Healthy Low Carb Turkey Chili Recipe (2024)

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By: Oriana Romero/Published: /6 Comments

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This Healthy Low Carb Turkey Chili recipe is easy to make and full of flavor! It’s low calorie, low carb but high in yumminess. The recipe includes a how-to video, step-by-step instructions, and lots of tips and variations.

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Healthy Low Carb Turkey Chili Recipe (4)

Table of Contents hide

1.Healthy Low-Carb Turkey Chili Recipe Highlights

3.How To Make Healthy Low-Carb Turkey Chili Step-by-Step

5.Healthy Turkey Chili Crockpot Version

7.Healthy Toppings for Chili

9.Frequently Asked Questions

10.More Healthy Recipes You’ll Love!

11.Recipe Card 📖

Healthy Low-Carb Turkey Chili Recipe Highlights

Who said healthy has to be boring? This Healthy, Low-Carb Turkey Chili is an easy one-pot meal full of flavor and made with ingredients you probably have in your fridge!

It’s satisfying, bold, and scrumptious. Plus, it only has 15 gr of carbs per serving (1 ½ cups) and less than 250 calories.

This Healthy Low Carb Turkey Chili takes only 30 -35 minutes to make and tastes like a cool-weather dream! It’s perfect for meal prep, make-ahead, or as a freezer meal. I actually like to double or triple the recipe so I can store the rest for days I don’t want or am too busy, to cook.

Loaded with healthy, lean, nutritious ingredients, this Healthy Low Carb Turkey Chili is hands down the best, healthier chili we’ve ever made.

Healthy Low Carb Turkey Chili Recipe (5)

Ingredients, Notes & Substitutions

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for quantities and instructions (scroll down).

  • Ground turkey: Make sure to use a lean version. I usually buy 93% lean 7% fat. You can also use ground chicken if you prefer.
  • Seasoning: A mixture of salt, black pepper, and chili powder provides the perfect background to make all the other flavors shine. I keep spices simple because my kids are very picky, but feel free to add some heat with cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Or add more flavor by adding spices and herbs, such as paprika, turmeric, cumin, oregano, or whatever sounds good to you.
  • Veggies: You’ll need onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
  • Tomatoes: I like to add Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies, plus tomato sauce. If you don’t want to use tomatoes with green chilies, you can use plain petite diced tomatoes.
  • Sweet potatoes: I love the sweetness and color sweet potato adds to this recipe. Don’t skip them!
  • Chicken broth: I use chicken broth instead of beef broth to keep things light, but you could also use vegetable broth if you like.
Healthy Low Carb Turkey Chili Recipe (6)

How To Make Healthy Low-Carb Turkey Chili Step-by-Step

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for quantities and instructions (scroll down).

Making this turkey Chili couldn’t be any easier!

  1. Brown the Turkey

    Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

  2. Add the Veggies

    Add onions, peppers, and garlic, and sauté for about 3 more minutes. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, sweet potatoes, and broth; mix until well combined.

  3. Simmer

    Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 – 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the pot from the heat. Let the chili rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro if using. Serve with shredded cheddar and sour cream if desired.

Healthy Low Carb Turkey Chili Recipe (7)

Tips & Variations

Add some heat with cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.

Use ground chicken in place of ground turkey.

Add extra flavor with more spices, such as paprika, turmeric, cumin, or whatever sounds good to you.

Add in extra veggies or leave out anything you don’t have on hand. This recipe is super easy to customize!

Healthy Turkey Chili Crockpot Version

This recipe can be easily made in the slow cooker! In my opinion, there is nothing better than homemade chili simmering in the slow cooker all day…especially in the fall or winter! To make this recipe in the slow cooker, follow these steps:

  1. Brown the meat. Nowadays, many slow cookers have the browning feature; if yours hasn’t, just brown the meat over the stovetop in a skillet.
  2. Add the Veggies. Add onions, peppers, and garlic, and sauté for about 3 more minutes.
  3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker. Place the browned turkey and veggies in the slow cooker and add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, sweet potatoes, and broth; mix until well combined.
  4. Slow Cook. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.

Serving Ideas

If you are looking for a low-carb and low-calorie option, I highly recommend Quest Protein Chips or low-carb tortillas. If carbs aren’t your main concern, try myBEST Eggless Cornbreadrecipe.You can also serve the chili over a bed of cilantro lime cauliflower rice.

Healthy Toppings for Chili

  • Sliced fresh avocado
  • Thinly sliced jalapeño
  • Shredded cheese (low-fat)
  • Plain, non-fat Greek yogurt or light sour cream
  • Freshly chopped cilantro

Storing & Freezing Instructions

I usually double or triple my chili recipe so I can store the rest for days I don’t want, or I’m too busy to cook.

