I’m so excited to share this crock pot turkey chili recipe with you all! As a busy mom of three, I’m always on the lookout for hearty and comforting meals that can be made with minimal fuss. This recipe is a staple in our household, and I know it will become one of your favorites too.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and the crock pot does all the work for you while you’re busy with other things. Just toss all the ingredients in the pot, turn it on, and let the magic happen.
I love that this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like game day or a holiday gathering. And let’s talk about the flavors – this chili is packed with rich, deep flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. The turkey adds a nice lean protein to keep things healthy, and the beans provide plenty of fiber.
Plus, it’s so versatile – serve it over rice, with some crusty bread on the side, or even as a dip for veggies. The possibilities are endless! My kids devour this chili in seconds, and I love that they’re getting a nutritious meal without even realizing it.
In fact, my youngest son has been known to request this recipe by name (much to my husband’s amusement!) We’ve made it countless times over the years, and each time it’s a hit. So go ahead, give this recipe a try – your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
Crock Pot Turkey Chili
4.5 from 852 votes
This hearty turkey chili simmers all day in a slow cooker, filling your home with a rich, savory aroma. Lean ground turkey and a blend of beans and spices create a satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.
2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
👨🍳Directions
1Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
2Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked turkey to the slow cooker, leaving any rendered fat in the skillet.
4Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium and add the diced onion.
5Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
6Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper if using, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
7Pour about 1/2 cup of the chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
8Transfer this onion-spice mixture to the slow cooker with the turkey.
9Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained kidney beans, drained black beans, diced green chiles, remaining chicken broth, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
10Stir everything together until well combined.
11Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chili is thickened and the flavors have melded.
12Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
13The chili should be bubbling gently around the edges when done.
For a thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This chili freezes well for up to 3 months. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro.
Watch Video Of How Crock Pot Turkey Chili Works
This crock pot turkey chili recipe is one of my absolute favorites – not only does it taste amazing but it’s also incredibly convenient for busy families like mine.
And don’t even get me started on how great it stores!
Simply refrigerate or freeze leftovers for up to three months and reheat as needed when you’re ready for another delicious bowl of goodness.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Turkey Chili
1. What type of turkey should I use in this recipe?
You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe – both work beautifully. If you want to use ground turkey instead, simply brown it in a pan before adding it to the crock pot.
2. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! This chili actually gets better with time, so feel free to make it up to 24 hours in advance if you want to save some time later on.
3. Do I need to add any extra liquid to this recipe?
No – just use what comes from the canned tomatoes and beans to avoid diluting the flavors.
4. Can I serve this chili as a vegetarian option?
While the turkey makes up most of the protein content in this dish, you can easily substitute in cooked beans or lentils for added protein if you prefer.
(Note: if using lentils or other legumes instead of turkey, adjust cooking time accordingly.)
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