Low-Calorie Mexican Chili Recipes

If you're looking for a delicious way to enjoy Mexican cuisine while keeping your calorie intake in check, low-calorie Mexican chili recipes can be the answer. These recipes retain the robust flavors of traditional chili while using healthier ingredients that allow you to indulge without guilt. Here are some of the best low-calorie Mexican chili recipes that you can easily make at home.

1. Turkey and Black Bean Chili

This turkey and black bean chili is a perfect balance of protein and fiber. Start with ground turkey, which is leaner than beef, and add plenty of spices for that authentic Mexican flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (with green chilies)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
  2. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

2. Vegetarian Quinoa Chili

This vegetarian quinoa chili is packed with nutritious ingredients. Quinoa adds a hearty texture while remaining low in calories.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
  • 1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can corn (drained)
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
  2. Add the quinoa, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the quinoa is cooked.

3. Spicy Lentil Chili

Lentils are a nutrient-dense option that complements this chili wonderfully. This recipe is not only low in calories but also high in protein.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup lentils (any variety)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, cook onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
  2. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour in enough water to cover the lentils and bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until lentils are tender.

4. Chicken Chili with Avocado

This chicken chili is light yet filling, and the addition of avocado adds healthy fats and creaminess.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean chicken breast, diced
  • 1 can white beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 avocado, diced (for topping)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  2. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in white beans, diced