White Turkey and Poblano Chili is a hearty, creamy dish that puts a flavorful twist on classic chili. Made with ground turkey, roasted poblano peppers, white beans, and a rich, seasoned broth, this chili is the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and comforting. Cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream adds a velvety texture, while toppings like cilantro, lime, and shredded cheese enhance its bold flavors.
I first made White Turkey and Poblano Chili on a chilly evening when I wanted something warm and satisfying but lighter than traditional beef chili. The roasted poblano peppers brought a subtle smoky heat, and the turkey kept the dish lean yet flavorful. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize—you can adjust the spice level with jalapeños, add corn for sweetness, or even swap the turkey for chicken. Whether served with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream, this chili is a cozy, crowd-pleasing favorite!
Perfect for:
- Cozy dinners
- Family gatherings
- Game day parties
- Chili cook-offs
- Turkey lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this White Turkey and Poblano Chili will become your go-to comfort food:
- Smoky Poblano Flavor: The poblano peppers add a smoky depth to the chili that is both subtle and savory.
- Lean Turkey Meat: Ground turkey makes this chili a leaner alternative to beef, without sacrificing flavor.
- Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese and white beans creates a rich, velvety texture that’s satisfying and smooth.
- Mild Heat: The chili offers just the right amount of spice, with the heat of poblano peppers and green chiles.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, this chili is a filling, wholesome meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili can be made in advance and stores well in the fridge or freezer for a quick meal later.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the heat level by adding more or less of the green chiles and peppers.
- One-Pot Wonder: Made in a single pot, this chili is easy to prepare and clean up afterward.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a party or feeding a family, this chili is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
- Leftover-Friendly: The flavors only improve the next day, making it even better as leftovers.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 poblano peppers, roasted and chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 can (14 oz) chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Chopped cilantro
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
Ingredient Highlights
- Poblano Peppers: These mild peppers offer a smoky and slightly spicy flavor, making them perfect for chili.
- Ground Turkey: A lean protein that adds a light and tender texture to the chili.
- White Beans: Provide creaminess and bulk to the chili without overpowering the flavor.
- Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream: These ingredients create a rich and velvety base for the chili.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Turkey and Vegetables:
- Cook Turkey: In a large pot, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onions, roasted poblano peppers, and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Simmer the Chili:
- Add Spices: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the chicken broth, green chiles, and white beans, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 30-40 minutes to blend the flavors.
Make the Chili Creamy:
- Add Cream Cheese and Cream: Stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream, allowing them to melt and incorporate into the chili for a creamy consistency.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, and lime wedges.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for White Turkey and Poblano Chili:
- With Cornbread: Serve with warm cornbread for a comforting meal.
- With Tortilla Chips: Pair with crispy tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.
- Over Rice: Serve the chili over a bed of white rice for added texture.
- In a Bowl: Serve in a bowl with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese.
- As a Dip: Use as a dip for tortilla chips or crackers.
- With Avocado: Add creamy avocado slices to each bowl for extra richness.
- For a Taco Night: Serve in taco shells as a hearty filling.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- As a Game Day Snack: Serve with chips, nachos, and other game-day snacks for a crowd-pleasing option.
- For Leftovers: Enjoy as a simple lunch the next day with a side of crusty bread.
Additional Tips
- Roast the Poblano Peppers: Roasting the poblanos enhances their flavor and brings out a smoky, slightly sweet taste.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer spicier chili, add more diced green chiles or a dash of hot sauce.
- Let it Simmer: Allowing the chili to simmer for a longer time will deepen the flavors and improve the texture.
- Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For a creamier consistency, use full-fat cream cheese in the recipe.
- Make it Ahead: This chili can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for the flavors to meld even further.
Recipe Variations
- Add More Veggies: Add corn, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
- Spicy Chili: Add jalapeños or chipotle peppers for more heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the turkey and use additional beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for a hearty vegetarian chili.
- Slow Cooker Version: Brown the turkey and vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Add Beef Bacon: Crumble crispy beef bacon on top for a smoky, salty finish.
- Cheesy Chili: Stir in shredded cheese into the chili for a gooey, cheesy texture.
- Tomato-Based Chili: Add a can of diced tomatoes for a more traditional, tomato-based chili.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese as substitutes for a dairy-free option.
- Spicy and Sweet: Add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to balance out the heat with sweetness.
Special Equipment
- Large Pot: For simmering the chili and blending all the flavors.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the chili and breaking up the turkey.
- Tongs or Spatula: For roasting and chopping the poblano peppers.
- Citrus Juicer: To extract lime juice easily for garnishing.
FAQ Section
- Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken is a great substitute and will give a similar result. - Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the turkey and vegetables in a pan, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours. - Can I use frozen poblano peppers?
Frozen poblanos can be used, though they may not be as firm as fresh ones. - How long can I store the chili?
Store the chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months. - Can I add beans other than white beans?
Yes, black beans or kidney beans would work well in this chili. - Can I make this chili spicier?
Absolutely! Add more green chiles, jalapeños, or hot sauce to ramp up the heat. - What should I serve with the chili?
Serve with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for a complete meal. - Can I skip the cream cheese?
Yes, but the cream cheese adds creaminess to the chili. You can substitute with sour cream or a dairy-free alternative. - Can I freeze this chili?
Yes, this chili freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. - What can I use as a garnish?
Garnish with cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, and lime wedges for the best flavor.
Conclusion
White Turkey and Poblano Chili is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender turkey with smoky poblano peppers, white beans, and a medley of spices for a hearty and comforting meal. This chili is a lighter alternative to traditional beef-based chili, with a creamy base that’s both satisfying and full of robust flavor. It’s perfect for chilly nights, meal prepping, or casual gatherings.
To make it, start by roasting or sautéing poblano peppers to bring out their smoky flavor, then dice them up. In a large pot, cook ground turkey with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Add the roasted poblanos, white beans (like cannellini or Great Northern beans), and chicken or turkey broth. For creaminess, stir in a touch of cream cheese, sour cream, or heavy cream, along with shredded cheese for richness. Simmer until everything is well combined and the flavors meld together. Serve this White Turkey and Poblano Chili with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a crusty loaf of bread.
I can’t wait to see how your White Turkey and Poblano Chili turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your hearty and flavorful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!