Turkey Chili
Try our flavorful slow cooker turkey chili. Made with a combination of dark and light meat, it’s a satisfying, delicious option.
This slow cooker turkey chili is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make — perfect for busy nights or weekend batch cooking. Made with dark meat turkey, beans, and just the right amount of spice, it’s a lighter take on classic chili without sacrificing flavor.
Turkey thighs or a combination of dark and light ground turkey are best here. Lean white meat alone can make the chili too dry, but dark meat adds richness and depth. Customize it with your favorite salsa, beans, or veggies for a one-pot meal everyone will enjoy.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Light but hearty. This chili skips the red meat without skimping on flavor or satisfaction.
Perfect for the slow cooker. Let it simmer all day while you go about your day.
Easy to customize. Switch up the beans, salsa, or seasonings to make it your own.
Great for meal prep. Makes excellent leftovers and freezes well, too.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground turkey: Use dark meat or a mix for best flavor and texture.
- Onion: Adds a savory base to the chili.
- Diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes keep things simple — fire-roasted is a nice twist.
- Pinto beans: Mild and hearty; black or red beans also work well.
- Salsa: Adds flavor and spice — use mild, medium, or hot to your taste.
- Chili powder & cumin: Classic spices for that Tex-Mex flavor.
- Cheese & garnishes: Offer shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges on the side.
Steps to Make Turkey Chili
- Brown the turkey and onion in a skillet with oil until no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Transfer to the slow cooker. Add tomatoes, beans, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
- Serve hot with cheese and your favorite garnishes like sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños.
Tips
Use at least some dark meat turkey: It stays juicier and brings better flavor to slow-cooked dishes.
Add broth if needed: If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of chicken broth near the end.
Spice it up: Add chipotle powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce for extra heat.
Recipe Variations
- Salsa: Try a fruity salsa like mango or peach for a sweet-spicy twist.
- Tomatoes: Use fresh chopped plum tomatoes and tomato sauce in place of canned.
- Beans: Substitute black beans or small red beans for the pinto beans.
- Vegetables: Add chopped hot peppers or stir in baby spinach near the end.
- Turkey: Swap in ground beef or sausage, or mix for added richness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or a crusty loaf of bread.
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, jalapeño rings, or lime wedges.
- Add a simple salad or coleslaw for a fresh side.
- Pair with a cold beer or sparkling water with lime for a refreshing combo.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Cool the chili completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
To Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if too thick.
Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cans tomatoes, diced, 14.5 ounces each
- 1 can pinto beans, 15-oz, drained
- 1/2 cup salsa, your favorite
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, or Monterey Jack
- Optional Garnishes: sour cream, avocados, cilantro, jalapeno rings, lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and onion and cook, stirring frequently, for 6 to 8 minutes or until the turkey is browned.
- Transfer the turkey and onion to the slow cooker and add the tomatoes, beans, salsa, chili powder, and cumin. Stir and add salt and pepper, to taste.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
- Serve with cornbread or a crusty loaf and your choice of sides and garnishes.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
