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High Protein Chili Recipe

High Protein Chili Recipe


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4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty high protein chili delivers a robust flavor explosion that satisfies hunger and health-conscious cravings. Protein-packed ingredients combine in this comforting dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein Sources:

  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (optional for extra protein)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh corn (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 oz / 170 g) tomato paste

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium beef or chicken broth

Toppings:

  • Shredded cheese
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Sliced green onions
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Sliced avocado

Instructions

  1. Preheat a robust cooking vessel and drizzle with olive oil over medium-high thermal intensity to prepare for meat preparation.
  2. Introduce ground turkey into the heated environment, fragmenting the protein with a culinary implement while ensuring complete caramelization and minimal moisture retention.
  3. Incorporate aromatic vegetables – onion, garlic, and bell pepper varieties – allowing them to soften and release their distinctive essence through gentle sautéing.
  4. Layer leguminous components including black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas into the developing flavor profile, complementing them with tomato-based elements.
  5. Elevate the dish’s complexity by introducing a harmony of spices: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, seasoning crystals, and red pepper flakes to stimulate the palate.
  6. Integrate chicken or vegetable broth to create a luxurious liquid foundation, promoting ingredient integration and depth of flavor.
  7. Activate a gentle thermal transformation by reducing heat and allowing the mixture to quietly meld and concentrate, stirring intermittently to prevent adherence and ensure uniform temperature distribution.
  8. After approximately half an hour, assess the chili’s viscosity and flavor maturation, preparing to transition the creation from cooking vessel to serving receptacle.
  9. Embellish with preferred garnishes, presenting a protein-rich culinary experience designed to satisfy and nourish.

Notes

  • Swap ground turkey with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains high protein content.
  • Use low-sodium broth and canned beans to control salt intake, perfect for individuals monitoring their sodium consumption.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes and choosing milder or spicier chili powder based on personal preference.
  • Enhance meal prep efficiency by making larger batches and freezing individual portions for quick future meals, maintaining flavor and nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg