White Turkey Chili Recipe is a practical way to turn leftover cooked turkey into a hearty meal with creamy broth, white beans, jalapeños, and warm spices. It comes together in about 25 minutes, making it especially useful after a holiday meal when you have extra turkey ready to use.
The broth has a creamy consistency from half-and-half and cornstarch, while cumin, oregano, cilantro, and jalapeños give the chili a savory, gently spicy character. Tender shredded turkey and cannellini beans make each bowl substantial without requiring a long cooking time.
Why This Chili Is Worth Making
- Great for Leftover Turkey: Give cooked turkey a completely different presentation instead of serving the same leftovers again.
- Quick Cooking: The chili takes only about 15 minutes of cooking after the ingredients are prepared.
- One-Pot Meal: Most of the recipe comes together in one large pot.
- Creamy Without a Long Simmer: Cornstarch and half-and-half create body quickly.
- Flexible Protein: The recipe works with cooked turkey or chicken.
- Easy Heat Control: Adjust the jalapeños or green chiles according to your preference.
Ingredient Notes That Matter
- Cooked Turkey: Shredded cooked turkey is the main protein and makes this recipe especially useful for holiday leftovers. Rotisserie chicken can also be used.
- Cannellini Beans: Drain and rinse the beans before adding them to remove excess liquid and help keep the chili’s flavor balanced.
- Chicken Stock: Use chicken stock or broth as the base. A low-sodium option gives you more control over the seasoning.
- Jalapeños: Canned chopped jalapeños add heat and acidity. Green chiles can be used instead.
- Half-and-Half: This adds creaminess without making the chili as heavy as using only heavy cream.
- Cornstarch: Mixing the cornstarch with part of the dairy first creates a thickening mixture that can be incorporated smoothly.
White Turkey Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 quart Chicken stock or broth
- 2 oz canned Jalapeños chopped (or green chilies, to taste)
- 2 tbsp fresh Cilantro chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tbsp Ground cumin
- ½ tsp Dried oregano
- 2 pounds Cooked turkey or chicken shredded
- 45 oz Cannellini beans or white beans drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup Half-and-half evaporated milk, or heavy cream, divided
- 3 tbsp Cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken stock, jalapeños (or green chilies), cilantro, cumin, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded turkey (or chicken) and white beans. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with ¼ cup of the half-and-half (or cream). Stir this mixture into the chili. Then, add the remaining half-and-half, stirring well to combine.
- Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust spices and heat level as desired. Serve the chili warm.
Notes
- If you don’t have leftover turkey or chicken, you can use rotisserie chicken or prepare it fresh using your favorite Roast Chicken or Roast Turkey recipe.
- This chili can easily be customized by adjusting the amount of jalapeños or green chilies based on your heat preference.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 471 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 51g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Sodium | 1.044mg |
| Cholesterol | 114mg |
How to Make the Creamy Broth
The consistency of this white chili comes from a simple thickening technique rather than a long reduction.
First, cornstarch is mixed with a portion of the half-and-half to create a smooth slurry. That mixture is stirred into the hot chili before the remaining dairy is added.
This approach distributes the cornstarch throughout the broth and helps the chili develop its creamy texture without needing an extended cooking time.
Controlling the Heat
The jalapeños or green chiles are one of the easiest parts of this recipe to customize.
- Milder Chili: Use a smaller amount of jalapeños or choose mild green chiles.
- Medium Heat: Follow the listed amount for a noticeable pepper flavor.
- More Heat: Increase the jalapeños according to your preference.
- Green Chile Version: Substitute green chiles for the canned jalapeños.
- Adjust at the End: Taste after the dairy has been incorporated and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Smart Ways to Use Leftover Turkey
This recipe is particularly useful when you have cooked turkey left after a holiday meal.
Instead of reheating the same turkey with the original sides, shred the meat and add it to this creamy chili. The broth, beans, spices, and peppers give the leftovers a completely different character.
You can also use cooked rotisserie chicken when turkey is not available.
What To Serve with White Turkey Chili Recipe?
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Transfer cooled chili to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly.
- Portion Storage: Divide leftovers into individual containers for convenient lunches.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop until heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Consistency Check: If the chili thickens considerably after refrigeration, add a small amount of broth while reheating.
- Topping Separately: Keep fresh toppings separate until serving so they maintain their texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes. You can always use cooked chicken as an alternative to turkey. - What type of beans should I use?
Cannellini beans or other white beans work for this recipe. Drain and rinse them before adding. - Can I use evaporated milk instead of half-and-half?
Yes. The ingredient list allows half-and-half, evaporated milk, or heavy cream. - How do I thicken white turkey chili?
Mix the cornstarch with ¼ cup of the half-and-half before stirring it into the chili. This creates the thickening mixture. - Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient alternative when leftover turkey or chicken is unavailable. - Can I make this chili less spicy?
Yes. Reduce the amount of jalapeños or use milder green chiles. - Why is my chili thicker after sitting?
The cornstarch continues to affect the consistency as the chili cools, so leftovers may become thicker than when freshly cooked.
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The Freshman Cook started as a place to keep track of recipes I wanted to make again. Somewhere along the way, it grew into a collection of meals that friends requested, desserts that disappeared too quickly, and weeknight dinners that made life a little easier.
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