Frosty Morning High Protein Chili (Printable)
Hearty chili featuring lean protein, black and kidney beans, infused with warm spices for cozy meals.
# List of ingredients:
→ Protein
01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken
02 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
03 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 large onion, diced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
08 - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
09 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
→ Spices and Flavorings
10 - 2 tbsp chili powder
11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - ½ tsp dried oregano
14 - ½ tsp black pepper
15 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
16 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
→ Garnishes (optional)
17 - Chopped cilantro
18 - Sliced green onions
19 - Greek yogurt or light sour cream
# Steps:
01 - Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper, and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Incorporate minced garlic and jalapeño (if using), and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey or chicken, breaking it apart with a spoon; cook until evenly browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes.
04 - Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
05 - Add diced tomatoes with their juices, rinsed black beans, kidney beans, and broth. Stir well to combine.
06 - Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors are melded.
07 - Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve warm, garnished with cilantro, green onions, and a spoonful of Greek yogurt or light sour cream if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Thirty minutes of actual cooking means you're eating in under an hour, spoon in hand.
- One pot, one cleanup, and you've got six servings of something that tastes even better the next day.
- The protein hits hard without tasting like a bodybuilder's punishment.
02 -
- Don't skip the tomato paste blooming step—those two minutes transform the entire flavor profile from flat to layered and complex.
- Rinsing the canned beans removes a ton of sodium and that weird starchy taste, which makes the chili taste fresher and lets the actual spices shine.
- Low heat during the simmer is your friend. A rolling boil will break down the beans too much and make everything mushy instead of hearty.
03 -
- Cook the chili uncovered so it thickens naturally—the steam escaping is part of the process, not something to trap under a lid.
- A dollop of Greek yogurt isn't just a garnish; the coolness and tang complete the dish in a way that makes the whole experience feel intentional and restaurant-quality.