Contents

Zesty White Turkey Chili: The Ultimate Post-Holiday Leftover Recipe

Transform your leftover roasted turkey or chicken into a vibrant, flavor-packed white chili. After the rich indulgences of holiday feasting, this fresh and zesty dish offers a welcome, lighter change of pace. It’s not just a meal; it’s a delightful culinary reset, perfect for those in-between days. (Jump to Recipe)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all my wonderful friends and readers! As the festive season wraps up, I extend my warmest wishes for a cozy and memorable holiday. Your continued visits to my site are truly cherished; you are the inspiration that fuels my passion for sharing new and exciting recipes. This culinary space is not just my happy place, but also a fantastic haven from the never-ending chores!

______________________________________________________________

The holiday season is a beautiful whirlwind of joyous celebrations. We immerse ourselves in the warmth of family hugs, the thrill of gifting, the comforting nibbling of cookies, the clinking of festive drinks, the sweet melodies of carol singing, and the constant indulgence in delicious snacks and lavish feasts. It’s a time filled with abundance, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.

Yet, amidst all this wonderful bustle and delightful excess, there often comes a point where we crave something simpler, something that feels both nourishing and refreshing. It’s a good practice to pause, breathe, and simply savor the quiet moments whenever possible. I often find myself doing just that – perhaps with a warm cup of tea, lost in dreamy contemplation of the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree, the soft glow of candles casting a serene ambiance.

Once the festive whirlwind settles, you’re left with the pleasant aftermath: gift wrap to recycle, empty boxes to flatten, and the last remnants of cranberry sauce and Brussels sprouts tucked away. But inevitably, the star of the show — that magnificent roasted turkey — leaves behind its carcass and, more importantly, a generous amount of delicious meat. While a hearty, homemade turkey soup from the carcass is always a fantastic idea (I often freeze the carcass to make soup in the depths of January when the cold winds truly howl!), there’s another equally delightful path to explore.

For an extra layer of richness in your future soup, consider freezing any leftover gravy and mashed potatoes. Adding them to your turkey stock creates a luxuriously creamy, almost chowder-like consistency that is incredibly satisfying and comforting – a true winter warmer.

Embrace the Lighter Side: White Turkey Chili

Now, let’s turn our attention to all that succulent, leftover roasted turkey meat. Instead of another heavy meal, let’s transform it into a vibrant pot of this flavor-packed, light, and zesty white chili. Your taste buds, undoubtedly accustomed to richer holiday fare, will sing with delight at this refreshing change. It’s the perfect meal to serve during those relaxed days between Christmas and New Year’s, bridging the gap before we dive into the energetic swing of New Year’s festivities.

For many, the word “chili” instantly conjures images of a deep, dark mahogany-colored stew, laden with beef and bold spices. But once you expand your culinary horizons beyond this traditional notion, you’ll discover the surprising and delightful flavor punch packed into this “blonde” version. White chili offers a distinct, yet equally satisfying, experience.

Imagine tender chunks of savory turkey dancing alongside creamy cannellini or navy beans, mingling with the subtle sweetness of sautéed onions, and providing a delightful textural contrast with softly crunchy cashew nuts. This white chili is a masterful combination, all harmoniously bound together by a light, subtly wine-scented chicken broth. It’s seasoned with just the right balance of aromatic spices, delivering a gentle, warming kick that invigorates rather than overwhelms. It’s a gourmet twist on a classic comfort food, making it an instant favorite.

The Secret Ingredients: Lemon and Toppings

Two elements are crucial for truly elevating this white turkey chili: a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a thoughtful selection of toppings. The lemon juice, added at the very end, acts as a bright, zesty counterpoint, awakening and intensifying all the other flavors in the pot. It’s a simple addition that makes a profound difference, transforming the chili from merely good to absolutely outstanding.

And then there are the toppings! This is where you can truly unleash your creativity and cater to individual preferences. Providing an assortment of garnishes not only adds visual appeal but also allows everyone to customize their bowl, making the meal an interactive and fun experience. Think creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt, sharp shredded white cheddar, cooling diced avocado, crisp chopped red or green onions, fresh cilantro, or even extra toasted cashews for crunch. For those who crave an extra fiery kick, a dollop of tomatillo salsa or a dash of your favorite green hot sauce will do the trick. The possibilities are endless, and each addition brings its own unique texture and flavor dimension.

