The beauty of this Black Bean and Chickpea Chili lies in its vibrant blend of nutritious vegetables, beans, and bold spices, offering both a comforting texture and a rich depth of flavor. It’s a dish that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite, whether served on its own or paired with fluffy rice or crunchy tortilla chips.
This chili is incredibly adaptable. Leave out the turkey for a fully vegetarian experience or add it in for a protein boost that’ll satisfy even the meat lovers at your table. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply curling up with a cozy bowl on a cold evening. Wholesome, hearty, and ready in under an hour — it’s a must-have recipe in any home cook’s rotation.
Full Recipe:
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1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
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1 pound ground turkey (optional)
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1 onion, chopped
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2 green bell peppers, seeded and chopped
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5 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
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1 tablespoon chili powder
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1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper
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2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
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1 cup frozen corn
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1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
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1 ½ cups chicken broth
Directions:
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In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. If using turkey, cook it for 10 minutes, breaking it apart until no longer pink. Set aside.
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Add onion, green bell peppers, and carrots to the pan. Sauté for 10 minutes until the onion is translucent and vegetables are tender.
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Stir in chili powder, cumin, and black pepper.
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Pour in diced tomatoes with juice, corn, black beans, garbanzo beans, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
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Scoop about 1 ½ cups of the mixture into a food processor, puree until smooth, and return to the pot to thicken the chili.
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Stir in the cooked turkey (if using). Simmer over medium-low heat until heated through.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 147 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
A Hearty Classic with a Plant-Based Twist
Chili is one of those dishes that brings comfort, warmth, and flavor all in one bowl. Whether it’s a chilly winter night or a laid-back weeknight dinner, nothing satisfies quite like a good bowl of chili. The Black Bean and Chickpea Chili takes this classic comfort food and gives it a wholesome, plant-forward twist without compromising on taste or satisfaction.
This chili recipe is a fusion of hearty legumes, robust spices, and nutrient-rich vegetables. It’s designed for flexibility—perfect for vegetarians and adaptable for meat lovers by adding lean ground turkey. It’s rich in fiber and protein, packed with vitamins, and free of dairy and gluten, making it a winner for anyone pursuing a healthy and flavorful diet.
Why Black Beans and Chickpeas Are a Perfect Pair
Both black beans and chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are nutritional powerhouses. When combined in a single dish, they offer a textural and flavor balance that makes the chili both substantial and satisfying.
Black beans bring a soft, creamy texture and a slightly earthy taste. They’re rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Chickpeas, on the other hand, are slightly firmer and nuttier. Together, they provide a complete plant-based protein profile, which is ideal for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Moreover, both beans are excellent for digestion, heart health, and blood sugar regulation. Their slow-digesting carbohydrates make this chili filling without the blood sugar spikes often caused by processed foods.
Vegetable-Forward and Family-Friendly
This chili isn’t just about beans—vegetables play a leading role in adding depth and color. Onions, green bell peppers, and carrots form a flavorful and aromatic base. The sweetness of the carrots contrasts beautifully with the smokiness of chili powder and cumin, while bell peppers add crunch and color.
The inclusion of frozen corn brings a subtle sweetness and brightness that lifts the dish. The canned diced tomatoes provide a rich, tangy base that ties all the components together, creating a chili that’s layered and bold in flavor.
Because the vegetables are chopped and cooked until tender, this recipe is also a hit with children and picky eaters. It’s hearty enough to feel indulgent, but packed with enough veggies to keep it nutritious.
A One-Pot Wonder for Busy Weeknights
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. It’s a true one-pot meal, which means less cleanup and more convenience. Everything comes together in a single large saucepan or Dutch oven, making it ideal for meal preppers, busy families, or those who just want a satisfying dinner without a mountain of dishes.
With a prep and cook time under 45 minutes, it’s a great option for weeknights. Plus, it makes a generous batch—12 servings—making it perfect for leftovers or freezing for future meals. The flavors only deepen after sitting, making this chili even more delicious the next day.
Flexible and Customizable for Any Diet
This Black Bean and Chickpea Chili is as flexible as it is flavorful. The base recipe is completely vegetarian and can be easily made vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For omnivores, adding ground turkey provides an extra protein punch without sacrificing the dish’s health-conscious intentions.
You can also customize it with toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Serve it over wild rice, quinoa, or scoop it up with tortilla chips—it’s endlessly adaptable.
For spice lovers, feel free to add fresh jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Want more veggies? Toss in zucchini, sweet potatoes, or spinach for even more nutrients and volume.
Nutrition Breakdown and Health Benefits
Each serving of this chili contains approximately 147 calories, making it light enough to enjoy a large bowl without guilt. It has only 5 grams of fat, 17 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of protein, thanks to the generous use of legumes.
It also contains about 4 grams of dietary fiber per serving, which is excellent for supporting gut health and keeping you feeling full. The inclusion of carrots and peppers adds vitamins A and C, and tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
With minimal saturated fat and cholesterol, this recipe is heart-healthy and suitable for those managing their weight or looking for nutritious, satisfying meals.
Great for Meal Prep and Freezing
Chili is one of those magical meals that only improves over time. The longer it sits, the more the spices mingle and intensify. This makes it an excellent candidate for meal prepping. Make a big batch on Sunday and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
It also freezes beautifully. You can store portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. Just defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a quick, comforting meal on demand.
Perfect for Entertaining or Potlucks
Hosting a casual gathering or game night? This chili is a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to double the recipe, and it feeds a group without much effort. You can set up a chili bar with toppings and sides, letting guests customize their bowls with cheese, jalapeños, green onions, tortilla chips, and more.
It’s also perfect for potlucks. It travels well, reheats easily, and will have everyone asking for the recipe. Plus, since it’s vegetarian by default, it appeals to a wide range of dietary needs.
Budget-Friendly and Pantry Staple-Based
Another advantage of this recipe is how affordable it is. Most of the ingredients—canned beans, diced tomatoes, corn, broth—are pantry staples. Even the fresh vegetables used are inexpensive and easy to find in any grocery store year-round.
This makes it a go-to option for anyone trying to cook more meals at home without breaking the bank. You get a lot of bang for your buck in terms of nutrition, volume, and versatility.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
While this chili is a full meal in itself, it pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Consider serving it with warm cornbread, a side salad, or baked potatoes. You can also ladle it over brown rice or even pasta for a chili mac twist.
If you’re serving it as part of a larger spread, add a cooling element like a cucumber yogurt dip or creamy avocado dressing to balance the spice. And of course, it pairs well with a crisp lager, a bold red wine, or a refreshing glass of iced tea.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Bowl of Comfort
The Black Bean and Chickpea Chili is more than just a recipe—it’s a nourishing bowl of comfort that fits seamlessly into modern lifestyles. It caters to various dietary needs, comes together in under an hour, and delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for nutrition.
Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or preparing meals for the week ahead, this chili will become a staple in your kitchen. Its balance of spices, vegetables, and legumes makes it a dish you’ll crave again and again.
Simple, healthy, and deeply satisfying, this chili embodies everything we love about home cooking—flavor, nourishment, and a big spoonful of comfort.