As the days get shorter and the weather turns crisp, there’s nothing like the comfort of a hearty bowl of chili. This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is a delicious, warming meal perfect for family gatherings, game days, or simply a cozy night in. Made with lean turkey, beans, and a mix of spices, it’s packed with flavor and protein while keeping things on the lighter side. And the best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making it an effortless recipe that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas all day long.
This chili is not only a family favorite, but it’s also endlessly versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes or whatever you have on hand, and it’s easy to add toppings for an extra layer of flavor. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug, especially when served with some crusty bread or a side of cornbread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chili is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it recipe. After a bit of prep, you simply let the slow cooker work its magic. The flavors deepen as it cooks, creating a rich, comforting meal with minimal hands-on time. Plus, it’s a lighter alternative to traditional beef chili, thanks to the lean ground turkey, but it’s just as hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Turkey:
Start by browning the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium heat. Breaking it up with a spoon, cook until it’s no longer pink and has a bit of golden brown color, which adds depth to the flavor. Season with a little salt and pepper. Transfer the browned turkey to the slow cooker. - Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil if needed, then toss in the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the chili by releasing the sweetness of the onions and the garlic’s savory aroma. - Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker, followed by the diced red and green bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, and diced green chiles. Give everything a gentle stir to mix. - Season the Chili:
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth to help everything cook down to a hearty consistency. Stir to combine, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed. - Slow Cook to Perfection:
Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking process helps the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich, robust chili that’s full of flavor. - Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
Before serving, taste your chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a bit more spice, add a pinch of cayenne or an extra sprinkle of chili powder. Serve the chili warm, ladled into bowls and topped with your favorite garnishes.
Topping Ideas
The fun part about chili is customizing it with toppings. Here are some tasty ideas:
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack adds a creamy finish.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: These add a cool, tangy balance to the heat.
- Chopped Green Onions: They add a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Cilantro: A few sprigs or chopped leaves add brightness.
- Avocado Slices: These add creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats.
- Crushed Tortilla Chips: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle a handful on top.
Helpful Tips
- For Thicker Chili: If you prefer a thicker consistency, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate. Or, add an extra spoonful of tomato paste for a richer texture.
- Make It Spicier: Add a chopped jalapeño to the slow cooker for more heat, or serve with hot sauce on the side.
- Mix up the Beans: You can swap out the kidney and black beans for any beans you like, such as pinto beans or chickpeas, to change up the texture and flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Browning Step: Browning the ground turkey and sautéing the onion and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker really enhances the depth of flavor. While it’s an extra step, it’s worth it!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
This chili is even better the next day! The flavors continue to meld as it sits, making leftovers a treat. You can also double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd or want extra for future meals.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 7g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this turkey chili?
Yes! This chili freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and has a similar flavor and texture. You can also use lean ground beef if you prefer.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the chili in a pot on the stove over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover turkey chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you have a large batch, you can also freeze it. Just be sure to label and date your container for easy reference.
Related Recipes
If you loved this turkey chili, here are some other warm and cozy dishes to try:
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any chilly day. With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing all the work, you’ll love the simplicity and warmth it brings to your table. Whether enjoyed as a weeknight meal or made in a big batch for gatherings, this turkey chili is sure to become a favorite recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Serve it with your favorite toppings and enjoy each savory spoonful!
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Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Description
As the days get shorter and the weather turns crisp, there’s nothing like the comfort of a hearty bowl of chili. This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is a delicious, warming meal perfect for family gatherings, game days, or simply a cozy night in. Made with lean turkey, beans, and a mix of spices, it’s packed with flavor and protein while keeping things on the lighter side. And the best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making it an effortless recipe that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas all day long.
This chili is not only a family favorite, but it’s also endlessly versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes or whatever you have on hand, and it’s easy to add toppings for an extra layer of flavor. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug, especially when served with some crusty bread or a side of cornbread.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Brown the Turkey:
Start by browning the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium heat. Breaking it up with a spoon, cook until it’s no longer pink and has a bit of golden brown color, which adds depth to the flavor. Season with a little salt and pepper. Transfer the browned turkey to the slow cooker. - Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil if needed, then toss in the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the chili by releasing the sweetness of the onions and the garlic’s savory aroma. - Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker, followed by the diced red and green bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, and diced green chiles. Give everything a gentle stir to mix. - Season the Chili:
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth to help everything cook down to a hearty consistency. Stir to combine, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed. - Slow Cook to Perfection:
Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking process helps the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich, robust chili that’s full of flavor. - Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
Before serving, taste your chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a bit more spice, add a pinch of cayenne or an extra sprinkle of chili powder. Serve the chili warm, ladled into bowls and topped with your favorite garnishes.
Notes
This chili is even better the next day! The flavors continue to meld as it sits, making leftovers a treat. You can also double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd or want extra for future meals.