This flavorful and slightly smoky ground turkey chili is perfect for a weeknight dinner because it only takes 30 minutes to prepare and has a remarkable depth of flavor due to the use of a secret soup ingredient. Although it contains a few unusual ingredients, this recipe for turkey chili that looks like Panera Bread really works! Serve the healthy chili with your preferred toppings (see my list below) for a hearty supper.
I’m excited to be adding another delicious recipe to my repertoire because I think chili is the ideal blend of comfort food and nutrition! If you love chili as much as I do, you should definitely try my homemade chili, chili con carne, white bean vegetarian chili, or slow cooker turkey quinoa chili the next time! [adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”xewuxaHv” upload-date=”2022-12-07T22:19:38. 000Z” name=”Healthy Turkey Chili” description=”A fantastic weeknight meal, this delectably smoky ground turkey chili seems like it has been simmering all day but is actually ready in just 30 minutes. It has mild heat and amazing flavor depth (thanks to my secret soup ingredient). ” player-type=”default” override-embed=”default”].
Panera Bread, the beloved bakery-café chain, boasts a diverse menu with options for all tastes and dietary needs. But with such a wide selection, it can be challenging to decipher which items are truly healthy and which ones are better left on the shelf. Today, we’re putting the spotlight on Panera’s Turkey Chili, a popular choice for those seeking a warm and hearty meal.
Is Panera Turkey Chili a Healthy Choice?
Like most things in life, there is no easy yes or no response. It depends on a number of things, such as the size of the portion, your personal dietary requirements, and the customizations you make to your order.
Let’s break down the nutritional profile of a cup of Panera Turkey Chili:
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 14 grams (3.5 grams saturated fat)
- Protein: 17 grams
- Carbohydrates: 24 grams (4 grams fiber)
- Sodium: 760 milligrams
At first glance the calorie count might seem a bit high for a “healthy” soup. However, it’s important to consider the protein and fiber content. Protein helps keep you feeling full and satisfied while fiber aids in digestion and promotes gut health. Together, these nutrients can help prevent overeating and contribute to weight management.
The fat content is also worth noting. While the total fat is relatively high, the saturated fat content is within a reasonable range. Saturated fat is the type of fat that can raise your cholesterol levels, so it’s best to consume it in moderation.
The sodium content is another factor to consider. With 760 milligrams per cup, Panera Turkey Chili is relatively high in sodium. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you might want to opt for a smaller portion or choose a different soup option.
Making Healthy Choices with Panera Turkey Chili
Even if you consider Panera Turkey Chili a healthy choice, there are ways to make it even healthier:
- Choose a cup instead of a bowl: This will automatically reduce your calorie and sodium intake.
- Skip the bread: Pairing your chili with a slice of bread adds unnecessary calories and carbohydrates.
- Add a side salad: This will boost the fiber content of your meal and provide additional vitamins and minerals.
- Ask for no cheese: The cheese topping adds extra fat and calories.
- Drink water instead of soda: Sugary drinks can sabotage your healthy eating efforts.
Panera Turkey Chili: A Balanced Option
All things considered, Panera Turkey Chili can be a filling and healthful dinner option, particularly if you choose wisely when it comes to portion size and customization. It’s a good option for people looking for a balanced and nutrient-dense meal because it’s a good source of protein, fiber, and other important nutrients.
However, you might want to go with a different soup option or a smaller portion if you’re watching your intake of calories, fat, or sodium. Recall that a balanced diet requires moderation and that overindulging in even the healthiest foods can make them unhealthy.
So, the next time you’re craving a warm and hearty soup, give Panera Turkey Chili a try. Just be mindful of your portion size and customize your order to fit your individual dietary needs. With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy this delicious soup as part of a balanced and healthy diet.
How to Serve Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe to the Whole Family
I know that being a parent can be difficult, but if you follow the Division of Responsibility and recognize your and your child’s roles, it can be SO much more enjoyable. Since your kids can eat at any meal, you can be sure they’re getting a variety of healthful foods in addition to lots of play food. .
Chili and soups can be tricky for kids, especially if they don’t like food mixed together. Start with a tiny “taster bowl” aka a pinch bowl with a small spoonful of chili in it. This is good because you won’t waste much if they don’t eat it, and they will be more likely to try it because it won’t be as scary to them.
Make sure you’re serving the easy turkey chili with a few sides you know they will eat. I always serve chili with tortilla chips, fruit, and milk. Even if they decline the chili, they will still get the nutrition they need, and I won’t turn into a fast-food chain.
Visit my tiktok or Instagram page for a FULL list of all the videos I have with tips, tricks, recipes, and ideas. You can read all of my articles about feeding kids here.
Can you freeze ground turkey chili?
Yes, you can freeze chili. Store in a freezer-safe container (glass containers or souper cubes work well!) in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Is Panera Bread Actually Healthy? | With Full Menu Review
FAQ
How many calories are in a bowl of Panera turkey chili?
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Nutrition Information
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Value
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Calories
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870 Cal
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Calories from Fat
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100 Cal
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Fat
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11 g
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Saturated Fat
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3.5 g
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Is there anything healthy at Panera?
Are Panera warm bowls healthy?