There’s something especially cozy and comforting about a big pot of Creamy White Turkey Chili simmering away on the stove. This luscious, flavor-packed chili is loaded with tender ground turkey, buttery cannellini beans, tangy green chilies, and a dreamy blend of cheese and sour cream. The result is a chili that’s lighter than the classic red kind, but with a luxurious richness that’s sure to win over family and friends. Whether it’s a chilly night or just a busy weeknight craving, this Creamy White Turkey Chili checks all of the boxes for a hearty, easy, crowd-pleasing meal.

Creamy White Turkey Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is how simple yet vital each ingredient is. Every item brings its own distinctive flavor or texture, and together they create the ultimate bowl of Creamy White Turkey Chili. Here’s a look at the must-haves and why you shouldn’t skip them:

Ground Turkey: Lean and protein-packed, turkey is mild and soaks up all the chili flavors beautifully.
Butter: Just a touch for sautéing adds luxurious flavor and helps the onions caramelize perfectly.
White Onion: Chopped finely, the onion gives a mellow savory base to the chili.
Garlic: Minced garlic deepens the flavor, giving it classic chili warmth.
Cannellini Beans: Creamy and hearty, these beans add body and a rich texture.
Chicken Broth: Lifts the whole chili, keeping it perfectly slurpable and full of savory depth.
Diced Green Chilies: These add a gentle heat and all the southwest magic you crave.
Ground Cumin: Earthy and aromatic, cumin is an absolute must in any chili.
Ground Basil: A secret, subtle herb flavor that lightens up the chili.
Cayenne Pepper (optional): For extra warmth—add only if you like a little kick.
Red Chili Flakes (optional): A bold boost for spice lovers, but easy to leave out for a gentler chili.
Chili Powder: The signature seasoning for chili, packed with smokiness and color.
Monterey Jack or Colby Cheese (shredded): Melts effortlessly, making the chili ultra creamy and irresistible.
Sour Cream: Adds the signature silkiness and a tangy finish that makes every bite swoon-worthy.
Fritos (for topping): Crunchy, salty, and the perfect finishing touch. Chili just isn’t the same without them!
Chopped Green Onions (for topping): Adds a welcome pop of color and a fresh zing.

How to Make Creamy White Turkey Chili

Step 1: Brown the Turkey

Start by grabbing your favorite large soup pot and set it over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it sizzles. This should take about 7 to 8 minutes. Browning the turkey first develops a savory base that anchors the rest of those zesty flavors.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Next, add the butter directly to your pot with the browned turkey. Once the butter melts, toss in the chopped white onions and let them cook while stirring frequently. You’ll know they’re ready when they go from opaque to translucent and smell sweet, usually in about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic and let it cook for just one more minute—this will keep the garlic from burning and infuse the entire chili with its rich aroma.

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

Time to build the chili! Stir in the cannellini beans, chicken broth, diced green chilies, cumin, basil, and chili powder. If you want a spicy batch, sprinkle in the cayenne and red chili flakes here, otherwise you can skip or adjust for the kids. Increase the heat to bring everything to a boil, then lower it to a gentle simmer and let it burble away for 20 to 30 minutes. This simmer time lets all those vibrant flavors come together and the beans soak up the broth.

Step 4: Temper and Add the Sour Cream

Here’s the little trick that leads to the creamiest Creamy White Turkey Chili. Carefully ladle out 1 cup of the hot broth into a medium bowl, then whisk in the sour cream until you have a silky, smooth mixture. This extra step ensures no curdling—just a rich, luxurious finish when you blend it back into the chili.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

With the soup at a gentle simmer, stir the broth and sour cream mixture back into the pot. Now, add in the shredded cheese and stir until it melts right into the chili, creating that signature velvety texture. The cheese not only thickens the soup, but also makes each bite sinfully creamy.

Step 6: Serve and Top

Ladle your Creamy White Turkey Chili into warm bowls and load it up with your favorite toppings. A dollop of extra sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped green onions for freshness, and a handful of crunchy Fritos for that salty pop will turn this bowl into a total showstopper. Grab a spoon and dig in!

