I love chili! Chili is a very diet-friendly meal when you’re trying to lose weight, especially with the 17 Day Diet.
I hate to admit this, but I used to buy in the can years ago and empty into a pot and let it simmer away until it was nice and hot.
I stopped doing that when I started paying attention to labels and noticed most canned chili is filled with fillers like soy!
Talk about gross!
A great homemade chili is really easy to make.
I love the spices in this chili – they are all my favorite!
Ingredients for Christine’s Mexican Turkey Chili
This recipe is filled to the brim with wholesome ingredients that are going to keep you fuller for longer. Ingredients such as:
- Ground Turkey (you can also use ground chicken or beef)
- Onion
- Bell Pepper
- Kidney Beans
- Diced Tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Tomato Paste
- Warm Spices
Whatever you do, don’t skip the tomato paste – this gives the dish a nice, rich flavor.
Skip the canned variety *and* use your own spices as opposed to those yucky packaged kind and you have yourself a healthy meal!
This chili recipe is easily customizable. If you’re like me and don’t like onions, you can skip these!
If you’re also like me and don’t like the flavor of green bell peppers, use another color!
If you want to switch up your protein or substitute your favorite bean, go for it!
Christine’s Mexican Turkey Chili For Low Carb Diets
Kidney beans do have starch, but they also have a ton of fiber that will help keep you full longer. Plus, they are a great source of extra protein, too!
Which Cycle is This Approved on the 17 Day Diet?
If you’re on the 17 Day Diet, this recipe is allowed starting in Cycle 2 before 2pm, so it will make a great and filling lunch for you!
If you want to enjoy this sooner during Cycle 1, simply omit the beans and you’ll be good to go!
Which Phase is This Approved on the 17 Day Kickstart Diet?
If you’re on the 17 Day Kickstart Diet, you can eat this chili starting on the 4-Day Soak Up Phase when mushrooms are allowed.
If you want to eat this sooner on the Kickstart Diet, simply omit the mushrooms.
If you want to make this more of a plant-based chili, simply skip the meat and add a second type of bean (or more of the same) to double up on the protein! If you’re not sure about which foods are allowed when, check out the 17 Day Kickstart Food List.
Is this Chili Keto Friendly?
If you happen to be on a Keto Diet, you can certainly use this recipe, but you’ll need to make a few minor changes.
The first obvious change is to omit the beans all together.
Depending on your own macros, you may need to reduce or omit some other ingredients such as onions and/or tomatoes.
If you’re new to keto, make sure you check out my Keto Diet Beginner’s Guide.
Are you unsure of which foods are keto friendly? Make sure you check out my Keto Diet Food List.
Healthy Toppings for Christine’s Mexican Turkey Chili
If you like your chili fairly plain, then you’re good to go! However, if you like to dress it up a bit with different toppings here are a few ideas to use to top your chili:
- Cheddar Cheese
- Diced white onions
- Sour Cream
- Olives
- Green Onions
- Fresh Tomatoes
- Fresh Jalapeños
Other Low Carb Soups, Stews and Chili
If you like this chili, make sure you check out these other great recipes!
- Carrot and Apple Soup
- Turkey Burger Soup
- Roasted Tomato & Barley Soup
- Middle Eastern Turkey and Carrot Stew
- Turkey Cilantro Enchilada Soup
- MaryPat’s Creamy Apple, Carrot & Cauliflower Soup
- Homemade Tomato Soup
- Chili Con Carne with Beans
- Butternut Squash Soup
Other Low Carb Mexican Inspired Recipes
If you’re a Mexican food lover like me and enjoy this Mexican-inspired chili recipe, you might want to try these other recipes:
- Chicken with Mexican Dry Rub and Fruit Salsa
- Chicken Fajitas
- Mexican Beef Taco Lettuce Wraps
- One Skillet Chicken Taco Casserole
- Green Chili Chicken Enchilada with Cauliflower
- Cauliflower Tortillas
- Chicken Enchilada Soup (Slow Cooker)
- Cauliflower Nachos
- Turkey Cilantro Enchilada Soup
- Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken
- Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas
- Slow Cooker Mexican Cilantro Chicken
- Mexican Lime Chicken
If you make this recipe and you enjoyed it, please come back to review the recipe card below. If you’re on social media, make sure you tag me @17ddblog so I can see your chili!
Christine's Mexican Turkey Chili
A warm and comforting chili for a cold day!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground turkey (can substitute ground chicken)
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped green pepper
- 1 can red kidney beans (14 oz) (omit for Cycle 1)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz) (substitute 2-3 large tomatoes)
- ¾ cup chopped mushrooms (substitute canned mushrooms – drained)
- 1 small can tomato paste
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Spray a large skillet with cooking spray heat over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey and cook for one minute.
- Add onion, green pepper, tomatoes, mushrooms and spices; cook 2-3 minutes, or until turkey is no longer pink.
- Stir in kidney beans and tomato paste and simmer for 20 minutes.
Notes
Approved For:
17 Day Diet - All Cycles (omit beans for Cycle 1)
17 Day Kickstart Diet - All Phases (omit mushrooms for 3-day Scrub Phase)
Keto Diet - omit beans, and depending on macros, reduce or omit onions and/or tomatoes
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I’ve been loving the 17 Day Diet since 2011. I love sharing my favorite healthy recipes and meal plans to keep you motivated and on the right path to success!
When I’m not hanging out here, I enjoy quick trips to the Oregon Coast, designing my jewelry line, being a proud Swiftie, and tinkering with my personal Youtube Channel!
Are you new to the 17 Day Diet? Check out my latest book, Fast Track Your Weight Loss With The 17 Day Diet on Amazon! (aff link)