Name: Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb 99% lean ground turkey; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 red pepper, seeded, stemmed, and chopped; 1 yellow pepper, chopped; 30 ounces tomato sauce; 30 ounces petite diced tomatoes; 30 ounces canned black beans, rinsed and drained; 30 ounces canned red kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 16 ounces jar deli-sliced tamed jalapeno peppers, drained; 1 cup frozen corn; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 tablespoon cumin; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Green onions; Shredded cheese; Avocado; Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Nothing quite hits the comfort spot like a warm, hearty bowl of chili simmering away all day. That's exactly what this Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe delivers—rich flavors, cozy warmth, and effortless prep. It’s one of those dinners you’ll want to make again and again, especially when you want something healthy without compromising on taste.

Two white bowls of chili are shown on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has three main layers: a base layer of chili with red kidney beans, ground meat, corn, and diced tomatoes, followed by a layer of shredded white cheese partly melted, and topped with diced green avocado chunks, sliced green jalapeños, small green cilantro leaves, and a dollop of white sour cream. One bowl has a silver spoon inside it. To the right, a white plate holds several square pieces of golden yellow cornbread with a crumbly texture. A small white bowl with shredded cheese is placed near the bottom left corner. The scene also shows small crumbs scattered on the marble surface and a white cloth partly visible in the lower right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen because it’s so easy to throw together and the result feels like a big, cozy hug after a busy day. Plus, it’s packed with protein and veggies so you feel good about every bite.

Healthy and Lean: Using ground turkey keeps this chili tasty but lighter than your typical beef chili.
Hands-Off Cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker and forget about it—perfect for busy days or meal prepping.
Flavor-Packed: A blend of chili powder, cumin, and jalapenos creates a cozy warmth you’ll crave.
Versatile: Customize it with your favorite toppings and sides to make it uniquely yours every time.

A white bowl filled with thick soup showing several layers of orange-red broth mixed with small chunks of light brown cooked meat, black beans, yellow corn kernels, and diced red and orange bell peppers, all floating evenly on the surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. The soup’s texture looks hearty with small bits spread widely across the broth, giving it a colorful and dense appearance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this chili plays an important role in building a balanced, nourishing meal. From lean protein to vibrant veggies and hearty beans, these flavors come together beautifully in the slow cooker.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a mound of raw lean ground turkey, a medium diced white onion, one chopped red bell pepper, one chopped yellow bell pepper, a simple white bowl filled with bright red tomato sauce, a small white bowl of petite diced fresh tomatoes, a small white bowl of glossy black beans, a small white bowl of shiny red kidney beans, a few sliced fresh green jalapeño peppers arranged neatly on a white plate, a small white bowl of bright yellow frozen corn kernels, a small white bowl of deep red chili powder, a small white bowl of golden brown cumin powder, a few whole white eggs with smooth clean shells, scattered black peppercorns and coarse salt crystals on the surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Helps brown the turkey for extra depth before slow cooking.
Ground turkey: A lean protein that takes on all the seasoning with a light texture.
Onion: Adds sweetness and aroma when softened.
Red and yellow peppers: Give color, crunch, and subtle natural sweetness.
Tomato sauce & petite diced tomatoes: Form the base of the chili with acidity and richness.
Black beans & kidney beans: Provide heartiness, fiber, and a lovely creamy texture.
Jalapeño peppers: Bring a gentle kick—feel free to adjust based on your heat tolerance.
Frozen corn: Sweet bursts that balance the spices perfectly.
Chili powder & cumin: Classic spices that infuse the chili with warmth and complexity.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out layers of flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe depending on what’s in season or what my family is feeling. Don’t hesitate to personalize; chili is forgiving and invites creativity.

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is swapping ground turkey for ground chicken or even a lean beef mix when I want a richer flavor.
Spice level: If you like it hotter, add a few dashes of hot sauce or swap the tamed jalapeños for fresh ones.
Protein boost: Stir in some cooked quinoa or add extra beans if you want it more filling and plant-powered.
Seasonal veggies: Feel free to throw in chopped zucchini or carrots for an even heartier chili.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Turkey

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. I like to let the pan get nice and hot before adding the turkey—that helps develop a bit of golden color which adds depth to the chili. Once browned, transfer the turkey directly into your slow cooker. Pro tip: breaking up the turkey with a spoon while cooking ensures it cooks evenly without clumps.

Step 2: Add Veggies and Beans

Next, toss in the diced onions, red and yellow peppers, beans, corn, and jalapeños. Stir everything around a bit to combine all of those fresh and canned ingredients. This is where things start smelling incredible!

Step 3: Pour in Tomato Sauce & Add Spices

Pour your tomato sauce and petite diced tomatoes over the mix, then sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir so the spices are evenly distributed before covering the slow cooker.

Step 4: Let It Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker on High for 4 hours or Low for 6 hours—whatever suits your schedule. The longer cook time makes the flavors meld beautifully. Just don’t forget to give it a stir once or twice if you’re around. When time’s up, your chili will be bubbling with cozy, layered flavors.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve realized a few small tweaks can make your Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe unforgettable. Here are some insights from my kitchen that’ll help you nail this recipe every time.

Patience is key: Resist the urge to lift the lid too often. Keeping the heat steady seals in flavor and moisture.
Brown the meat well: I’ve learned browning the turkey first adds a depth that slow cooking alone can’t provide.
Spice it up slowly: Start with moderate chili powder and jalapeños, and you can always stir in hot sauce after cooking if you want more kick.
Beans beware: Use canned beans and rinse them well to prevent the chili from becoming too thick or starchy.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for finishing touches—green onions for freshness, shredded sharp cheddar for richness, creamy avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to cool things down. These add texture and balance every bowl beautifully.

Side Dishes

We often serve this turkey chili with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for scooping. A simple green salad on the side brightens the meal, or you could go full Tex-Mex with Spanish rice and a side of guacamole.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served this chili in mini bread bowls—people love it! Another fun idea is layering it over baked sweet potatoes for a comforting twist. These little touches make it feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the chili cools, I transfer leftovers to airtight containers and store them in the fridge. It keeps well for about 4 days, making for perfect easy lunches or second dinners.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, and it’ll last up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I prefer reheating chili gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick. The flavors taste just as vibrant the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Use the sauté function to brown the turkey and cook the onions and peppers first. Then add the remaining ingredients and pressure cook on high for about 20 minutes, using natural release for 10 minutes before quick releasing.

Is ground turkey a good substitute for beef in chili?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to beef and works wonderfully in chili, absorbing flavors well while keeping the dish lighter and healthier.

How do I control the spice level in this turkey chili?

You can easily adjust the heat by modifying the amount of jalapeño peppers or chili powder. For milder chili, reduce or omit the jalapeños. For extra heat, add fresh peppers, hot sauce, or cayenne powder.

Can I prepare this chili a day ahead?

Definitely! In fact, chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Prepare it completely, then refrigerate overnight before reheating gently before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe has been such a go-to in my house—you can't beat how simple it is, yet it delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. I hope you’ll find it as comforting and satisfying as I do. Give it a try, toss in your favorite toppings, and enjoy the easy, healthy warmth it brings to your table!