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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Turkey » Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

by Sarah Olson on March 24, 2022 | Updated December 14, 2022 7 Comments

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close up of chipotle chili in slow cooker
Easy turkey chili images with text of what the ingredients are.
collage of chipotle turkey chili for pinterest

This Slow Cooker Chipotle Turkey Chili is a fantastic chili recipe to try for game day or a lazy weekend meal! You won’t believe this recipe is healthy since it is packed with flavor.

chipotle turkey chili with shredded white cheese on top.

I have a new chili recipe for you today. If you like chipotle flavor, then please try this recipe. I have made a similar recipe the last few years with chicken breast, and well, it just wasn’t right; I’ve tested it at least five times!

On a whim, I decided to make the same recipe but with ground turkey, oh what difference. The ground turkey has the proper texture chili needs, and it adds so much flavor to the recipe. I’m putting this recipe on my weekly must-make list for fall and winter.

Is this recipe healthy?

Ground turkey is one of the leanest meats you can buy, and the rest of the ingredients are either vegetables, beans, or spices. Ground turkey chili is a very lean and healthy meal that you will make repeatedly. Chili can have a long list of ingredients, but that’s what makes it good. Different flavors simmer all day to make one great taste.

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for turkey chili on table
  • Ground turkey – Find this near the chicken in the meat department; you can use any brand and it can have any percentage of fat. You can also use ground chicken and have the same results.
  • Tomato products – This recipe has 3 kinds of canned tomato products, doing this makes a perfect chili. You will need diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
  • Seasonings – No chili packet is used in this recipe! We are making our own custom chili seasoning out of chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt and pepper.
  • Chipotle Peppers – These come in a can and are found on the Mexican food aisle.
  • Beans – 2 cans of drained and rinsed pinto beans. We prefer pinto beans over kidney beans in this recipe.
  • Vegetables – Onion and bell pepper and corn.

Step-by-Step Directions

onion, bell pepper, corn, pinto beans and ground beef in a slow cooker not yet cooked.

Step One: Add everything to the slow cooker. Stir well, making sure the tomato paste disappears into the other sauces.

Step Two: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.

Step Three: Serve with desired toppings

turkey chili in slow cooker with cornbread on the side

Chili Toppings

I make many different types of chili, and each is better with different toppings. Turkey chili goes great with these toppings:

  • Shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
  • Green Onions, or diced red onions
  • Corn bread muffins or hunks of cornrbread
  • Fritos corn chips or regular corn chips
  • Top with diced avocado, minced jalapeno or a dash of hot sauce.
can of chipotle peppers, opened.

What are chipotle peppers?

  • I use part of a can of chipotle peppers in adobo for this recipe. These are smoked jalapenos that have a seasoned sauce. You can find this on the Mexican food aisle.
  • Warning, you don’t need much of this to flavor, and add a touch of heat to this recipe. I use 1 chipotle pepper and 1 tablespoon of the adobo sauce from the can. You can use more BUT I really recommend you try my measurements first, you could even add a bit more after it’s done cooking if desired.
  • These peppers are very potent but I think have a great smoky flavor. The leftovers peppers and sauce can be put in the freezer.

Variations

  • Jalapeno – Don’t like the taste of smokey peppers? Mince a whole jalapeno instead and add at the beginning of the cooking time. You can also add a touch of red chili flakes for heat.
  • Shredded Chicken Chili – Use two large chicken breasts for this recipe and shred them right before serving.
  • Beer Chili – Add an entire bottle of beer to this recipe instead of the water. Most of the alcohol flavor will cookout, though a slight beer flavor will remain.
bowl of chipotle chili with corn bread muffins on the side.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use ground chicken?

Ground chicken works excellent in chili. It browns very fast, so keep an eye on it.

Can I make turkey chili in an instant pot?

Use a 6-quart or 8-quart instant pot. Using the saute feature, brown the meat. Add remaining ingredients. Make sure your valve is in the closed position. Pressure cook on HIGH for 15 minutes. Let the instant pot release pressure naturally.

Can I make turkey chili on the stovetop?

