This one-pot Turkey Chili with leftover turkey is hearty, comforting, and packed with cozy flavors. It’s the perfect way to turn holiday leftovers into a flavorful family dinner on busy weeknights or chilly weekends.
After the big holiday feast is over, I’m always looking for creative (and delicious) ways to use up leftovers, and this hearty no-fuss Turkey Chili with leftover turkey is one of the recipes our family looks forward to every year now. It’s simple, comforting and gives those turkey leftovers a whole new, extra tasty life. Easy to make in advance and almost totally hands-off, this chili is perfect for busy weeknights, the flavors just get better with time.
This Leftover Turkey Chili with combines tender shredded meat simmered with hearty beans, tomatoes, and bold chili seasoning for an easy, rich meal perfect for chilly days. Simple to make with pantry staples and packed with flavor, this leftover turkey chili is a satisfying dinner that’s just as comforting as classic ground beef chili. These are the kind of leftovers our family loves time and time again, and we think yours will too.
If you like this recipe, be sure to try some of our other favorites starting leftover turkey. We love this flavor-packed Leftover Turkey Fajita Soup and this hearty Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup, too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Great Way To Use Up Leftover Turkey: This hearty recipe is the perfect way to use up any leftover turkey you’ve got on hand after a big holiday meal. It’s a new, tasty use for day-old turkey meat.
- Easy, One-Pot Meal With Almost No Prep: This chili comes together in one-pot with minimal prep — it doesn’t get easier.
- Ready in Under an Hour: This recipe has little prep and can be ready fast, with mostly hands-off simmering time.
- A Lighter Twist on Classic Chili: Using leftover turkey instead of ground beef lightens up the traditional version without losing any flavor.
Ingredients
- Shredded Turkey: Use whatever cooked leftovers you’ve got on hand. Light meat, dark meat, or a combo works perfectly.
- Light Kidney Beans: Creamy and protein packed, these are a classic chili ingredient and a great pantry staple.
- Fire Roasted Tomatoes: Tangy and slightly smokey. Use your favorite canned variety.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned, to build the chili base and flavor.
- Diced Green Chilies: Another favorite pantry staple to have on hand for a subtle heat.
- Beef or Chicken Broth: The savory base, use low sodium.
- Chili Seasonings: Bold and zesty to flavor the chili. Use your favorite store-bought blend or spices.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
How To Make Turkey Chili
1. In a large pot add in all of the ingredients and stir well. Let simmer for 45 minutes.
2. Serve with your favorite toppings!
Expert Tips
- Portion Out Leftover Turkey: This recipe is a great way to use up a large batch of holiday turkey you’ve got in the fridge. Freeze extra portions of turkey if you have more than you’ll use here for a future chili, soup, or meal idea.
- Let Chili Simmer: Let is cook the full 45 minutes so the flavors really have time to meld and develop.
- Adjust the Broth Amount: Add more or less, depending on whether you prefer a thicker or thinner chili. The choice is yours!
- Set Out a Toppings Bar: Place the classic chili toppings like cheese, sour cream, and green onions in bowls so everyone can customize their own.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add Corn or Black Beans: For extra texture, flavor and color. These are delicious chili add-ins.
- Make it Spicy: By adding in diced jalapeño or extra chili seasoning for an extra kick.
- Swap in Rotisserie Chicken: If you’ve got it on hand, and don’t have any turkey, this is a great shortcut option.
- Serve Over Rice or With Cornbread: To turn this chili into an even heartier meal.
Storage
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low with an extra splash of broth, if needed to thin it out slightly. Serve once hot.
Freeze cooled leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop as instructed above and serving again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Definitely. If you don’t have turkey or you have chicken on hand, it’s a great shortcut and substitute that’s just as flavorful. Shred the light meat, dark meat, or a combo.
Yes! Add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
We love the classics like freshly shredded cheddar cheese, cool sour cream, green onions or diced red onion, and tortilla chips. A dash of hot sauce or crumbled bacon add even more flavor!
More Cozy Soup Recipes
- Loaded Enchilada Soup
- Easy French Onion Soup
- Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
- Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
Leftover Turkey Chili
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot add in all of the ingredients and stir well. Let simmer for 45 minutes. 2. Serve with your favorite toppings!3. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low with an extra splash of broth, if needed to thin it out slightly. Serve once hot.
- Freeze cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop as instructed above and serving again.