What is Panera Turkey Chili?

Panera Turkey Chili is a type of soup that is made with ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is popular on the Panera Bread menu.

The chili is usually served hot and can be topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, or diced avocado for added flavor and texture. It is a popular menu item at Panera Bread, especially during the colder months of the year.

This copycat Panera Turkey Chili Recipe is the EASIEST way to make a version of Panera’s famous chili right in your home. Our version utilizes the help of a pressure cooker; however, see below for tips to make this same dish in the slow cooker or even on the stove-top. So read on for more about this hearty, healthy, dish that is absolutely PERFECT for chilly days!

What are the Ingredients in Panera Turkey Chili?

This Panera Turkey Chili Recipe is as close to the original as I could get. While it contains a fair number of ingredients, many of them are things that you likely already have on hand in your cabinet or pantry. The ones you may not have on hand are simple and easy to find. So here is what you will need:

Olive oil
Ground turkey
Onion
Carrot
Celery
Garlic powder
Crushed tomatoes
Tomato paste
Salt & freshly ground black pepper
Chili powder
Cumin
Italian seasoning
Crushed red pepper
Kidney beans
Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Shelled edamame
Garbanzo beans
Vegetable broth

How do I make Panera Turkey Chili in the Instant Pot?

This is my preferred method of making this dish. Simply for the reason that there is no need to dirty up more than one pot, and because it comes together as quickly as possible. To make the dish in the Instant pot, here is what you will need to do:

Begin by heating the pot to saute and warming the olive oil. Cook the ground turkey, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks until evenly separated and browned.
Next add the onion, carrot and celery to the Instant Pot and continue to saute for a minute or two.
Finally, add all remaining ingredients to the Instant Pot. Set to manual high pressure for 15 minutes. After that time, allow a natural pressure release of around 10 minutes and then quick release any remaining pressure. Serve and go!

How do I adapt Panera Turkey Chili to make in the slow Cooker?

If you prefer to make the chili in the slow cooker or Crockpot, you will need to make some very minor adjustments. The main differences will be the time involved and the number of pans. So here is what you will need to change:

Heat a large skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and then cook the turkey, breaking up with a spoon until separated and browned. Add the onion, celery and carrots and continue to saute until they begin to soften.
Add the turkey mixture and all remaining ingredients to the bowl of the Slow Cooker. Set to High for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.

How do I adapt Panera Turkey Chili to make on the Stovetop?

If you prefer to make the chili on the stovetop, you will need to make a few alterations; however, you can still end up with a fabulous version of this chili. Here is what you will need to do:

Heat a Dutch Oven over medium high heat. Add the olive oil and then cook the turkey, breaking up with a spoon, until separated and browned. Add the onion, celery and carrots and continue to saute until they begin to soften.
Add the remaining ingredients to the dutch oven and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to simmer and continue to cook for around 1 hour to fully blend the flavors.

Topping Ideas for Panera Turkey Chili:

Shredded Cheese: Grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese can add a creamy texture and a salty flavor that complements the spicy and savory flavors of the chili.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can add a cooling and tangy contrast to the chili’s heat.
Diced Avocado: Creamy diced avocado can add a buttery texture and a fresh flavor to the chili.
Sliced Jalapenos: If you like a little extra heat, sliced jalapenos can add a spicy kick to the chili.
Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic side dish for chili and can be crumbled on top to add a sweet and buttery flavor.
Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro can add a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the chili.
Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions can add a sharp and oniony flavor that pairs well with the chili’s spicy and savory notes.
Hot Sauce: This one is my favorite!

What to serve with Turkey Chili

Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with chili. It’s also easy to make from scratch or pick up at your local bakery.
Salad: A crisp and refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the rich and spicy flavors of the chili. This kale salad would be a great choice.
Rice: Serving turkey chili over rice can create a more substantial and filling meal. You can also add some chopped cilantro and lime juice to the rice for added flavor.
Baked Potatoes: Baked potatoes are another great side dish that can be topped with chili and some shredded cheese for a satisfying and filling meal.
Guacamole and Chips: Serving turkey chili with some fresh guacamole and tortilla chips can add some extra flavor and texture to the meal.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, can provide a healthy and flavorful side dish that complements the chili’s rich and savory flavors.

How to store Leftover Panera Turkey Chili?

Allow any leftover chili to cook to room temperature before storing. Then, place in air tight containers. The chili will store well in the refrigerator for several days or the freezer for around three months.