. I added some hot sauce and it helped a bit.
I actually found it pretty flavorful! Maybe you just need to adjust the spices to your liking. Everyone has different tastes, I guess.
Bland? Really? I thought it was good as is. Adding hot sauce is a bit of a cheat, though, don’t you think?
Made this for a potluck and everyone loved it! Definitely will make again.
Chili is supposed to be spicy! This one barely had any kick. 😒
Just okay. It was a bit bland for me. I added more chili powder but still not spicy enough.
I totally get what you’re saying! I added extra cayenne and it was fire! 🔥 Maybe try that next time?
Yum! Perfect for the cold weather. 😊