Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is a leaner chili than when beef is used but is still hearty and flavorful. Put this in the crockpot, go about your day and come home to a delicious bowl of chili. This is perfect for meal-prep or game day.
Last week was a sad day in my house because my slow cooker died.
I had a moment of panic considering I use it a lot during the week for meals like this Slow Cooker Turkey Chili, Slow Cooker Chicken Curry or Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup. I especially like using my slow cooker when we have a busy day ahead.
No matter what stage of life your family is in, I know there can be days when making dinner after a busy day just doesn’t sound appealing.
As with most chili recipes, this is very customizable.You can add whatever vegetables you like, use more or less beans or try adding in different beans like chickpeas or white beans. This is also a good freezer friendly meal to save for a busy day in the winter. When it comes to customizing your chili the options are endless.
If you like a thinner chili add more tomato sauce, or for a spicier chili use more cayenne red pepper or crushed red pepper, for a richer flavor try a teaspoon of cinnamon and cocoa powder.
If you like chili recipes try my If you like chili recipes you should also check out my Instant Pot Turkey Chili, White and Black Bean Turkey Chili or this Beef Poblano Black Bean Chili.
Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need
- Spices: I enjoy the spices used in this recipe: chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, paprika and oregano. You can adjust the spices to your liking and how much spice you want.
- Ground Turkey: As you can tell by the name, this chili uses ground turkey. You can switch it up and use what you like from beef to ground pork to even making it a vegetarian chili.
- Beans: In this chili recipe I use black beans and kidney beans. I also like adding white beans or chickpeas to this chili.
- Vegetables: The corn, sweet onion, jalapeño and garlic add great flavor. Feel free to bulk up this chili using other vegetables like carrots, celery, zucchini, bell peppers or poblano peppers.
Please see the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and instructions.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Step 1: Brown the Turkey: In a large skillet heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cooked until browned.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Crockpot: Add the turkey to the slow cooker followed by all of the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Step 3: Serve: Serve warm in soup bowls with your choice of toppings like sour cream, avocado, cheese and chopped red onion.
Storage Tips:
- Store the chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- You can freeze the chili. Make sure to let it cook completely. Store in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- To reheat remove the chili from the freezer and let defrost overnight. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth and then slowly reheat on the stovetop.
Recipe FAQ
If you want a thicker chili try to mash some of the beans up or you can even add a grain like rice or quinoa.
Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
More Chili Recipes
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Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Ingredients
For the turkey chili
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup sweet onion, diced
- 1 large red pepper bell pepper, seeds removed, chopped
- 1 – 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 – 15 ounce cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed {or any beans you like}
- 2 – 15 ounce cans of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth, {optional for thinner chili}
- 1 – 15 ounce can of corn, drained and rinsed
- 1 jalapeño,, seeds removed, chopped {optional for spice}
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne red pepper {optional for spice}
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano, {or Mexican oregano}
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes
- Sour cream
- Cheese
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced red onion
- Avocado,, chopped
- Jalapeno
- Diced tomatoes
Instructions
- In a large skillet heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cooked until browned. Drain any fat and add the turkey to the crockpot.
- Add the remaining ingredients into the crockpot and give it a good stir. Cook on low for 5 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Serve warm in soup bowls with your choice of toppings like sour cream, avocado, cheese and chopped red onion.
Notes
- If you want to freeze this chili let it cool in the fridge before you put it in the freezer. It works great as a freezer mea.
- You can substitute ground beef for the ground turkey.
I found this recipe a few years ago and have probably made it over a dozen times since then. It is my go to chili recipe, and it’s a meal prep recipe that I don’t get sick of even though I don’t often find myself craving chili. But then I make this and remember how awesome it is. Plus it’s healthy(ish). I like to top it with shredded cheddar, green onion, and Greek yogurt. Will keep coming back to this recipe!
I am so glad that you like it! We make this one a lot too. Thanks for sharing your feedback! 🙂
Love this recipe. Had been searching for a turkey chili recipe that used black beans and found it. Two tweaks I have found that kick it up a notch for me. I use 1 lb ground turkey, and then 1/2 lb of andouille sausage. I also add a small can of tomato paste to thicken up the broth just a bit.
Thanks for the ideas! I like what you did- the sausage sounds great!