When it comes to recreating restaurant favorites at home, nothing beats the satisfaction of a copycat Panera Turkey Chili recipe that hits all the right notes. Our version of this hearty, colorful chili will satisfy even the most discerning chili lovers. It’s the perfect balance of flavors, combining lean ground turkey with a variety of beans, vegetables, and spices to create a comforting, nutrient-packed dish that the whole family will enjoy. The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility—whether you prefer turkey or want to swap it out for ground beef, it will still deliver a punch of flavor. So, grab your Dutch oven and let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Panera Turkey Chili
Creating the perfect turkey chili requires the right balance of protein, veggies, and spices. The ingredients we’ve listed here are essential to achieving the same great taste as the Panera Bread classic, but we’ve also included tips on substitutions if needed.
- 2 tablespoons oil (olive oil or coconut oil recommended)
- 1 pound ground turkey (substitute with ground beef if preferred)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 jalapeno, deseeded and finely chopped
- 12 ounces tomato paste
- 15.5 ounces canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15.5 ounces canned garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen edamame
- ¾ cup chopped carrot (1 small carrot)
- ½ cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Panera Turkey Chili
1. Preheat the Dutch Oven
To begin, heat a Dutch oven on medium heat for about 5 minutes. This will ensure even cooking and a perfect simmer later. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, any large heavy-bottomed pot will work.
2. Sauté the Aromatics and Protein
Once the pot is hot, add 2 tablespoons of oil. We recommend using olive oil or coconut oil for added flavor, but any cooking oil you have on hand will suffice. Add the ground turkey, chopped onion, and jalapeno to the pot. Cook for about 15 minutes, chopping and stirring frequently, until the turkey is browned, and the onion and jalapeno have softened.
Pro Tip: If you opt for ground beef, there’s no need for oil, as the fat from the beef will suffice. Make sure to drain excess fat before proceeding to the next step.
3. Add the Beans, Veggies, and Spices
With the meat browned and the veggies softened, it’s time to add the star ingredients that give this chili its rich, satisfying texture. Toss in the kidney beans, garbanzo beans, frozen edamame, carrot, and corn. Don’t worry about thawing the edamame; they will cook through perfectly during the simmering process.