How to Serve Creamy White Turkey Chili

Garnishes

The right toppings truly make a bowl of Creamy White Turkey Chili shine. Pile on some extra sour cream for added richness and a few sliced green onions for color and bite. Don’t forget a handful of Fritos or even crushed tortilla chips—this little crunch makes every spoonful more exciting. A sprinkle of shredded cheese or chopped cilantro is always a welcome addition too.

Side Dishes

Creamy White Turkey Chili is hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s even more satisfying alongside a few simple sides. Warm, buttery cornbread or fluffy dinner rolls are ideal for dunking and soaking up every last bit of creamy broth. A refreshingly crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the richness, and if you’re feeding a crowd, a big bowl of tortilla chips is always a great call.

Creative Ways to Present

This chili lends itself to creative serving ideas, perfect for parties or family dinners. Serve it in bread bowls for a rustic, impressive touch. Turn it into a chili bar with a spread of toppings so everyone can build their dream bowl. Or, scoop it into small mugs for a cozy appetizer at your next gathering. However you serve it, this chili never fails to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best parts about Creamy White Turkey Chili is how well it keeps. Once cooled, pour any leftovers into an airtight container and tuck them into the fridge. The flavors only continue to deepen overnight and the chili will be just as delicious if not better the next day! It will keep well for up to four days, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Freezing

Creamy White Turkey Chili also freezes beautifully. Let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags (lay them flat for quicker thawing). Store in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator—no loss of flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, just warm the chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot, stirring occasionally. If it seems thicker after chilling or freezing, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back some creaminess. Microwave reheating works too, but be sure to stir between intervals so it heats evenly and doesn’t scorch.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked turkey is a great substitute and a wonderful way to put holiday leftovers to good use. Just chop or shred it and add it with the beans and broth; you can skip the browning step.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

You can swap out the sour cream for a plant-based sour cream or unsweetened plain coconut yogurt, and use your favorite dairy-free cheese. The chili will still be creamy, tasty, and satisfying, just with a slightly different texture and flavor.

Can I make this Creamy White Turkey Chili in a slow cooker?

Yes! This recipe adapts perfectly to the slow cooker. Brown the turkey on the stovetop first, then add it (and everything else, except sour cream and cheese) to the slow cooker. Stir in the sour cream and cheese at the end for a fuss-free, creamy result.

How spicy is this chili?

This chili can be as mild or spicy as you like. The green chilies are generally mild, but adding cayenne and chili flakes will kick up the heat. Feel free to adjust the spice level to suit your family’s taste.

Can I use other beans if I don’t have cannellini?

Certainly! While cannellini beans make this chili especially creamy and hearty, you can substitute with great northern or navy beans. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the pot, and the results will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

Warm, hearty, and utterly satisfying, Creamy White Turkey Chili is one of those classic recipes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the table, eager for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own family favorite!

Creamy White Turkey Chili Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 45 minutes (stovetop) or 4 hours 30 minutes – 8 hours 30 minutes (slow cooker)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A comforting and creamy twist on traditional chili, this Creamy White Turkey Chili is a flavorful and satisfying meal. Made with ground turkey, beans, spices, and topped with cheese and sour cream, it’s perfect for a cozy night in.

Instructions

Stovetop: In a large soup pot, cook the ground turkey until browned. Add butter, onion, and garlic, then add beans, broth, chilies, and spices. Simmer and add a sour cream mixture. Finish by stirring in cheese and serve topped with sour cream, green onions, and Fritos.
Slow Cooker: Brown turkey in a skillet, then transfer to slow cooker with onion, garlic, beans, broth, chilies, and spices. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Add sour cream mixture, cheese, and serve topped with sour cream, green onions, and Fritos.

Notes

If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans with a potato masher before adding the sour cream mixture.
This chili freezes well, so make a big batch and save some for later!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes (stovetop) or 4-8 hours (slow cooker)
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American