Heart Healthy Turkey Chili

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 12/26/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Diabetic

This heart-healthy Turkey Chili is a perfect choice for a low-fat and naturally gluten-free meal. Made with lean ground turkey breast, vibrant red bell peppers, and fiber-rich kidney beans, it’s a nutritious, diabetic-friendly way to enjoy comfort food.

Olive oil adds heart-healthy fats, while cumin and hot sauce add a kick of flavor. This low-cholesterol recipe is an excellent option for weight loss, providing a satisfying dinner without the saturated fat found in traditional beef chili. For more healthy comfort food, enjoy exploring all of our delicious heart-healthy recipes!

Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
8
Calories
175

What Makes This Heart Healthy Turkey Chili Healthy

This recipe swaps traditional high-fat ground beef for ultra-lean turkey breast to significantly reduce saturated fat and cholesterol. Combined with fiber-dense beans and low-sodium ingredients, it provides a heart-smart alternative to classic comfort food.

Key Health Highlights

  • Ultra-Lean Protein: Uses ground turkey breast to keep saturated fat at just 1 gram per serving.
  • High in Soluble Fiber: Kidney beans help manage cholesterol levels and support steady blood sugar for diabetics.
  • Sodium Conscious: Utilizes no-salt-added tomatoes and sauce to maintain a heart-healthy sodium profile.
  • Rich in Antioxidants: Red bell peppers and onions provide essential vitamins and phytonutrients for cardiovascular health.
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FAQs About Turkey Chili

Yes! Brown the turkey and vegetables first, then combine all ingredients in a crockpot and cook on low for 4–6 hours for a deeper flavor profile.

Absolutely. By using 99% lean turkey breast and fiber-rich beans, this recipe helps lower the overall intake of saturated fats compared to beef-based chilis.

Yes, this chili freezes beautifully. Store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.

Hearty Low-Sodium Chilis

Nothing says comfort better than a rich, warming chili on a cold day! Try any of these heart-healthy options when you want a different type of chili.

Heart Healthy White Bean Chicken Chili
Low Sodium Chili
Heart Healthy Tomato Bean Chili

Lean Turkey & Chicken Dinners

Chicken and turkey are ideal for making delicious, protein-packed meals that are low in saturated fat, and as these recipes show, they’re so versatile too!

Heart Healthy Turkey Meatloaf
Heart Healthy Chicken Thighs with Apples
Healthy Turkey Stew
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

Ingredients

Recipe yields 8 servings

Directions

  1. Step 1

    In a large skillet, saucepan or dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat until hot. Add turkey and cook, stirring occasionally, until just browned.

  2. Step 2

    Add onion and bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, or until vegetables are softened.

  3. Step 3

    Add cumin and tomatoes, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon to release their juices, and cook for 2 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Add beans, tomato sauce, hot sauce, salt, black pepper and parsley and stir to combine. Cook for 3 minutes, or until beans are heated through.

  5. Step 5

    Serve sprinkled with cheddar cheese and additional chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1 cup

175
Calories
3
g
Fat
37
mg
Cholesterol
279
mg
Sodium
17
g
Carbs
1
g
Sat. Fat
4
g
Fiber
19
g
Protein

Alternative Cooking Methods: Slow Cooker/Crockpot

To prepare this in a slow cooker or Crockpot, brown the turkey and soften the onions and peppers in a pan first. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Serve warm topped with the low-fat cheddar and fresh parsley. 
  • Pair this hearty chili with a slice of Heart Healthy Cornbread or serve it over a small portion of brown rice for extra whole-grain fiber. A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast to the warm spices.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. 
  • To reheat, place on the stovetop over low heat until simmering, adding a splash of water if the chili has thickened too much.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap with black beans or pinto beans for a different texture.

Ground chicken breast works as an equal lean substitute.

Green bell peppers or poblano peppers can be used for a milder or earthier flavor.

Replace the kidney beans with an extra half-pound of lean turkey or additional chopped vegetables like zucchini.

Use white beans (cannellini) and omit the tomato sauce, using low-sodium chicken broth instead.