  • STORE: Let the chili cool completely and place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • FREEZE: Let the chili cool completely and place it in an airtight freezer container or plastic bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • REHEAT: Heat in a saucepan over medium-low heat (or the microwave) and serve. If frozen, defrost in the fridge overnight.

PRO TIP: If you are short of time, defrost in the microwave. Then place it in a saucepan, add ½ cup of water (or broth), cover, and heat over low heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can chili be healthy?

Yes, it can be healthy! How healthy? It depends on what ingredients you use. These are my favorite swaps to make chili healthier but still delicious. To make your chili healthier, I recommend using ground turkey or chicken, instead of beef. Do not add any extra oil. Skip the bean and instead add more veggies. And finally, add lots of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chili always tastes better the next day, after the flavors have had time to really meld together, so feel free to make this up to 2 days in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat it on the stovetop on low until warmed through.

Can I make this healthy turkey chili vegetarian?

Yes, you can! Skip the ground turkey and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Add 2 – 3 cans of beans to substitute the protein.

How many calories are in a bowl of turkey chili?

This recipe only has 15 g of carbs per serving and less than 250 calories per 1 ½ cups serving. Of course, this might vary depending on the ingredients you use.

Healthy Low Carb Turkey Chili Recipe (8)

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Recipe Card 📖

Healthy Low Carb Turkey Chili Recipe (9)

Healthy Low Carb Turkey Chili

Healthy Low Carb Turkey Chili Recipe (10)Oriana Romero

This HEALTHY LOW CARB TURKEY CHILI recipe is easy to make and full of flavor! It’s low calorie, low carb but high in yumminess.

5 from 16 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings 6 servings ( 1 serving = 1 1/2 cups)

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 lb (900 g) ground turkey
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup bell pepper, finely diced
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies
  • 1 can (29 oz) tomato sauce
  • 3-4 tablespoons chili powder
  • 9 oz (250 g) sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • Chopped cilantro to serve (optional)
  • Shredded Cheddar to serve (optional)
  • Non-fat Greek yogurt or light sour cream to serve (optional)

Instructions

  • Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 10 minutes—season with salt and black pepper to taste.

  • Add onions, peppers, and garlic, and sauté for about 3 more minutes. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, sweet potatoes, and broth; mix until well combined.

  • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 – 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the pot from the heat. Let the chili rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired.

  • Serve with your favorite toppings.

Video

Oriana’s Notes

STORE: Let the chili cool completely and place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

FREEZE: Let the chili cool completely and place it in an airtight freezer container or plastic bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

REHEAT: Heat in a saucepan over medium-low heat (or the microwave) and serve. If frozen, defrost in the fridge overnight. If you are short of time, defrost in the microwave. Then place it in a saucepan, add ½ cup of water (or broth), cover, and heat over low heat until warmed through.

TIPS & VARIATIONS

  • Add some heat with cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Use ground chicken in place of ground turkey.
  • Add extra flavor with more spices, such as paprika, turmeric, cumin, or whatever sounds good to you.
  • Add in extra veggies or leave out anything you don’t have on hand. This recipe is super easy to customize!

CROCKPOT VERSION

This recipe can be easily made in the slow cooker! To make this recipe in the slow cooker, follow these steps:

  1. Brown the meat. Nowadays, many slow cookers have the browning feature; if yours hasn’t, just brown the meat over the stovetop in a skillet.
  2. Add the Veggies. Add onions, peppers, and garlic, and sauté for about 3 more minutes.
  3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker. Place the browned turkey and veggies in the slow cooker and add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, sweet potatoes, and broth; mix until well combined.
  4. Slow Cook. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.

For Substitutions, check my ” Ingredients Section” above.

If you’re making this recipe, please read the whole post content to get lots of tips, tricks, variations, and frequently asked questions.

★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Please note that nutritional information is a rough estimate, and it can vary depending on the products used.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cupCalories: 238kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 38gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gSugar: 4g

Rate This Recipe

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Calories 238

Keyword chili dinner healthy low-carb turkey

This recipe was originally published in January 2020. The recipe remains the same, but more notes, tips, photos, and information have been added to the post in December 2022 to make it as helpful as possible!

Welcome to my eggless kitchen!

Healthy Low Carb Turkey Chili Recipe (11)Thanks for stopping by! I’m Oriana, a wife, mom to three wonderful kids, and a passionate baker and cooker of all eggless things delicious. My goal is to give you the confidence and knowledge to cook and bake without eggs while providing quality recipes that your whole family will love. I’m really happy that you’re here, so take a seat and have fun exploring! Read More…

Healthy Low Carb Turkey Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is it OK to eat chili on a low-carb diet? ›

Classic bean-based chili is not keto-friendly, as beans are high in carbohydrates. Luckily you can still make a keto-friendly chili without the beans. All of the traditional chili spices, such as chili powder, ground cumin and smoked paprika, are great flavor-boosters for keto foods.

