Slow Cooker Turkey Chili for Game Day
Thick, hearty, high-protein chili slow-cooked with seasoned lean ground turkey, black beans, kidney beans, fire-roasted corn, and smoky spices.
In a nutshell: This authentic american-tex-mex slow cooker turkey chili for game day comes together in just 6 hrs 15 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret is to Searing lean ground turkey with your chili powder and cumin blooms the spices in fat, crea. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
Searches for 'turkey chili' are up +140% as football game day entertaining peaks. This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is a set-and-forget healthy comfort crowd-pleaser that leaves nothing to be desired. Lean ground turkey simmers with tender black beans, red kidney beans, sweet corn, and fire-roasted tomatoes in a deeply seasoned chili-cumin broth. Top with melted cheddar, sour cream, and fresh avocado.
Key Equipment
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- 6-quart Slow Cooker
- Large skillet for browning turkey
- Wooden spoon
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Brown turkey with chili spices: Searing lean ground turkey with your chili powder and cumin blooms the spices in fat, creating deep roasted flavor before slow cooking.
- Use fire-roasted canned tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes impart smoky sweet depth that balances the lean turkey.
- Slow cook on LOW for best texture: Cooking on LOW for 6 hours allows the beans and turkey to absorb the seasonings without drying out.
Ingredients
8
servings
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2 lbs lean ground turkey (93/7), browned in skillet
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1 large yellow onion, diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (28 oz) fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, with juices
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1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
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1 can (15 oz) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
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1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted corn or sweet corn, drained
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2 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth, for rich body
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2 ½ tbsp chili powder, mild Mexican chili blend
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1 tbsp ground cumin and smoked paprika, for warm smoky depth
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1 tsp dried oregano and garlic powder, seasoning blend
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1 cup shredded cheddar, sour cream, diced avocado, and jalapeños, for game day toppings
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Brown Turkey & Spices
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp olive oil. Add ground turkey, diced onion, and garlic. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking meat into crumbles. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano for 1 minute to bloom spices.
Transfer to Slow Cooker
Transfer the seasoned turkey and onion mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add Tomatoes, Beans & Broth
Add crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, corn, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine.
Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours (or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours) until chili is rich, thick, and flavors are deeply married.
Set Up Toppings & Serve
Ladle thick chili into bowls. Set out a game-day toppings bar with shredded cheddar cheese, cool sour cream, diced ripe avocado, and sliced jalapeño rings. Serve hot with tortilla chips!
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.
View on AmazonTILUCK Stainless Measuring Cups & Spoons, 10-Pc
Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.
View on AmazonMercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"
Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
View on AmazonAmazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll
Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
View on AmazonWoodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc
Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
View on AmazonOXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"
Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
View on AmazonUmite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc
Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
View on AmazonHamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Yes! Brown turkey and aromatics in a large Dutch oven, add all remaining ingredients, and simmer covered on low for 45 minutes.
Yes! Turkey chili freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
Mash 1 cup of the beans against the side of the slow cooker with a wooden spoon, or stir in 2 tablespoons of masa harina or cornmeal during the final 30 minutes.
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