Print

Easy Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Chili

leftover turkey chili - featured image
Print Recipe

This Easy Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Chili is a quick, comforting meal that transforms leftover turkey into a hearty, flavorful chili. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3–4 cups cooked leftover turkey, shredded or diced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Transfer to slow cooker: Scrape the onion and garlic mixture into your slow cooker.
  3. Add the vegetables and turkey: Add the diced red bell pepper, shredded turkey, fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, pinto beans, and diced green chiles. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the seasonings: Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. If using tomato paste, add it now. Stir well to coat all ingredients.
  5. Pour in the broth: Add the chicken broth and stir again. The liquid should just about cover the solids.
  6. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
  7. Taste and adjust: About 30 minutes before serving, taste the chili and adjust seasoning with more salt, cayenne, or lime juice as desired.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite fixings.

Notes

For best flavor, let the chili rest overnight. Shred the turkey instead of chopping for better texture. If chili is too watery, cook uncovered on HIGH for 30 minutes. Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving for brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, slow cooker chili, leftover turkey, easy chili, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/easy-slow-cooker-leftover-turkey-chili-recipe/