Does turkey chili have a lot of carbs? ›

Turkey Chili With Beans (1 cup) contains 19.3g total carbs, 13.7g net carbs, 7.5g fat, 19.4g protein, and 218 calories.

How many carbs are in turkey chili without beans? ›

Nutrition Facts
% Daily Value*
Total Carbohydrate 16g5%
Dietary Fiber 2g12%
Total Sugars 5g
Includes added sugars
7 more rows

How do you thicken chili without carbs? ›

Xanthan gum: Xanthan gum is a common thickener used in many low-carb recipes. It's a powdered substance that can be added to liquids to create a thick, smooth texture. You'll only need a small amount of xanthan gum to thicken your chili, typically 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon for a large pot.

Which beans are lowest in carbs? ›

Highest and Lowest Carb Beans

Among these, black soybeans and green beans have the lowest carbs, potentially making them better for a keto diet. On the other hand, chickpeas, pinto beans, and navy beans have high carbs. You might want to avoid these if you're strictly following a keto diet.

Can you drink diet Dr Pepper on low-carb diet? ›

Diet Dr. Pepper is extremely keto-friendly because it is free from any carbs. It's sweetened with aspartame which doesn't interfere with ketosis.

What can I add to chili to make it healthier? ›

Ground turkey, when compared to ground beef, has lower levels of saturated fat—making it a better choice for heart health—and is lower in calories. Lentils are well-known to vegetarians and are a solid option for adding texture, protein, and deliciousness to chili; plus, they're good for you.

What are the best beans for chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

Is turkey chili better for you than beef? ›

Turkey is generally lower in saturated fat than beef. As such, it may be a better choice for heart health. Fat-free turkey is also the lowest calorie option if you're interested in weight loss. However, if your main goal is flavor, ground beef may outshine turkey in some dishes.

How many carbs are in 1 cup of homemade chili without beans? ›

Chili without beans, with meat, homemade (1 cup) contains 12.8g total carbs, 8.1g net carbs, 10.6g fat, 16.6g protein, and 206 calories.

How many carbs in a bowl of turkey chili? ›

Nutrition & Allergens
Nutrition InformationValue
Carbohydrates31 g
Dietary Fiber14 g
Total Sugars8 g
Protein21 g
7 more rows

How many carbs are in 1 cup of homemade chili with beans? ›

Chili with beans and meat, homemade (1 cup) contains 23.5g total carbs, 16.3g net carbs, 9.1g fat, 18.2g protein, and 242 calories.

What can I substitute for beans in low-carb chili? ›

Here are some options:
  1. Cauliflower: You can chop cauliflower into small pieces to mimic the texture of beans. ...
  2. Zucchini: Another low-carb vegetable that can be used as a bean replacement is zucchini. ...
  3. Mushrooms: Mushrooms are another option for adding bulk and texture to chili.
May 6, 2023

What is a good substitute for sugar in chili? ›

Maple Syrup

Brown sugar is a common sweetener added to chili. It's a relatively neutral-flavored sugar with a touch of molasses that pairs well with the other ingredients. But try replacing it with maple syrup next time for a fun twist. Maple syrup has a similar "vibe" to brown sugar with an almost caramelized flavor.

What makes chili high in carbs? ›

Traditional chili recipes usually include beans, which are high in carbs and not very keto-friendly. However, you can easily make a keto-friendly version of chili by replacing the beans with low-carb vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. You can also add some ground beef or pork for protein and healthy fats.

Is a bowl of chili high in carbs? ›

Chili with beans and meat, homemade (1 cup) contains 23.5g total carbs, 16.3g net carbs, 9.1g fat, 18.2g protein, and 242 calories.

Does chili have a lot of carbohydrates? ›

Traditional chili recipes may contain beans and high-carb vegetables, which could exceed your daily carbohydrate limit. However, you can modify the recipe by using low-carb substitutes like ground beef, tomatoes, and spices to make it more keto-friendly.

Does chili spike blood sugar? ›

Some studies have indicated that the consumption of chilli-containing foods can influence iron absorption and affect serum insulin and glucose concentrations, which may help to alleviate diabetes or prediabetes.

How many carbs in a bowl of chili? ›

Chili with beans, canned, 1 cup
Protein (g)14.62
Carbohydrate, by difference (g)30.49
Energy (kcal)286.72
Sugars, total (g)3.38
Fiber, total dietary (g)11.26
34 more rows

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