Delicious Panera Turkey Chili Recipe: A Warm, Hearty Meal for Any Occasion

As a food reviewer who’s had the pleasure of tasting myriad dishes, it’s not often that a simple, homely meal leaves a lasting impression on me. However, the Panera Turkey Chili is one of those rarities. Known for its comforting warmth and rich, flavorful profile, this chili brings together lean turkey meat, beans, vegetables, and spices in a beautifully balanced concoction. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly evening or looking for a nutritious meal option, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Let’s dive into how you can recreate the Panera Turkey Chili at home, along with some pro tips to elevate it further.

What is Panera Turkey Chili?

Panera Turkey Chili is a popular menu item from the renowned bakery-cafe chain, Panera Bread. It’s a thick, hearty chili that combines ground turkey, kidney beans, black beans, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and corn, simmered in a tomato-based sauce with a blend of spices. This dish stands out for its perfect balance of flavors and textures, offering a satisfying and healthy meal option.

Overview Of How To Make Panera Turkey Chili Recipe

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
45 minutes
Serves
6 People
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, avocado slices

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until the vegetables are soft.

2. Add the Beans and Tomatoes

Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, and tomato sauce. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

3. Season and Simmer

Add the corn, chicken broth, chili powder, and cumin to the pot. Season with salt and pepper according to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Serve

Serve the chili hot with your choice of toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or avocado slices.

Pro Tips For Panera Turkey Chili Recipe

Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, ensure your spices are fresh and aromatic.
Simmer Slowly: Allowing the chili to simmer slowly enhances the depth of flavors.
Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can simmer it for longer or add a bit of cornstarch slurry to reach your desired consistency.

Why You Will Love Panera Turkey Chili Recipe

Healthful and Satisfying: It’s packed with lean protein, fiber, and vegetables.
Versatile: Serve it as a main dish, or use it as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.
Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze it in portions for easy, quick meals later.

How to Eat Panera Turkey Chili

Enjoy this chili on its own with your favorite toppings or alongside cornbread or crusty bread for dipping. It also pairs wonderfully with a side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

The Panera Turkey Chili recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly delightful. It’s a dish that warms the soul, pleases the palate, and nourishes the body. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Panera’s version or a home cook looking for a new recipe to try, this turkey chili is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. If you enjoyed making and tasting this recipe, please share it with your friends and family!

You can also read :- 4 Most Famous Brian Lagerstrom Recipes

FAQs on Panera Turkey Chili Recipe

What is Panera Turkey Chili?
- Panera Turkey Chili is a hearty, flavorful chili recipe from Panera Bread that features ground turkey, beans, vegetables, and spices.
Can I use a different type of meat?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as all the ingredients used are certified gluten-free, this chili can be gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Yes, replace the ground turkey with a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans for a vegetarian version.
What beans are used in this recipe?
- Kidney beans and black beans are used, but you can use any beans you like.
Can I add more vegetables?
- Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or spinach.
How can I make the chili spicier?
- Increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to taste.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
- Vegetable broth or beef broth can be used as substitutes.
Can I use canned corn?
- Yes, both canned and frozen corn work well in this recipe.
Is this chili freezer-friendly?
- Yes, it freezes well. Store in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
How long does this chili last in the fridge?
- Stored in an airtight container, it can last 3-4 days in the fridge.
Can I use tomato paste instead of tomato sauce?
- Yes, but dilute it with water to match the consistency of tomato sauce.
How can I thicken the chili?
- Let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water and stir into the chili).
Can I cook this chili in a slow cooker?
- Yes, after browning the turkey and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How do I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
- Use the sauté function for browning the turkey and sautéing vegetables, then add remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
What toppings work well with this chili?
- Sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, avocado slices, and tortilla chips are great toppings.
Can I omit the corn?
- Yes, the corn can be omitted without significantly altering the flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
- Absolutely! It’s great for meal prep as it stores and reheats well.
How can I add more flavor to the chili?
- Consider adding smoked paprika, bay leaves, or a splash of lime juice for extra flavor.
What type of ground turkey is best?
- Lean ground turkey is preferred, but you can use any type you like.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
- Yes, but they need to be soaked overnight and cooked until tender before adding to the chili.
How can I make this chili less thick?
- Add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
- Yes, frozen vegetables can be used and added directly to the pot.
What if I don’t have chili powder?
- Make a blend using paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne pepper.
Can I make this chili without garlic?
- Yes, though garlic adds flavor, it can be omitted or replaced with garlic powder.
How should I serve this chili?
- Serve hot, with your choice of toppings and sides like cornbread or a salad.
Can I add pasta to this chili?
- Yes, adding cooked pasta turns it into a chili mac, offering a different twist.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
- Yes, it’s generally kid-friendly, especially if you keep it mild. Adjust spices to suit taste preferences.
How do I reheat this chili?
- Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I add rice to this chili?
- Yes, adding cooked rice can extend the dish and add another layer of texture.