Creamy White Turkey Chili – Easy & Comforting Dinner

Creamy White Turkey Chili is the kind of recipe that checks every cozy box. It’s hearty, rich, and just spicy enough to wake up your taste buds without setting off a five-alarm fire. The best part? It brings comfort without demanding hours in the kitchen — a win for anyone juggling dinner, homework duty, and the latest Netflix cliffhanger. Whether you’re craving something soul-warming on a chilly night or trying to make the most out of leftover turkey, creamy white turkey chili belongs in your regular rotation. With ingredients like white beans, ground turkey, sour cream, and melty cheese, it’s a feel-good dinner that even picky eaters will happily dive into.

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What is Creamy White Turkey Chili?

Creamy White Turkey Chili is like the comforting cousin of traditional chili — minus the red sauce and heavy heat. It’s made with lean ground turkey, creamy white beans, sour cream, shredded cheese, and a blend of cozy spices that warm you up from the inside out. Instead of tomato-based broth, this chili leans on chicken stock and dairy to get its signature creamy base. Think of it as chili that swapped the bold spice cabinet for a creamy cardigan. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something that feels indulgent without being fussy. Great for weeknights, slow Sundays, or game-day spreads, this dish is the culinary hug you didn’t know you needed.

Reasons to Try Creamy White Turkey Chili

Let’s be honest, we all have those days when dinner needs to be quick, kid-approved, and possibly eaten standing over the sink — and creamy white turkey chili totally delivers. It’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less mess and fewer dishes (cue happy dance). It’s also easy to customize — go spicy for the adults or keep it mild for the little ones. Plus, it’s protein-packed, creamy, and full of comforting flavor without being overly heavy. If you’re looking for a dish that feels indulgent but won’t leave you in a food coma, this is it. Bonus: it makes amazing leftovers. Who doesn’t want dinner done for tomorrow?

Ingredients Needed to Make Creamy White Turkey Chili

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons butter (for stovetop version)
• ½ white onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 (14 oz) cans of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 oz canned diced green chilies
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground basil
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Colby cheese
• 8 oz sour cream
• Fritos (for topping)
• Chopped green onions (for topping)

Instructions to Make Creamy White Turkey Chili

Making Creamy White Turkey Chili is easier than you might think, and following this step-by-step guide ensures you’ll get rich, velvety chili every single time. Whether you’re a weeknight warrior or a Sunday meal-prepper, these instructions will walk you through each part of the process with helpful tips along the way. Let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey

Start by heating a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it apart into crumbles as it cooks. This step usually takes about 7–8 minutes.

You’ll want to cook the turkey until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. The goal is to get some color on the meat — that light browning adds a subtle depth of flavor you don’t want to miss. If you’re using lean turkey, you might need a splash of oil to keep it from sticking.

Quick tip: If you’ve ever found ground turkey a bit bland, seasoning it with a pinch of salt and pepper right at this stage helps build a more flavorful base.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Once the turkey is browned, add 2 tablespoons of butter directly into the same pot (you can skip the butter if you’re using the slow cooker version). As it melts, toss in your chopped white onion.

Cook the onion for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent. This step adds a gentle sweetness and balances the richness of the beans and cheese later on.

Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 1 minute. You want it fragrant, not burnt. If you’re garlic-obsessed (join the club), you can always sneak in an extra clove.

Need help with chopping or prepping onions without tears? Check out our ingredient prep tips here for more guidance.

Step 3: Add the Beans, Broth, Chilies, and Spices

Now it’s time to layer in the good stuff. Pour in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, chicken broth, and diced green chilies. Stir to combine everything evenly.

Then sprinkle in all your spices:

• Ground cumin (earthy and warming)
• Dried basil (adds depth)
• Chili powder (for that classic chili flavor)
• Optional: Cayenne pepper and red chili flakes (if you like it spicy)

Give everything a good stir, making sure the beans and spices are fully mixed in with the turkey. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.

Let it simmer for 20–30 minutes, uncovered. This simmering time helps all the flavors marry beautifully and allows the broth to thicken slightly.

Want to make this recipe milder or kid-friendly? Skip the cayenne and red chili flakes — or try our Mild Turkey Soup Recipe for a gentler option.

Step 4: Temper the Sour Cream

This step-by-step move is what keeps your chili creamy instead of curdled. Scoop out 1 cup of the hot broth into a medium bowl. Add the sour cream to that bowl and whisk until completely smooth.

This process, called “tempering,” slowly brings the sour cream up to temperature so it blends into the chili seamlessly — no weird chunks or curdling.

Don’t rush this. A quick whisk here makes a world of difference in the final texture. If you’ve never tempered dairy before, think of it as giving the sour cream a warm hug before introducing it to the rest of the chili.

Step 5: Stir in the Creamy Goodness

Pour the tempered sour cream mixture back into the pot of chili. Stir well to combine, then lower the heat even further to prevent anything from bubbling up or burning on the bottom.

Once your chili is looking creamy and silky, it’s time to bring in the cheese. Gradually add the shredded Monterey Jack or Colby cheese, stirring constantly as it melts into the chili.

You’ll know it’s ready when it transforms into a thick, creamy pot of cheesy chili magic. If it looks a little too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen it up.

Looking for a cheese swap or dairy-free twist? Visit our cheese substitution guide where we offer dairy-free ideas that still bring the flavor.

Step 6: Serve with Toppings and Enjoy!

Now for the fun part — toppings! Ladle your Creamy White Turkey Chili into bowls and finish it with your favorite extras. We recommend:

• More sour cream
• Fresh chopped green onions
• Fritos or tortilla strips for crunch
• A dash of hot sauce if you like heat

You can also serve it with warm bread, cornbread, or even a side of roasted veggies.

For cozy pairings, check out this Nourishing Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup — it’s another fall favorite that complements this chili well on soup night.

What to Serve with Creamy White Turkey Chili

This chili is pretty much a full meal in a bowl, but if you want to level things up, a slice of warm cornbread or a crusty baguette wouldn’t hurt. A light side salad (think something citrusy or with avocado) adds a refreshing balance. For more cozy soup companions, check out our Simple Potato Soup Recipe or this Cheesy Rice and Black Bean Enchilada Soup if you’re in a Tex-Mex mood.

Key Tips for Making Creamy White Turkey Chili

• Don’t skip tempering the sour cream. It keeps the texture creamy, not curdled.
• Want a thicker chili? Mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot or reduce the broth slightly.
• Go dairy-free? Use a plant-based sour cream and cheese — it still works beautifully.
• Add heat gradually. Taste as you go if you’re unsure how spicy you want it.
• Double it! It freezes like a dream, so make extra and save yourself some future effort.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Creamy White Turkey Chili

Leftovers? Lucky you. Store your chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If it thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water. For freezer storage, let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently — again, a little broth goes a long way in bringing it back to life.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day.

Can I use leftover turkey instead of ground?
Yes, just chop or shred it and add it during the simmering step.

Is it spicy?
It can be. Leave out the cayenne and chili flakes if you want it kid-friendly.

Can I make it in the slow cooker?
Yes! There’s a slow cooker method included — just brown the turkey first.

Final Thoughts

Creamy White Turkey Chili is one of those reliable recipes that just makes sense. It’s rich, comforting, and manages to satisfy even the hungriest of dinner guests — without leaving you stuck in the kitchen all night. Whether you need a new meal prep staple, a game-day crowd-pleaser, or just something cozy for a Tuesday night, this chili delivers big flavor in a low-stress way. If this one hit the spot, don’t miss our Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup — another chilly-night favorite.

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