Turkey Cranberry Chili Recipe That Everyone Will Love
Try this savory Turkey Cranberry Chili recipe! A healthy, hearty dish perfect for cozy meals with a sweet twist. Easy to make and full of flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal
Protein & Base
- 2 cups cooked turkey shredded or cubed (or 1 lb ground turkey)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil if using ground turkey
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth adjust for desired consistency
Beans & Cranberries
- 1 can 15 oz white beans or black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup dried cranberries or ¾ cup fresh cranberries halved
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon enhances warmth and balances flavors
- ½ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey optional, to enhance sweetness
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Crushed tortilla chips for added crunch
Brown the Ground Turkey:
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground turkey and cook, using a spoon to break it apart, until it turns brown and is no longer pink. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. Since turkey is lean, it won't release as much fat, but don't skip this step — browning the turkey brings out its full flavor
Spices and Seasonings:
Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir everything together, allowing the spices to coat the turkey and onion mixture. The spices not only add warmth but also give your chili that rich, comforting taste.
Add Tomatoes and Broth:
Now, pour in one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes (with juices) and 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir to combine, making sure all the ingredients are well mixed. The broth will provide a flavorful liquid base that’s perfect for simmering.
Incorporate Cranberries and Beans:
Add 1 cup of fresh cranberries to the mix. You can also toss in 1 can of drained and rinsed kidney beans for added protein and texture. As the cranberries cook, they will pop and infuse the chili with their tangy sweetness, creating a lovely contrast to the savory ingredients.
Simmer the Chili:
Bring the chili to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat and allow it to cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. As it simmers, the cranberries will soften, and the flavors will blend. For a thicker chili, let it simmer a bit longer, or if you prefer a thinner consistency, add a little extra broth
Final Adjustments:
Once the chili has reached your desired thickness, taste it and adjust the seasonings. For extra heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili flakes. You can also add salt and pepper as needed. A final squeeze of lime juice will brighten the dish and give it a refreshing, zesty finish.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Potassium: 800mg
- Vitamin A: 15% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 20% of the DV
- Iron: 15% of the DV
Keyword Cranberry Chili, Healthy Chili, Turkey Chili, Turkey Cranberry Chili