Craving that warm, comforting bowl of chili you get at Panera Bread? This copycat recipe brings that delicious, hearty turkey chili right to your kitchen! It's surprisingly easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. This healthy and delicious dish is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of restaurant-quality chili without the restaurant prices!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, tortilla chips
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Add the vegetables: Stir in the chopped bell peppers and cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened.
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Simmer the chili: Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. A dollop of sour cream, some shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro make for a truly delicious and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Turkey Chili:
- Don't overcook the turkey: Overcooked turkey can become dry. Cook it until it's browned and cooked through, but not overly dry.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. Conversely, add more for a spicier kick!
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week. It’s perfect for meal prepping!
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as corn, carrots, or zucchini.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Replace the ground turkey with 1 cup of cooked lentils or your favorite vegetarian crumbles.
- Spicy Chili: Add a diced jalapeño pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Beef Chili: Substitute ground beef for the ground turkey.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
- Fiber: Approximately 10-12g
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and provides a healthy and delicious meal the whole family will love. It's a great example of quick dinner ideas that don't compromise on taste or nutrition. Enjoy your homemade Panera-inspired turkey chili!