Easy White Bean Turkey Chili Verde

Published: January 22, 2026

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This chili comes together in just over an hour, making it a great choice for weeknight meals.
Flavorful: The combination of spices and salsa verde gives this dish a bold and exciting flavor profile.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from ground turkey and fiber from white beans, it’s both nutritious and filling.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or cilantro to tailor it to your taste!
Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this chili is sure to impress friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Easy White Bean Turkey Chili Verde requires just a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large heavy pot
Wooden spoon
Chopping knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large heavy pot: This allows even heat distribution, which is crucial for simmering the chili evenly.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while breaking up the meat as it cooks.
Chopping knife: A good knife ensures efficient chopping of vegetables, saving time in meal prep.

Ingredients

For the Chili

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 pounds ground turkey (dark or white meat or a combination)
1 large yellow onion, chopped (2 cups)
3-4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped (2 tablespoons)
1 yellow, red or green bell pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1 bay leaf
24 ounces of store-bought salsa verde (see notes)
1 4-ounce can diced green chiles (mild or hot, depending on your taste)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 15-ounce cans of white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), drained

For Toppings

Chopped cilantro
Chopped red onions or sliced scallions
Grated cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
Sour cream or plain yogurt
Sliced avocado
Lime wedges

How to Make Easy White Bean Turkey Chili Verde

Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and season with a pinch or two of salt. Cook while stirring with a wooden spoon until the turkey loses its pink color, about 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked turkey along with any juices to a bowl.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté while stirring often until tender and starting to brown, roughly 4-5 minutes. Stir in the spices—coriander, cumin, oregano—and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Step 3: Simmer the Chili

Return the cooked turkey to the pot. Add in the bay leaf, salsa verde, canned chiles, and chicken broth. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes. Stir in the drained white beans during the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Step 4: Serve with Toppings

Ladle the chili into bowls and top with chopped cilantro, red onions or scallions, grated cheese, sliced avocado, and/or sour cream if desired. Alternatively, serve toppings on the side for guests to customize their bowls!

How to Serve Easy White Bean Turkey Chili Verde

Serving Easy White Bean Turkey Chili Verde is a delightful experience, as it allows you to customize each bowl to your liking. Here are some great serving suggestions that can elevate the flavor and presentation of your chili.

Toppings

Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color, enhancing the dish’s freshness.
Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado complements the chili’s spiciness, providing a rich texture.
Grated Cheese: Sprinkle some cheddar or Monterey Jack on top for a melty, savory touch.
Chopped Red Onions: Adding red onions gives a sharp bite that balances the richness of the turkey chili.
Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt: A dollop adds creaminess and cuts through the heat, making each bite more enjoyable.
Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over your chili for a zesty kick that brightens up the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

With Tortilla Chips: Serve your chili alongside crispy tortilla chips for dipping; they add crunch and make for a fun appetizer.
In a Bread Bowl: For an impressive serving style, hollow out bread rolls and fill them with chili, adding an extra layer of flavor.

How to Perfect Easy White Bean Turkey Chili Verde

Achieving the perfect Easy White Bean Turkey Chili Verde takes just a few thoughtful actions. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking process.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the taste of your chili significantly.
Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of jalapeño or add hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
Let It Simmer: Allowing your chili to simmer longer deepens the flavors, making it even more delicious.
Experiment with Beans: Try mixing different types of beans for varied textures and flavors in every bite.
Store Leftovers Properly: To maintain freshness, store leftover chili in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat Gently: When reheating leftovers, do so slowly on low heat to keep the texture intact.

Best Side Dishes for Easy White Bean Turkey Chili Verde

Pairing side dishes with your Easy White Bean Turkey Chili Verde can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options.

Cornbread: Sweet cornbread contrasts nicely with spicy chili; serve warm with butter for extra flavor.
Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the chili’s richness while providing a hearty side.
Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds another layer of flavor; serve it with tortilla chips as an appetizer before the main dish.
Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the meal’s heaviness.
Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies such as zucchini and bell peppers add a smoky depth that pairs well with chili.
Quesadillas: Cheese-filled quesadillas are perfect for dipping into the chili—add beans or veggies for variety!
Cilantro Lime Rice: This flavorful rice dish enhances the Mexican flair while complementing your turkey chili beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Easy White Bean Turkey Chili Verde, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Always opt for fresh or high-quality canned ingredients, especially the salsa verde. The overall taste relies heavily on the quality of your base ingredients.
Not Browning the Turkey Properly: Make sure to brown the ground turkey thoroughly. This adds depth of flavor to your chili. Stir it well and allow it to lose its pink color completely.
Skipping the Spices: Don’t skip or skimp on spices like cumin and oregano. They are essential for authentic chili verde flavor. Measure carefully and adjust according to your taste preference.
Overcooking the Beans: If using canned beans, add them towards the end of cooking to avoid mushiness. Simmer them just long enough to heat through without losing their shape.
Ignoring Texture: For a balanced chili, consider adding a variety of textures. Include chopped veggies along with beans for a heartier dish.
Not Adjusting Seasoning: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Every ingredient can vary in flavor intensity, so don’t forget to season with salt as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Easy White Bean Turkey Chili Verde

Freeze in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
Will maintain quality for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy White Bean Turkey Chili Verde

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 25-30 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Transfer chili into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Warm chili over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Easy White Bean Turkey Chili Verde recipe:

Can I use different beans for this recipe?

You can substitute white beans with other types such as black beans or kidney beans based on your preference.

How spicy is this Easy White Bean Turkey Chili Verde?

The spice level can be adjusted by using mild or hot jalapeños and selecting milder or spicier salsa verde based on your taste preference.

How can I make this chili vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, simply replace ground turkey with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Is Easy White Bean Turkey Chili Verde gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure all ingredients (like salsa verde) are labeled gluten-free.

What toppings go well with this chili?

Consider topping your chili with chopped cilantro, diced red onions, sliced avocado, grated cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

The Easy White Bean Turkey Chili Verde is not only simple to prepare but also versatile enough for any occasion. With options for customization like adding different vegetables or toppings, everyone can enjoy their perfect bowl of chili. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, this recipe promises warmth and satisfaction that will please any crowd. Give it a try!