*** * * * ***

Kitchen Notes and Customization Tips:

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it perfect for using up whatever you have on hand. The specified amount of leftover turkey or chicken is merely a guideline. If you find yourself with less meat, don’t fret! Simply adjust accordingly, or bolster the volume by adding an extra handful of other finely diced vegetables alongside the onions, such as sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. If you have an abundance of turkey, feel free to use more, perhaps adding a touch more broth and seasoning to maintain the perfect balance of flavors.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a fresh jalapeño pepper provides a clean, bright spice. If you prefer a milder chili, remember to remove the seeds and membranes before mincing. Should a fresh jalapeño not be available, there are several excellent alternatives to introduce that desired warmth. A pinch of dried chili flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a good dollop of spicy green tomatillo salsa or your favorite green hot sauce will work beautifully.

When it comes to serving, white turkey chili is incredibly versatile. It’s hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own in a bowl, perfect for scooping up with crunchy tortilla chips. For a more substantial meal, serve it generously ladled over a bed of fluffy white rice. And as mentioned, don’t forget that delightful assortment of toppings. Setting out bowls of various garnishes truly transforms the dining experience, allowing each person to create their perfect bowl tailored to their own taste and adding a festive, interactive touch to the meal.

White Turkey Chili Recipe

This recipe yields a comforting, flavorful chili that’s both hearty and surprisingly light. It’s designed to be a flexible foundation for your creativity.

1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
1 large onion, chopped (about 1½ cups)
1 cup diced celery
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño pepper, minced (remove seeds and membranes for milder heat, leave them in for more kick)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 cups diced, cooked turkey or chicken (cut into ½ inch cubes for best texture)
2 cans (400ml/14 oz. each, or one 800gm/28 oz. can) cannellini beans, white kidney beans, navy beans, or chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed (approximately 3¼ cups cooked beans)
1 cup (240ml) dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
2 cups (480ml) good quality chicken stock or broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper if preferred)
1 cup whole raw cashew nuts (adds creaminess and subtle crunch)
2 tablespoons sweet rice flour (or regular all-purpose flour)
¼ cup (60ml) water
juice of ½ a fresh lemon
2 – 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, for finishing

Optional Toppings for Serving: These enhance the flavor and provide a fun, customizable experience.

Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Shredded white cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack
Diced fresh avocado
Finely chopped red onion or sliced green onions
Fresh chopped cilantro leaves
Chopped toasted cashews (for extra crunch and nutty flavor)
Green tomatillo salsa or your favorite green hot sauce (for those who love extra spice)

Instructions:

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or coconut oil) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced celery, minced garlic, minced jalapeño pepper, ground cumin, and dried oregano.

2. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent and fragrant, and the celery softens slightly.

3. Stir in the diced cooked chicken or turkey, the thoroughly drained and rinsed beans, white wine, chicken stock, bay leaf, salt, and white pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.

4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Allow the chili to simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the turkey to absorb the aromatic broth.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet rice flour (or regular flour) and ¼ cup of water until a smooth slurry forms. Pour this slurry into the simmering chili, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the whole raw cashews at this stage. Taste the chili and add more salt if needed, adjusting to your preference.

6. Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened to your desired consistency. The flour slurry will help create a rich, creamy texture.

7. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh juice of half a lemon and drizzle with 2 to 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. The lemon is truly essential here, as it brightens all the flavors and adds a crucial zesty finish.

8. Serve the white turkey chili warm. Offer a selection of garnishes such as a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, diced creamy avocado, shredded white cheddar cheese, extra chopped roasted cashews, or sliced green onions. For those who enjoy more heat, a side of green tomatillo salsa is an excellent addition. Serve over fluffy cooked rice or with a generous bowl of crispy tortilla chips for scooping.

This recipe generously makes 6 servings, with each serving being approximately 1½ cups of delicious, comforting chili.

Guten Appetit! Enjoy Your Meal!

I hope this delicious White Turkey Chili brings warmth and joy to your table, especially as a clever way to repurpose those holiday leftovers. If you enjoyed this recipe and are looking for more culinary inspiration, I invite you to connect with me! Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook. Your engagement truly makes my day and keeps this kitchen buzzing with new ideas!

Discover More Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Turkey:

If you loved this chili, you might also enjoy these other creative and comforting recipes for leftover turkey or chicken:

Lemon Chicken Soup with Meatballs and Egg Strands: A bright and savory soup, perfect for a lighter, yet fulfilling meal after a big feast.

Turkey and Potato Puff (Cottage Pie): A fantastic, hearty casserole that transforms leftover turkey into a comforting, oven-baked delight with a fluffy potato topping.

Turkey Fricassee (Another Great Use for Leftover Turkey): An elegant and flavorful stew that makes your leftover turkey feel incredibly special and new.

Homemade Turkey Soup: The classic and ultimate comfort food, using the turkey carcass to create a deeply flavorful broth and a nourishing soup.