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Bowl of turkey cranberry chili Recipe with cranberries, turkey chunks, and vegetables.

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
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

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

Add the Aromatics:

  • To the browned turkey, add 1 finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant. These aromatics form the base of your chili and add a lot of depth to the 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.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Fat: 10g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
    • Fiber: 7g
    • Sugar: 12g
  • 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