Brown your meat along with the onion and bell pepper. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 30-40 minutes. You may need to add more water as this simmers.

How can I make this less spicy?

Leave out the chipotle peppers if you or a guest can not handle the heat. If you have already made the chili and need to tone down the heat, serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Can I meal prep turkey chili (freezer meal)?

You can put this meal in the freezer before cooking and thaw and cook when you are ready. Though this is a giant recipe, you will have to divide this between two bags.

Can I use frozen corn?

Both frozen corn and canned corn hold up well in the slow cooker. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

How to store:

Place cooled chili in Tupperware and place in the fridge for up to five days or freezer for up to three months.

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turkey chili in slow cooker with cornbread on the side

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

5 from 3 votes
Ground turkey, pinto beans and chipotle peppers cooked in the slow cooker for a healthy but amazing tasting chili.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 314kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. lean ground turkey browned and drained – can use ground chicken
  • 30 oz. pinto beans (or black beans) drained and rinsed (two 15 oz. cans)
  • 15 oz. can whole kernel corn drained (or 1.5 cups frozen corn)
  • 29 oz. diced tomatoes (two 14.5 oz. cans)
  • 15 oz. can tomato sauce
  • 1 orange bell pepper diced
  • 1 small white onion diced
  • 1 chopped chipotle pepper from 7-oz. can of chipotle in adobo
  • 1 Tbsp. adobo sauce from above can can
  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups water (can use beer or chicken broth)
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Add everything to the slow cooker. Stir well, making sure the tomato paste disappears into the other sauces.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
  • Serve and enjoy! My favorite way to serve is with fritos AND cornbread, but anyway you serve it is GOOD!
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How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

Can I meal prep this?
You can put this meal in the freezer before cooking and thaw and cook when you are ready. Though this is a giant recipe, you will have to divide this between two bags.
How can I make on the stovetop?
Brown your meat along with the onion and bell pepper. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 30-40 minutes. You may need to add more water as this simmers.
Can I make in the Instant Pot?
Use a 6-quart or 8-quart instant pot. Using the saute feature, brown the meat. Add remaining ingredients. Make sure your valve is in the closed position. Pressure cook on HIGH for 15 minutes. Let the instant pot release pressure naturally.
How can I make this less spicy?
Leave out the chipotle peppers if you or a guest can not handle the heat. If you have already made the chili and need to tone down the heat, serve with a dollop of sour cream.
Can I make this into a freezer meal?
You can put this meal in the freezer before cooking and thaw and cook when you are ready. Though this is a giant recipe, you will have to divide this between two bags.
How to store?

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 314kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 817mg | Potassium: 1160mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1784IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

Make one of these Slow Cooker Chili Recipes next:

  • Slow Cooker V8 Chili
  • Slow Cooker Turkey and Butternut Squash Chili
  • Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
  • Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
  • Slow Cooker Steakhouse Chili
  • Slow Cooker White Chicken Poblano Chili
  • Slow Cooker Low Carb Beef and Bacon Chili

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    2830 shares
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    Filed Under: Chili, Dinner, Turkey

    Comments

    1. Julie Hyden-Crawford says

      October 23, 2018 at 3:11 pm

      Could I just use ground beef instead?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        October 23, 2018 at 4:46 pm

        Yes, that would work great!

        Reply
    2. Shelby says

      December 14, 2017 at 11:43 am

      Hey what kind of shredded cheese did you top for this recipe? Thanks

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 14, 2017 at 12:17 pm

        It is Tillamook sharp white cheddar.

        Reply
    3. tobbelundberg says

      November 3, 2017 at 1:36 am

      Thanks for a very tasty sounding recipe! And thanks for not including any sugar in it. I love serving healthy food to my family!

      For us non-americans. What is “tomato sauce”? Is it just plain tomatoes, or does it have any extra flavors/spices in it?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 3, 2017 at 6:37 am

        Tomato sauce is blended up tomatoes, no seasonings 🙂

        Reply
        • tobbelundberg says

          November 3, 2017 at 7:35 am

          Perfect, thanks 🙂

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