Thick and Hearty Turkey Chili Soup – Healthy, Quick & Delicious!
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This turkey chili soup is the kind of dinner to make when you want something hearty without overcomplicating it. Lean ground turkey, white beans, and vegetables keep it lighter than classic beef chili, but it’s still hearty and satisfying. I like using white beans here because they thicken the broth naturally, so you get that chili texture without it feeling heavy. And if you are cooking for one or two, the leftovers are even better the next day.
This recipe was updated in January 2026 with clearer instructions and additional tips.
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Recipe Highlights:
What You Will Need
Turkey Chili Soup Ingredient List
Missing an ingredient? Find a substitute with the ingredient swap assistant!
Cooking for Two?
Use the scale recipe feature in the recipe card to halve the ingredients with no change to cooking time, or make the full reicpe and freeze leftovers for another meal.
How to Make it
- Prepare the ingredients: Chop the vegetables, heat oil in a heavy pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Cook the turkey: Once the oil is hot, add the turkey and cook until it’s partially cooked through. A little pink is fine at this stage.
- Add the vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the peppers, onions, and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Beans and broth: Stir in spices, beans, and broth; simmer on low for 30 minutes.
- Make a slurry: Whisk the flour and water together, then gradually stir it into the soup until the broth thickens.
NOTE: If you are using cooked, shredded meat, skip this step and start with the vegetables, then add the cooked meat and spices.
Tips & Tricks
- This soup is very thick; for a thinner version, add half to a full cup more broth, depending on how thin or thick you like your soup.
- This healthy turkey chili soup is great way to use up leftover turkey or chicken. Cook the vegetables, add the cooked meat and continue with the recipe instructions.
How to Store Leftovers
This soup develops even more flavor after sitting, so making extra is a good idea.
Refrigerator storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer storage: Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
This delicious soup tastes great with your favorite toppings such as:
- Shredded cheese
- Sliced jalapeño peppers
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Avocado or guacamole
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Green onions
- Fresh lime juice
Serve it with:
Craving more easy ground turkey ideas? Don’t miss my complete guide to ground turkey recipes—it’s packed with simple, flavorful dinners for every night of the week. Check them out here.
Recipe Variations
- Add more beans and veggies such as diced zucchini, green pepper, and less meat for a budget-friendly and fiber-rich version.
- To make it spicier, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper according to your taste.
Turkey Chili Soup Recipe FAQs
Yes. Cook the meat and vegetables on the stove first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the broth and cook on low for 3 hours. Stir in the beans and cilantro, then thicken with the flour and water slurry.
This turkey chili soup takes about 45 minutes total, including around 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time.
Thicken it with a slurry made from 1 tablespoon of flour mixed with 1/4 cup of water. Stir it in gradually until the broth reaches the thickness you like.
Yes. Skip the step where you cook the raw ground turkey. Cook the vegetables first, then add the cooked, shredded meat and continue with the recipe.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
You might also like these soup recipes
- Tuscan Kale and Sausage Soup
- Vegetable Minestrone Soup
- Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Instant Pot Turkey Chili
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Click on serving size to scale this recipe
Turkey Chili Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or your favorite cooking oil
- 2 red bell peppers diced, yellow, green or orange can be used too
- 1 clove garlic diced
- 1/2 pound ground turkey
- 1 jalapeno pepper diced omit for mild version
- 2 1/2 tablespoons [chili powder]
- 1 teaspoon [cumin]
- 1 cup [chicken broth]
- 2 1/2 cup white navy beans
- 1/4 chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon flour + 1/4 cup water
- 1 onion small or half large diced
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a heavy pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until it’s partially cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Note: If using cooked turkey or chicken, skip this step.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion, bell peppers, jalapeño (if using), and garlic. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in the spices, beans, and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro. To thicken, mix the flour with ¼ cup water to make a slurry. Gradually stir it into the soup until the desired consistency is reached.
Notes
TIPS:
- This soup is very thick; for a thinner version, add half to a full cup more broth, depending on how thin or thick you like your soup.
- This healthy turkey chili soup is great way to use up leftover turkey or chicken. Cook the vegetables, add the cooked meat and continue with the recipe instructions.
Serve it with your favorite chili toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado, guacamole, crushed tortilla chips, green onions, a splash of fresh lime juice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
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This looks delicious and I love how healthy it is. It reminds me of a stew my mom used to make.
Thanks Shelby!
A healthier way to start the new year…love it!
Oh , this is a winner! My family will love it. I love the addition of the Greek Yogurt on top instead of sour cream
Love this. Looks delish.
That looks like a perfect way to warm up on a cold day like today! Yum!
That looks like one delicious and hearty bowlful! Chili is just the thing on a cold day.
This is the perfect time of year for me to make chili- this one is going on my list!
Bookmarking this recipe – it looks like a 0 or very low-point, hearty main dish for Weight Watchers.
Yes, it probably is Liz. You can adjust the beans and meat also and it’s very filling
Since we are right in the thick of comfort food season, this is a great recipe. Not sure if you want chili or soup. You get the best of both worlds with this. Leftovers would be great too. I would make a double batch just to make sure I had some for another meal (or two).
Yes Gloria! Leftovers are great! It tastes much better the next day!
So hearty and delicious. Perfect for colder months!
Love all those flavors, and it’s simple enough to do on even a week night! Thanks!
Sounds delicious! Perfect for a chilly night. 🙂
It seems like a great bowl of comfort and goodness. Great weeknight meal.
I really love a great homemade chili recipe for the winter months! And this one sounds like it might be a little healthier, but still delicious!
Chilis are so important to me during the winter I love and easy hearty soup recipe!
Looks great! I love a really thick chili. That way the leftovers can be toppings too, like on hot dogs or baked potatoes.
this is EXACTLY what I need right now – something cozy and comforting, totally struggling with the winter at the moment! I love dishes like this that make you feel good from the inside out!
Mmm so hearty, healthy, and satisfying! This looks absolutely delicious…I wish I had a bowl right now 😀
Chili is my favorite, and this looks so good! I love that you used turkey, and the yogurt topping is a great idea.
Such a comforting recipe with a lightened up twist. I’ve never had arrowroot before, what does it taste like?
Love how simple this recipe is! And I love the different variations!! I love turkey chili but have never thought to make it into a soup!! So going to try this! You’ve made it super flexible with the variations! Loving that part!
Yum!! You made the chili just the way I like it — thick. So thick your spoon could stand up in it. I haven’t tried it with turkey although I bet it is a calorie saver but it doesn’t stint on taste. In fact, your chili is so hearty and comforting I’d call it a stew versus a soup. A great recipe.
Yum, I definitely need to try out this recipe with all these amazing flavors and spices. My husband could happily eat chili every day of his life, he’ll love this recipe.
I’m a big turkey chili fan. I’ve never added northern beans but that sounds like a great way to switch up the usual kidney beans!!
This soup is the perfect soul warming meal for those busy weeknights! My boyfriend would eat this everyday if he could!
A perfect soup to warm up on chili days. Such a comforting soup and I love that it’s lightened up version of chili soup. All I need is a bowl of this soup right now!
So perfect for the winter months. So comforting, flavorful and hearty!
This turkey chili soup is so delish!
Such perfect comfort in a bowl!
looks amazing, hearty but mindful of health! Can’t wait to make a pot this week, we’re expecting another cold front!
I love the combination of ground turkey and navy beans! So hearty and delicious without being too heavy 🙂