This Slow Cooker White Chili is a cozy and hearty dish. Made with ground turkey, beans, and a blend of tasty spices, it’s perfect for chilly days and easy to prepare!
What I love is just tossing everything into the slow cooker and letting it do its thing. Plus, you can top it with cheese and sour cream for extra yum! Who doesn’t love that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of the dish! If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use ground chicken or lean beef. For a vegetarian option, try using crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat substitute.
White Beans: Great northern or cannellini beans are ideal, as they add a creamy texture. If you’re out of these, chickpeas can work, but they’ll give a slightly different texture.
Green Chilies: Adjust the heat by choosing mild or spicy green chilies. If you don’t have canned chilies, you can use freshly chopped jalapeños or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese provides a nice melt. For a sharper flavor, feel free to substitute with cheddar cheese. You can also go dairy-free with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Chili Has the Best Flavor?
The key to a flavorful chili lies in how you develop the ingredients. Start with browning the turkey; this not only cooks it but creates a delicious foundation. Make sure the onions are translucent before transferring to the slow cooker.
- Brown the ground turkey in a skillet at medium heat for even cooking.
- When cooking the onion, stir regularly to prevent burning—this brings out its sweetness.
- In the slow cooker, combine ingredients well, ensuring the spices are mixed evenly for a full flavor.
- Don’t skip the last step of melting in the cheese about 30 minutes before serving; it makes the chili creamy.
Slow Cooker White Chili With Ground Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chili:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14-ounce) cans white beans (such as great northern or cannellini), drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies (mild or spicy, based on preference)
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (plus more for serving)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty slow cooker white chili takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and can cook for either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. Just set it up and let the flavors mingle while you relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Turkey:
Start by placing a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook it until it’s nicely browned. Then, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir everything around until the onion turns translucent. If there’s any excess fat from the turkey, make sure to drain it away.
2. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Now that your turkey mixture is ready, transfer it into a slow cooker. Next, add the drained white beans, corn, chicken broth, and the diced green chilies. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, coriander, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder. Finally, season everything with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
3. Let It Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and choose your cooking time. You can cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours—either option will make a hearty chili!
4. Melt in the Cheese:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. The cheese will melt into the chili, adding a delicious creaminess to the dish.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When the chili is done, ladle it into bowls while it’s still hot. Top with more shredded cheese, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side. If you like, enjoy it with crispy tortilla chips. Dig in and savor every bite!
Can I Substitute the Ground Turkey with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground chicken or lean ground beef as a substitute for ground turkey. If you prefer a plant-based option, try using crumbled tempeh or lentils. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat you choose!
Can I Use Different Beans in This Recipe?
Yes! While white beans like great northern or cannellini are traditional, you can switch them out for other varieties, such as black beans or pinto beans. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the chili for the best flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chili in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
Definitely! If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add extra diced green chilies, some chopped jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust the spices according to your heat preference for a chili that suits your taste!
