Recipe Details
Cozy up on cool days with this hearty, satisfying turkey chili. Made with readily available grocery items and common pantry staples, this comforting recipe warms you from the inside out on even the chilliest evenings.
Turkey Chili Ingredients
You likely already have most (if not all) of these simple, everyday ingredients stocked in your kitchen to pull this chili together quickly:
· Ground Turkey: This fuss-free chili starts with one pound of lean ground turkey, browned first in olive oil for a savory base.
· Onion & Garlic: One whole diced onion plus one tablespoon of freshly minced garlic adds bold, layered flavor depth to every bite.
· Canned Pantry Staples: You’ll only need two convenient canned items for this recipe: crushed tomatoes and kidney beans.
· Spices: A warm, balanced blend of seasonings gives this chili its signature kick: chili powder, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Can You Make This Turkey Chili In a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly for a Crock-Pot if you want a hands-off, set-it-and-forget-it meal instead of a stovetop dinner. Simply combine all prepped ingredients in your slow cooker, then cook on the High setting for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
If you have 5 extra minutes to spare, browning the turkey and sautéing aromatics first is well worth the effort. This step adds richer overall flavor, improves the turkey’s texture, and lets onions soften and release their fragrant scent before slow cooking. If you’re short on time, you can add raw turkey straight to the slow cooker—the chili will cook through fully—but it won’t have quite the same deep flavor profile.
What to Serve With Turkey Chili
Wondering what to pair with your warm bowl of turkey chili? These fan-favorite recipes complement this hearty dish perfectly:
· Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich
· Grandmother's Buttermilk Cornbread
· Perfect Fluffy Baked Potato
For even more pairing inspiration, explore our full curated collection: 16 Side Dishes That Go Great With Chili.
How to Store Turkey Chili
Store leftover turkey chili in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to four days.
To reheat on the stovetop: Pour chili into a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. To reheat in the oven: Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes, until the center is piping hot. Individual portions can be reheated quickly in the microwave using short 30-60 second intervals, stirring between bursts, until the chili is steaming.
Can You Freeze Turkey Chili?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze turkey chili for quick future meals. Ladle cooled leftover chili into freezer bags, leaving about 1 inch of empty space at the top (chili expands as it freezes, so this extra space prevents bursting). Seal tightly, then wrap the full bag in foil for extra protection against freezer burn. Lay bags flat to freeze, and they will keep well for up to three months. Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight, or reheat it straight from frozen on the stovetop.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
"This is such a great turkey chili recipe," according to home cook Ava Probst. "Easy to make, quick and so tasty. I always thought chili had to be made with beef to be good, but I actually prefer this turkey recipe!"
"I've made this turkey chili several times now, and my whole family loves it," says Brian M. "I add a can of black beans to go along with the kidney beans, and I also toss in a couple of diced bell peppers. These small additions make it even heartier."
"It was so easy and absolutely delicious," raves Trish. "I froze the leftovers and ate it for my work lunches for weeks. I will definitely make this again."