Unleashing the Flavors of Panera Bread Turkey Chili Recipe at Home

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Last updated on November 23rd, 2023

Now, who doesn’t crave a delightful bowl of Panera’s turkey chili? That deep-rustic flavor combined with the heartiness of turkey and beans. Well, good news folks, now the secret to the magic is out. We got our hands on a way to recreate one of the most demanded chili recipes right in your kitchen. No need for long drives to Panera or waiting for a to-go order. Let’s get into recreating this savory dish and bringing the taste of Panera Bread home.

History and Origin of the Panera Bread Turkey Chili

Now, this isn’t your ordinary bean chili, folks. The Panera Bread Turkey Chili offers a new spin on tradition. It brings together a mix of garbanzo beans, kidney beans, and turkey, all simmering in a rich, flavor-packed broth. And voila, they’ve added an innovative addition to the grand heritage of chili recipes. So, if you’re a fan of that traditional bean chili, with a twist, this here’s your golden opportunity.

Key Ingredients

Alright, here we go. Rustling up your own batch of Panera Bread Turkey Chili isn’t a heavy lift. You need some basics like 1 pound ground turkey, 1 tablespoon oil, 1 medium onion, and 1 jalapeno. Oh, and here’s a twist, we’re adding 1 cup edamame.

Take yourself about 4 cups of beef broth and let’s not forget the spices. We’re talking 1 teaspoon each of oregano and garlic powder along with 1 tablespoon of cumin. Now, don’t fret, if you prefer your chili kicking, throw in some cayenne pepper. If not, leave it out. Pop in some frozen or fresh corn for some extra heartiness. And there you have it, your lineup of champions for an amazing turkey chili.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavors

Now, the beauty of this chili is you can take it up a notch with some extra kick without breaking a sweat. Add a bit more heat with an extra jalapeno or throw in some more veggies for a burst of freshness.

Got some extra ground turkey? Go for it! Or how about rounding up the flavor with an extra 1 tablespoon of cumin? The world’s your oyster when it comes to adding a spin to this turkey chili. But remember, this ain’t a contest, it’s comfort food. Keep it simple and keep it flavorful.

Kitchen Utensils You’ll Require

No need to bring out your chef’s hat. With some basic kitchen tools, you are well on your way to cooking up a storm. You’ll need the good ol’ basics: a pot and a stove. And let’s not forget, a sturdy spoon to break up that 1 pound of ground turkey. Now ideally, you’d want to use a Dutch Oven, but a large pot would do the trick too. And there it is your key to unlocking a delightful Panera Bread Turkey Chili right at home.

Step-By-Step Cooking Guide

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into making this copycat Panera turkey chili recipe. Continue reading to find out how you can make an exact replica of the recipe.

Gathering the Ingredients

Before anyone can start cooking up a storm, they’ve got to get their ducks in a row. And by ducks, we’re talking ingredients. It’s crucial to gather all the needed items before the cooking show begins. Now let’s break it down, what’s needed to whip up this mouthwatering dish may just be lying around in your pantry.

Now for the star of the show, ground turkey. The recipe calls for a decent pound of it. You’ll also need some oil, a medium onion chopped to about 1 cup, 1 deseeded and finely chopped jalapeno, and 12 ounces tomato paste. To add a bit of texture, toss in 15 ounces each of canned kidney beans and garbanzo beans, but remember to drain and rinse them first.

Throw in 1 cup of fresh or frozen edamame, a chopped small carrot or about ¾ cup, and half a cup of fresh or frozen corn. The broth base is 4 cups of beef broth or stock.

The flavor of the chili is taken to the next level with the spice mix. Add 1 teaspoon each of oregano and garlic powder, a tablespoon of cumin, half a teaspoon each of cayenne pepper and black pepper, and season with salt to taste. Voila! You’re now ready to rock that chili stock pot!

Preparing the Turkey

Preparing the turkey may seem intimidating to some, but it’s really not that big of a deal. The key is to break it down into manageable steps. Get the ground turkey out of the packaging and into a frying pan. Saute it until it’s browned and no longer pink inside. Once it’s cooked, it’s time for a bit of creativity. Why not throw in some crumbles of cornbread to soak up the excess juices and add a bit of sweetness to the mix? There’s never a wrong time for cornbread when turkey’s involved!

Mixing the Ingredients

After the turkey’s done, it’s time to introduce it to the rest of the gang. Toss your cooked turkey in with the other ingredients – starches, veggies, spices, and whatnot. Whether they’re fresh or frozen, it doesn’t matter. They’re gonna get to know each other real well in the pot. Make sure it’s stirred well so that each bite comes with a multitude of flavors.

Cooking Time and Adjustments

Once everything’s mixed in finely, they’re ready for a cozy stay in your Instant Pot. Cooking time in an Instant Pot may vary according to your model or settings, but the key is to let it simmer until it reaches the desired thickness.

Feel free to adjust with additional spices or ingredients as per your taste. Use a wooden spoon to stir occasionally to ensure the amazing flavors mingle well. Don’t fear those remaining ingredients! They may seem a lot but they each bring something unique to the pot. No ingredient should feel left out in a well-made Panera Bread Turkey Chili.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Perhaps you’re rolling old school and don’t own an Instant Pot, or maybe you just love the slow cooking process, either way, this recipe can adjust to your style. All it requires are minor tweaks in cooking time and method.

Detailed Slow Cooker Instructions

Breaking out the slow cooker? Brilliant choice! First, cook the ground turkey and onion in a pot over medium heat until they’re browned. Afterward, chuck them into the slow cooker with all the other remaining ingredients. Cook that beauty for 6-8 hours on low heat. That’s it! Serve it piping hot.

Traditional Stovetop Instructions

Not a fan of the slow cooker? No worries, the stove top version got you covered. Begin by heating up a Dutch oven over low-medium heat. Throw in the leftover cooked turkey. Sauté for about 10 minutes, till it gets a nice seared look. Then, toss in your minced garlic, some good Italian seasoning, and a heap of frozen edamame.

Stir that all up with your trusty wooden spoon. It’s a little more hands-on than the slow cooker, but the aroma wafting through your kitchen is worth it. Pro-tip: If you have an instant pot, you can use the sauté setting for this step.

Ideal Side Dishes

Enhancing the turkey chili experience calls for complementary side dish ideas. Consider salads, grilled vegetables, crispy baked fries or tortilla chips. A warm piece of cornbread makes for a hearty side, perfect for dipping into the hearty chili. Mix and match to find your favorite combo!

Sweet Baked Beans Chili

Nothing compliments a hearty bowl of turkey chili like some sweet baked beans chili. Imagine combining the robust taste of chili with the sweet, smoky flavor of baked beans. Added bonus, it goes great with cornbread. It’s a simple addition that elevates your chili experience to a whole new level. That’s a winner right there!

Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

A strawberry poppyseed salad is a fantastic choice for those looking for a lighter side dish. It adds a fresh, citrusy contrast to the warm, spicy chili. This salad, with its sweet strawberries and tangy poppy seed dressing, brings a refreshing change of pace to your meal. Just perfect!

Wrapping Up

And there you have it! You’ve tackled the Panera Bread Turkey Chili recipe, mastered the slow cooker and stove top methods, and even whipped up some incredible side dishes. Each bite of that scrumptious chili and its perfect pairings is a testament to your kitchen skills.

Whether you’re cooking up a storm for a chilly night in or spicing up your regular meal plan, this healthy Panera bread’s recipe is your ticket to a flavorful adventure. Who knows, it might just become your family’s new favorite meal!