One-Dish Turkey Chili

//cookanyday.com/cdn/shop/files/Anyday_Photos_Recipes_OneDishTurkeyChili_1040_360x.webp?v=1726174025 Perfectly hearty turkey chili made and served in the glass Anyday dish, showcasing tender turkey, beans, and a colorful mix of veggies. This flavorful dish is ideal for a comforting meal, offering a simple, nutritious option with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

5-6 mins

Free Time

to try out a new yoga pose

Cooking turkey chili in the microwave with an Anyday dish is a total game changer because all you need is one dish, you can add in all the ingredients in one go, and the best part? No stirring or splatters! Use turkey versus beef for a leaner option, and mix in any beans you like—black, kidney, cannellini, or garbanzo—to make it your own.

Plus you can freeze your chili for up to four months, so there’s always a warm, hearty meal ready at your fingertips.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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What You’ll Need

What You’ll Need

The Medium Deep Dish

The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
Try Anyday

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1-2

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

Microwave oven by power - 700w
700w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 oz (115g) ground turkey
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup (200g) canned diced or crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chicken stock, or water
  • ½ cup (60g) frozen peppers, or fresh diced
  • ½ cup (70g) canned beans of your choice, drained
  • salt, to taste

Preparation

  1. Add all the ingredients into an Anyday dish and mix until well incorporated. Cover with lid (knob lifted)
  2. Microwave for 5-6 minutes, or until all the meat is cooked and the sauce has thickened and darkened.
  3. Season to taste and serve as desired.

Serving suggestions & tips

  • Chili baked potato: Serve this chili over a baked potato for a hearty, satisfying meal.
  • Okra chili: Add frozen okra while cooking to give the chili a tangy, flavorful twist with minimal effort—no thawing needed.
  • The whole “hog:” Elevate your meal by pairing the chili with our quick cornbread or creamy corn spoonbread topped with honey butter for a delicious Southern-inspired feast.
  • Chili mac: Stir your chili into cooked mac and cheese for a comforting bowl of chili mac—perfect for a cozy dinner with minimal prep.
  • Chili nachos: Spoon the chili over a bed of tortilla chips, then top with melted cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños.

Recipe notes

  • It’s essential to mix the raw ground turkey and liquids and other ingredients thoroughly. This helps the meat form small, well-separated pieces rather than clumping together like a meatloaf.
  • Use any beans you like! Black, pinto, kidney, cannellini, or even garbanzo beans will work perfectly.
  • Use any meat you like! ground beef, chicken, pork, or plant-based kind.
  • Freeze it into portions in our Anytime Freezer Trays for up to 4 months. When you're ready to enjoy, check out our blog for easy reheating tips.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Turkey Chili in the Microwave

What is chili?

Chili is a flavorful stew typically made with meat (like turkey, beef, or chicken), beans (maybe not in Texas!), tomatoes, peppers, and various spices. It’s a comforting dish known for its rich, savory taste and is perfect for a hearty meal. With Anyday dishes, you can easily customize your chili with different ingredients to suit your preferences and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without much effort.

Can I make turkey chili in the microwave?

Yes, you can easily make turkey chili in the microwave using an Anyday dish! This method is not only quick and convenient, but it also locks in flavor and ensures the turkey stays tender thanks to the silicone rim in our lids. Our method is very easy since you add the ingredients at once, mix, and get cooking right away. It does not get any easier than that! We recommend using Anyday Deep dishes to ensure the best possible results and avoid spillovers.

Why do I need to mix the meat with the liquids before adding the beans?

Mixing the ground turkey with the liquids before adding the beans ensures the meat doesn’t clump together like a meatloaf. This step helps the meat form small, loose, and even lumps for a better texture, making your Turkey Chili perfect every time.

Can I use fresh peppers instead of frozen ones?

Yes, fresh peppers can be used in place of frozen ones. Just chop them up and add them to the Anyday dish as you would with frozen peppers for a burst of fresh flavor and color. You will not need to adjust cook times for fresh peppers, so no math is required here!

Can I substitute ground turkey with another type of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based meat substitute, depending on your preference. Just follow the same steps in your Anyday dish for great results. See our recipe for chicken chili and hot link chili.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Turkey Chili is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze in your Anyday dish or our silicone Anytime Freezer Trays for up to 4 months until you’re ready to enjoy it.

How long can I save the leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in your Anyday dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in individual portions in the Anytime Freezer Trays for up to 4 months.

What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

The best way to reheat leftovers is in the microwave using your Anyday dish. Cover with the lid, and reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until the chili is heated through. This method ensures even heating and retains the flavors.

How do I reheat frozen chili?

To reheat frozen chili, place the frozen portion in your Anyday dish and cover with the lid. Microwave for 1-2 minute intervals per portion, stirring occasionally until heated through. For more detailed instructions, check out our blog on reheating frozen food.