Ingredients

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

2 medium yellow onions, chopped

1–2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped

1½ tsp. dried oregano

1½ tsp. ground cumin

1½ lb. ground turkey

¼ cup chili powder

2 bay leaves

1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¾ tsp. Morton kosher salt

¼ tsp. ground cinnamon

3 (15-oz.) cans small white beans (such as cannellini), rinsed and drained

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes

Juice of 1 medium lime, plus lime wedges for serving

Grated Cotija cheese, sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, and plain yogurt or sour cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and jalapeños. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are lightly browned in spots and tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in oregano and cumin and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 2: Increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in chili powder, bay leaves, cocoa powder, salt, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring often, until spices are fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the rinsed white beans, chicken broth, and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and flavors meld, about 45 to 50 minutes. Crush some beans gently with the back of a spatula to thicken the chili as desired. Stir in lime juice, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Remove and discard bay leaves.

Step 4: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with Cotija cheese, sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of yogurt or sour cream if using. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

For a milder chili, use only one jalapeño or omit the seeds. For more heat, include seeds or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef to suit your preference.

Stir in some chopped bell peppers along with onions and jalapeños for extra color and sweetness.

Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale in the last 10 minutes of simmering for added greens.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans other than white beans?

Yes, you can substitute with other canned beans like Great Northern or navy beans, but white beans have the ideal creamy texture for this chili.

Is it possible to make this chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the turkey and cook onions and spices on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, adding beans and liquids as directed.