This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This single serving turkey chili recipe is hearty, flavorful, and ready in about 30 minutes. Made with lean ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s perfectly portioned for one.
Featured Comment
“This chili is now on my meal plan. Hearty, filling and smells so good when simmering on the stove.”
– Ginger
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Hearty Flavor: This single serving turkey chili is filled with bold spices, tender turkey, beans, and vegetables in every bite.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Made with lean ground turkey and wholesome ingredients for a balanced meal.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes using simple, everyday ingredients.
- Customizable: Adjust the heat, add extra vegetables, or top with cheese, avocado, or cilantro.
- Perfectly Portioned: Designed for one, giving you just the right amount without leftovers.
What I love about this turkey chili is how flavorful it is without being heavy. The combination of seasoned turkey, beans, and tomatoes makes a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together easily. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for when you want a homemade dinner that feels special without a lot of fuss.
Enjoy this turkey chili on its own or with a slice of French Bread, a small batch of corn muffins, or a side of baked white rice. For a lighter option, pair it with a simple roasted vegetable salad.
Looking for more single serving chili recipes? Try our single serving beef chili, chicken chili for one, vegetarian chili for one, small slow cooker white chicken chili, single serving chili mac.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this ground turkey chili recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Olive Oil: I use extra virgin olive oil for its natural flavor and nutrients, though a lighter olive oil is fine if you prefer a milder taste.
- Vegetables: Onions, garlic, and bell peppers create the flavorful base of this turkey chili. The onions and peppers become tender and slightly sweet as they cook, while the garlic adds depth and aroma. I like using yellow or red bell peppers for their mild, sweet flavor. This same combination adds great flavor to recipes like pepper steak for one, baked penne for one, and chicken tortilla soup for one.
- Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey keeps this chili hearty yet lighter than traditional beef chili. Browning it first develops a rich flavor and ensures it’s fully cooked before adding the other ingredients. If you happen to have leftover cooked turkey, it works perfectly here too. You can also use it in a single sloppy joe or ground turkey tacos for one.
- Seasonings: A mix of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper gives the chili a bold, well-rounded flavor. The Italian seasoning adds a blend of herbs like oregano and basil, while smoked paprika provides a subtle smokiness that complements the turkey. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
- Canned Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are an easy choice and give the chili its slightly tangy base. You can also use about 2 cups of fresh chopped tomatoes if you prefer. They’ll add a lighter, fresher flavor. If you have extras, use them in tomato soup for one, chicken cacciatore for one, or single serving shrimp creole.
- Black Beans: Canned black beans add protein, texture, and heartiness to the chili. They blend beautifully with the turkey and tomatoes, making each bite satisfying. Pinto or red beans work well too if that’s what you have on hand. Any leftover beans can be used in baked black bean tacos, a small batch of cowboy caviar, or taco soup for one.
Recipe Variations
Try one of these easy ways to change up your single serving turkey chili:
- Spicy Turkey Chili: Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to bring extra heat. For even more spice, stir in chopped jalapeños when you add the onions and peppers.
- Slow Cooker Turkey Chili: To make this variation, brown the turkey with the vegetables, then transfer everything to a 1.5-quart slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 4 hours (see below).
- Sweet and Savory Chili: Stir in ½ cup of corn kernels for a hint of natural sweetness and added texture.
How To Make Turkey Chili For One
See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the ground turkey. Cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Stir in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes and black beans, stir well, and simmer for about 10 minutes until the chili thickens and the flavors blend.
How To Make Turkey Chili In A Slow Cooker
- Brown the Turkey: Cook the ground turkey in a skillet until browned to develop flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables: For extra depth, sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked turkey and vegetables to a 1.5 to 2-quart slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for about 4 hours.
Expert Tips
- Use a Heavy Skillet: A heavy skillet helps the turkey brown evenly and prevents hot spots.
- Taste as You Go: Before serving, taste the chili and adjust with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
- Simmer for Flavor: Let the chili simmer long enough for the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Finish with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chili sit for a few minutes after cooking, this helps the flavors meld together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, ground chicken works well and has a similar texture and mild flavor.
Yes, turkey chili can be made in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat before serving.
Let it simmer uncovered until it reduces, or mash a few beans in the pot to naturally thicken the chili.
Yes, simply double the ingredients to make enough for two servings or leftovers.
Yes, turkey chili freezes well. Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this single serve turkey chili recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!
Turkey Chili For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 small yellow or red bell pepper -chopped
- 1 clove garlic -minced
- 5 ounces ground turkey
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup canned black beans -rinsed and drained
- Optional, for topping: cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, or cilantro.
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the diced tomatoes and black beans, stir well, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as Parmesan cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, or cilantro.
Notes
- Use a Heavy Skillet: A heavy skillet helps the turkey brown evenly and prevents hot spots.
- Taste as You Go: Before serving, taste the chili and adjust with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
- Simmer for Flavor: Let the chili simmer long enough for the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Finish with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chili sit for a few minutes after cooking, this helps the flavors meld together.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I love it, love it, love it. The only thing I did different is – those last 10 minutes of cooking was cut drastically short as I kept tasting it and enjoying it so much, it was almost gone before time up. The spices were measured perfectly as with all your recipes that I’ve tried.
I love this recipe!! I’ve made it three times now. I like to add just a splash of vegetable stock to make it a little more soupy, but the recipe is great and I love finding single serving recipes.
Wonderful dish! I will make it again. I had some portabella mushrooms and fresh spinach I needed to use up so added those and turned out quite delicious, had a bowl tonight and one to take to work for lunch tomorrow.
If I don’t like cooked tomatoes what can I use? I’m fine with tomato sauce and paste.
Hi Sandy, you can leave the tomatoes out and add in another vegetable like extra yellow, red, or green bell peppers, chopped zucchini, or a handful of fresh spinach.
This chili is now on my meal plan. Hearty, filling and smells so good when simmering on the stove. Perfect for cool days, I recommend giving it a try even if you don’t care for turkey.
Another good recipe. Didn’t have red pepper but added chopped celery and carrot. Used entire cans of diced tomatoes and beans. Added chili powder and cumin. Made 2 servings so one serving was eaten and one went in the freezer for another time.
Delicious. Easy and quick
I used fire roasted tomatoes. Added cumin and chili seasoning
Baked some corn muffins too.