This copycat Panera turkey chili contains wholesome ingredients and can be made in one pan in 30 minutes. Serve this comforting chili with a side of green chile cornbread for a hearty meal.
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When cooler weather sets in, I crave warm, comforting soups like chicken enchilada soup and white chicken chili. This copycat Panera Bread turkey chili brings these same cozy vibes with mildly spicy, satisfying flavors.
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Why This Recipe Works
- It's versatile, with many ingredients having substitutions, making it easy to adjust to your liking.
- This chili is fantastic as a make-ahead dish. You can make it one day and reheat it for dinner the next, or you can prep it on Sunday and reheat it for lunch throughout the week.
- This recipe feeds a crowd and can easily be doubled (or tripled), making it ideal for large gatherings. Set out an array of savory toppings for a "top-your-own" chili bar.
- Serve with jalapeño popper scones or cheese and onion scones for a satisfying meal.
Ingredient Notes
- I love using a combination of ground turkey and turkey sausage. Ground turkey provides a lean base for the chili, and the sausage's richer taste adds depth. Leftover turkey can also be used.
- Kidney beans and chickpeas provide extra protein, flavor, and texture.
- Shelled edamame is a convenient freezer staple. There is no need to thaw it. Just stir it in and allow a few minutes for it to warm through.
- Ancho chili powder and cumin provide a deep, rich flavor. Ancho chili powder has a mild to medium heat. If you don't have Ancho chili powder on hand, there's no need to buy it - regular chili powder works just fine.
Substitutions
- Turkey - Ground chicken or lean ground beef can be used. If using beef, remove the excess fat after browning the meat before adding the rest of the ingredients.
- Beans - Various beans can be substituted, such as pinto, cannellini, and black beans.
- Edamame - If you're not a fan of edamame, you can substitute corn or omit it altogether.
- Chicken broth - Turkey or vegetable broth can be used interchangeably. Beef broth can be used with ground beef.
- Spices - If you prefer a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper. Start with a little and adjust to taste.
See the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.
How to Make Panera Turkey Chili
Step 1: Add the ground turkey and sausage to a large pot set over medium heat. Brown the meat until cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. This will take about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Add the chopped onions and carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and spices and cook for another minute. Add the tomatoes and chicken broth and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the beans and edamame and cook for another 2-3 minutes until warm. Serve with your favorite garnishes.
Chili Toppings
No bowl of chili is complete without toppings. Set out an array of delicious nibbles for a "top-your-own-chili" bar. Some of my favorite toppings include:
- Shredded cheese, like Monterey Jack and Cheddar
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- French-fried onion strings or corn chips
- Jalapeños and diced red onion
- Cilantro and scallions
- Lime wedges
Expert Tips
- To use leftover turkey, add it at the end with the beans, allowing a few minutes for it to heat through.
- Leftovers should be stored in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Panera Turkey Chili FAQs
This chili is loaded with two varieties of turkey, which are leaner than beef and pork. It makes a wholesome meal with a tomato base and lots of vegetables. See the recipe card for the nutrition information. Please note that the nutrition facts will vary depending on the ingredients and amounts used.
No, this chili recipe has a mild yet savory level of spice. For spice lovers, add cayenne pepper to bring more heat.
Yes, chili freezes well. Prepare the chili and cool it completely. Portion it into meal-sized freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat.
More Turkey Recipes You Will Love
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📖 Recipe Card
Copycat Panera Turkey Chili
EQUIPMENT
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 pound turkey sausage
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- ½ large yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 5 teaspoons Ancho chili powder (or chili powder)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 15.5 ounces chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 15.5 ounces kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- ½ cup edamame
Toppings
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
- crushed corn chips
Instructions
- Preheat a Dutch oven or large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground turkey and turkey sausage. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, breaking apart the meat as it browns, about 10 minutes.
- Add the onions and carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, and cumin until the meat and veggies are coated, about 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes and chicken broth and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the kidney beans and chickpeas. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Serve with a variety of garnishes.
Notes
- Sub leftover turkey, ground beef, or ground chicken for turkey. Add leftover turkey with the beans. If using ground beef, drain excess fat from the beef before adding other ingredients.
- Sub pinto, cannellini, and black beans for kidney beans and chickpeas.
- Sub corn for edamame.
- Sub turkey or vegetable broth for chicken broth.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
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