One-Pot White Bean Turkey Chili (Print)

Lean turkey and white beans simmer with tangy tomatillos and vibrant chiles for a cozy, protein-rich one-pot meal.

# Components:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 pound ground turkey

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 poblano pepper, seeded and diced
06 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional, for heat)
07 - 1 pound tomatillos, husked and chopped
08 - 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, divided

→ Beans

09 - 2 cans (15 ounce each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), rinsed and drained

→ Green Chiles

10 - 1 can (4 ounce) diced green chiles, mild or hot

→ Liquids

11 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
12 - Juice of 1 lime

→ Spices and Seasonings

13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
16 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
17 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
18 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

19 - Sliced avocado
20 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
21 - Shredded cheese
22 - Lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion, poblano pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5 to 6 minutes.
03 - Stir in chopped tomatillos and half of the fresh cilantro. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until tomatillos begin to soften.
04 - Stir in ground cumin, dried oregano, ground coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Ensure all ingredients are well coated.
05 - Pour in the chicken broth and add the rinsed and drained white beans and diced green chiles. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
06 - Simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the chili to thicken and the tomatillos to break down.
07 - Stir in the lime juice and the remaining fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with your desired toppings.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour from start to finish
  • Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand
  • Naturally gluten free and packed with protein
  • One pot means minimal cleanup after dinner
  • Versatile enough for toppings customization for picky eaters
02 -
  • High in protein with approximately 29g per serving making it excellent for active lifestyles
  • Naturally gluten free when served without bread sides
  • Can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day
  • Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in airtight containers
  • Tomatillos are the secret star of this recipe. These small green fruits wrapped in papery husks might look intimidating but they provide the distinctive tangy flavor that makes this chili verde special. I discovered their transformative power years ago when a Mexican neighbor shared her family recipe with me. Now I grow them in my garden every summer specifically for this dish. Their bright acidity balances perfectly with the creamy beans and savory turkey.
03 -
  • Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end as the acidity of tomatillos can vary significantly. A squeeze of lime or pinch of salt can make all the difference between a good chili and a great one. Trust your palate more than the recipe measurements when it comes to final seasoning.
Back