Nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty, flavorful chili simmering away all day. This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe is my go-to when I want a comforting meal with minimal fuss—packed with vibrant veggies, lean protein, and a perfect blend of spices.

Two white bowls filled with chili sit on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has a vibrant mix of red and dark red beans, orange kidney beans, chunks of browned meat, and orange bell peppers in a thick red tomato sauce. On top, there are layers of shredded white cheese, dollops of white sour cream, diced green avocado, and thin green sliced jalapeños with bright green cilantro leaves. A silver spoon is in the closer bowl. To the right, a white rectangular plate holds several pieces of golden cornbread with a crumbly texture, and a small white bowl with shredded cheese is placed to the left. 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

I’ve made a lot of chili recipes over the years, but this slow cooker turkey chili holds a special place because it’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that still delivers big on flavor. Plus, turkey makes it a lighter, healthier option without losing that satisfying chili vibe.

Easy to Make: Just brown the turkey, throw it all in the slow cooker, and you’re done—no babysitting required.
Healthy & Protein-Packed: Using lean ground turkey keeps it lighter and still super filling.
Loaded with Vegetables: Bell peppers, corn, and beans make it colorful, nutritious, and hearty.
Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for feeding a group or meal prepping for the week ahead.

A white bowl filled with a thick chili soup, showing three main layers: the bottom layer is a rich red tomato-based broth, the middle layer has small chunks of cooked ground meat mixed with black beans, and the top layer shows diced red and yellow bell peppers and corn kernels scattered throughout. The texture looks hearty with visible pieces of ingredients floating evenly. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

All these ingredients come together beautifully, creating layers of flavor with minimal effort. The turkey provides a mild but meaty base, while the beans and veggies build texture and heartiness. I always recommend grabbing fresh peppers if you can — they add a nourishing pop of color and sweetness.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a white ceramic plate with a mound of raw, pink lean ground turkey, a whole medium yellow onion with a few diced pieces beside it, one whole fresh red bell pepper sliced to show inside, one whole fresh yellow bell pepper chopped, a simple white bowl filled with smooth red tomato sauce, another white bowl with red petite diced tomatoes, two white bowls each containing glossy black beans and red kidney beans rinsed and drained, a white bowl holding sliced green jalapeño peppers, a small white bowl of bright yellow frozen corn kernels, small piles of deep red chili powder and light brown cumin powder, scattered fresh black peppercorns and coarse salt crystals in a tiny white dish, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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: To brown the turkey and add a subtle richness.
Ground Turkey: Lean and healthy, it soaks up the chili spices wonderfully.
Onion: Adds that essential aromatic base flavor.
Red and Yellow Peppers: Sweet, colorful, and packed with vitamins.
Tomato Sauce & Petite Diced Tomatoes: Creates a luscious, thick chili base.
Black Beans & Kidney Beans: Add creamy texture, protein, and fiber.
Deli-Sliced Tamed Jalapeño Peppers: For a mild kick without overwhelming heat.
Frozen Corn: Sweet bursts that contrast beautifully with the savory spices.
Chili Powder & Cumin: The star spices that define chili’s signature warmth.
Salt & Black Pepper: To balance and enhance all those fantastic flavors.

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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 often switch up the toppings or add different beans depending on what I have on hand. You can take this recipe in so many directions—mild and creamy or smoky and spicy—it's totally up to your taste buds.

Variation: I once swapped turkey for ground chicken when my grocery was out, and it worked just as well—just adjust your seasoning to taste.
Spice Level: If you like it hotter, add fresh jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder chili, stick to the tamed jalapeños and maybe skip the extra chili powder.
Vegetarian Twist: Simply leave out the turkey and add extra beans and veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for a delightful meatless chili.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a double batch to freeze portions for quick weeknight dinners.

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

Step 1: Brown the Turkey for Extra Flavor

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground turkey until it's browned and broken apart. This step helps develop deeper flavor, so don’t rush it. I like to stir often to ensure the turkey cooks evenly and doesn’t get dry.

Step 2: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned turkey to your slow cooker. Add diced onion, chopped red and yellow peppers, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, rinsed black and kidney beans, drained jalapeños, frozen corn, chili powder, and cumin. Give everything a good stir to combine and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Let It Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 6 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together. Just make sure not to overcook the turkey, so it stays tender. Halfway through, I like to give it a gentle stir if I’m around.

Top Tip

After cooking this recipe dozens of times, these tips consistently help me nail the perfect chili every time.

Brown Your Turkey: It might seem like an extra step, but it really boosts the flavor and gives your chili a rich base.
Don’t Skip Rinsing the Beans: It removes excess sodium and any canned taste, making the beans taste fresher.
Add Spices Gradually: Start with the suggested amounts, then adjust toward the end if you want more kick or depth.
Avoid Lifting the Lid Too Much: Each peek lets heat escape, which can increase cooking time and affect texture.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my chili with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, shredded sharp cheddar for a melty finish, diced green onions for crunch, and slices of creamy avocado. These little extras add texture and layers of flavor that take the chili to the next level.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides are simple but complementary. Cornbread or warm tortillas soak up the chili juices beautifully. Sometimes I serve it over rice for a heartier bowl, or pair it with a crisp green salad to brighten the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual get-togethers, I’ve served this chili in hollowed-out bread bowls—it’s a crowd-pleaser and makes clean-up easier. Another fun idea is layering it for chili nachos, spooned over tortilla chips with cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I go back to it, the flavors have had a chance to deepen which makes the chili taste even better than day one.

Freezing

This chili freezes wonderfully. I portion it into individual freezer-safe containers, so I can thaw a single serving whenever I need a quick, tasty meal. It holds up well for up to 3 months without losing much flavor or texture.

Reheating

Whether reheating from fresh or frozen, I warm the chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen it up if it seems too thick after refrigeration.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe spicier?

Absolutely! Add fresh jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a dash of smoked paprika to intensify the heat. Just add gradually to suit your spice tolerance.

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground beef works well. For a leaner option, use 90% lean beef. The flavor profile will be richer, so you might want to adjust seasoning to balance it out.

How do I prevent the chili from tasting too watery?

Using both tomato sauce and diced tomatoes adds thickness. Also, make sure not to add too much liquid, and cook the chili on low to allow it to reduce properly. If it’s still thin, remove the lid and cook for a bit uncovered.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Definitely. This chili actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. You can cook it overnight in the slow cooker on low or make it ahead, refrigerate, and reheat later.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years—not only for how easy it is but for the way it fills the room with cozy aromas and brings people together around the table. I really hope you give it a try and find it as perfect for busy days and chilly nights as I do. It’s one of those feel-good meals that I promise will make your weeknights easier and your taste buds happy.