Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Chili is a lighter twist on the classic chili con carne. Instead of beef, Jamie uses lean turkey mince, making it a bit healthier without skimping on flavor. It’s warm, a little spicy and packed with veggies-basically, a hug in a bowl.
But this isn’t just your average chili. Jamie throws in a few signature touches: a bit of cocoa powder, some smoky spices and tons of fresh herbs. It’s that balance between wholesome and indulgent that makes this dish shine.
Jamie Oliver Turkey Chili Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Let’s break this down. what do you actually need to make this magic happen?
Protein & Base
- 500g turkey mince (preferably thigh meat for more flavor)
- Olive oil (a good glug-Jamie loves his olive oil)
Veggie Power
- 1 large onion, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 sticks of celery, chopped
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 yellow pepper, diced
Beans & Tomatoes
- 1 x 400g tin of kidney beans (drained)
- 1 x 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato purée
Spices & Flavor Bombs
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cocoa powder (yes, cocoa-trust him)
- 1 red chili (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt & pepper to taste
To Serve
- Fresh coriander
- Natural yogurt or sour cream
- Lime wedges
- Rice or flatbreads
Equipment Needed
Nothing fancy here. This is home cooking at its best.
- A large saucepan or Dutch oven (with a lid)
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Can opener
- Grater (if you want to sneak in extra veggies like zucchini)
Optional but nice to have:
- A blender or hand blender (if you want to blitz part of the sauce for extra richness)
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Chili
1. Prep Your Base
Start with olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Toss in the onion, garlic, carrot, celery and peppers. Let them sweat down for 10-15 minutes. You’re not rushing this. you’re building flavor. The veggies should be soft and just starting to brown.
2. Spice It Up
Add all your spices: cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, cinnamon and cocoa powder. Stir it all in and let it toast a little. This wakes everything up.
3. Add The Turkey
In goes the turkey mince. Break it up with your spoon and cook it until it’s browned all over. You want to see some caramelization. it adds so much depth.
4. Tomatoes + Beans = Comfort
Stir in the tomato purée, chopped tomatoes and kidney beans. Add a splash of water or stock if it looks too thick. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer And Chill (Literally)
Cover and let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally. This is when all the flavors marry and magic happens.
6. Finish Strong
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Add more chili if you like heat. Sprinkle in fresh coriander. Serve over fluffy rice or with a warm flatbread. Top with yogurt and a squeeze of lime. Heaven.
What I Learnt
Making this chili taught me a few things.
First, turkey is seriously underrated. It soaks up all those spices beautifully and doesn’t weigh the dish down like beef sometimes does.
Second, don’t skip the cocoa powder. It sounds weird but it brings a rich, earthy tone that rounds everything out. It’s not sweet-it’s soulful.
And third, the longer it sits, the better it gets. Leftovers the next day? Even tastier. It’s the kind of meal that loves you back.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Chili
Jamie Oliver’s turkey chili is already a solid recipe-packed with lean protein, hearty beans and a good hit of spice. But if you’ve made it once or twice and you’re craving something a bit different, it’s time to shake things up. Small changes can lead to big flavor payoffs.
1. Swap the beans: Jamie uses kidney beans which are classic. But don’t feel married to them. Try black beans for a smokier depth or cannellini beans if you want a creamier bite. Want to go bean-free? Add diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a naturally sweet twist that pairs well with chili spices.
2. Add some umami: Turkey is lean and can feel a little flat. A spoonful of tomato paste, a splash of soy sauce or even a crumble of smoked bacon can round out the flavor. Don’t be shy-turkey can handle it.
3. Turn up the heat (or not): Jamie’s version is mild but if you’re a chili head, toss in some chipotle in adobo or fresh chopped jalapeños. If you’re feeding kids or heat-averse folks, swap chili powder for sweet paprika and toss in a tiny bit of cinnamon for warmth without the burn.
4. Texture tweaks: Turkey mince is soft, so think about contrast. Add corn near the end for crunch. Or roast some chickpeas with chili powder and sprinkle them on top like croutons.
5. Freshen it up: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh toppings. Jamie often suggests yogurt and coriander (cilantro). You can go further-try diced avocado, pickled onions or a squeeze of lime. These aren’t just garnishes. they wake up the whole dish.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Turkey chili stores like a dream. but only if you do it right. The last thing you want is a watery, dull mess the next day.
1. Cool it fast: Don’t let it sit on the counter forever. Transfer to shallow containers so it cools evenly. This helps avoid that funky ’leftover’ taste and keeps the texture sharp.
2. Airtight is everything: Use containers with tight-fitting lids. Glass is ideal if you’re reheating in the microwave. This keeps the chili from absorbing odors or drying out.
3. Fridge life: You’re good for about 3-4 days in the fridge. After that, it’s freezer time.
4. Freeze like a pro: Chili freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer bags (lay them flat for stackable storage) or freezer-safe containers. Label with the date. It’ll keep for up to 3 months.
5. Reheat gently: From the fridge, stovetop is best-medium-low heat, stir often and add a splash of water if it’s too thick. From frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or go straight from freezer to pot on low heat. Microwaving works too but stir halfway through to keep it even.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Chili?
This chili is bold and satisfying on its own but it plays well with others. Let’s talk sides and pairings.
1. Rice or grains: Classic white rice, nutty brown rice or even quinoa. it all works. Want something richer? Try buttered bulgur or couscous with a pinch of cumin.
2. Bread on the side: Crusty bread to mop it up. Cornbread if you’re leaning Tex-Mex. Garlic naan if you want to surprise people (and honestly, it’s amazing).
3. Salads that cut through: Chili is hearty, so balance it with something crisp. A lime-dressed slaw, a cucumber and yogurt salad or even a tomato and red onion number.
4. Dairy cool-downs: Sour cream or Greek yogurt is a classic. But you could also make a quick lime crema-mix yogurt, lime juice and a touch of honey. Smooth, zesty and refreshing.
5. Boozy or bubbly: Want a drink? A cold lager works every time. Or try a citrusy IPA to match the chili spices. For non-alcoholic, go with sparkling water with lime or a chilled hibiscus tea.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Chili Recipe Unique?
It uses lean turkey for a lighter, healthier alternative to beef, with a mix of bold spices and fresh ingredients.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Chili In Advance?
Yes! It actually tastes better after sitting for a day or two, so it’s perfect for meal prep.
What Can I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Chili?
It’s great with rice, cornbread, or even tortilla chips for some crunch!
