Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe

If you have some leftover turkey from Thanksgiving and are looking for an easy, comforting meal that’s not another sandwich, turkey chili is a perfect way to switch things up. This recipe lets you turn leftover turkey into a hearty meal that’s simple to put together, especially if you’re tired of being in the kitchen after all the holiday cooking.

For me I like using my slow cooker to make this recipe so it can cook while I do other things. But if you’d rather make it on the stove, I’ve included those instructions too. Either way, you’ll get a great meal with minimal effort which I am sure is much needed after the holiday.

Turkey chili is great because it’s filling, versatile, and easy to throw together with ingredients you most likely already have. Unlike traditional beef chili, it’s a bit lighter, and using turkey adds a different flavor and texture that still works well with the spices.

In addition, this is a smaller batch recipe, so it’s just enough for four servings, making it ideal for two people to enjoy now and save a little for later. Plus, the recipe is customizable – don’t have one ingredient? You can swap it out with what you do have on hand.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

For a small batch of turkey chili (four servings), here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb (about 2 cups) of leftover turkey, diced – If you’re out of turkey leftovers, cooked ground turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken will work.
• 1 medium onion, diced – Adds a nice base flavor.
• 2 celery stalks, diced – Celery gives a bit of crunch and depth.
• 1 green bell pepper, diced – Any variety of bell pepper will work in this recipe.
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds a nice warm flavor.
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles – Adds a bit of spice to the leftover turkey chili.
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney (or White Northern) beans, undrained – The liquid adds thickness to the chili.
• 1 cup chicken broth – Helps blend the flavors and makes the chili stretch a little bit further.

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon chili powder – Adds that classic chili flavor without it becoming too spicy.
• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning – The surprise ingredient here which gives another depth of flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Fresh ground black pepper adds more of a peppery bite.
• 1 bay leaf – Optional, but it adds a nice flavor as it cooks.

Optional Ingredients

If you want to add a little extra heat, here are some optional ingredients:

• Diced jalapeño – Dice the entire pepper for more heat, or remove the ribs and seeds for less.
• Cayenne pepper powder – Just a pinch or more ggif you like it hot!

Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

Slow Cooker Instructions

Using a slow cooker is great if you’re wanting a more hands-off approach. And after the big holiday meal, it is definitely how I prefer to make this recipe.

Prep the Ingredients – Start by chopping your vegetables: dice the onion, celery, and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.

Sauté the Vegetables – In a small pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Add The Ingredients Into Your Slow Cooker – Add the diced turkey and the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Then, add the can of tomatoes (including the liquid), kidney beans with their liquid, and chicken broth.

Season the Chili – Add the chili powder, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Give everything a good stir.

Cook – Set the slow cooker on low for about 4 hours, or high for 2-3 hours.

Adjust to Taste – Once it’s done, taste your chili and adjust the spices if needed. If you like it spicier, add some cayenne powder or diced jalapeños.

Stovetop Instructions

Making Leftover Turkey Chili is very similar to making my Standard Stove Top Chili Recipe. And it all starts with sautéing the vegetables.

Sauté the Vegetables – In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper, and cook until they start to soften. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Add Turkey and Liquids – Add the diced turkey, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot to get any flavorful bits from the vegetables.

Add Remaining Ingredients – Add the can of diced tomatoes, kidney beans (including the liquid), and seasonings. Stir well.

Simmer – Bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and adjust the consistency if needed by adding more liquid.

Adjust and Serve – Once it’s thickened and the flavors have blended, taste and adjust the seasonings.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Chili

Turkey chili is great on its own, but you can make it even better by adding a few toppings or sides:

• Cheese – Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top.
• Green Onions – Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
• Sour Cream – A dollop on top adds a creamy element.
• Crackers or bread – Either makes a nice side to dip.

Storing and Reheating Turkey Chili

As mentioned above this recipe makes 4 servings. To store your leftovers, let the turkey cool completely. Then store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Turkey chili also freezes well, so if you’ve had enough for now, freeze individual servings in Silicone Soup Molds for an easy meal later. Just be sure to label it so you remember what’s inside!

To reheat, microwave it until hot, or heat it over medium heat on the stove. If it’s thickened too much, add a little extra broth or water.

Other Leftover Turkey Recipes

If you still have leftover turkey you can use them in some of my other favorite recipes below.

1. Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini – A classic baked pasta casserole recipe.
2. Turkey Noodle Casserole – A simple baked dish that’s creamy and comforting.
3. Turkey Pot Pie – Use pie crust or biscuits for a twist.
4. Turkey Stew – Perfect if you have extra veggies on hand.
5. Turkey Stir Fry – A quick and easy dinner that comes together in minutes.

Making turkey chili is an easy way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers without getting tired of the same flavors. It’s warm, hearty, and perfect for a cozy meal, especially as the days get colder.

Whether you use the slow cooker or stovetop, this turkey chili will quickly become a favorite for leftover turkey season.

Enjoy! Mary

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