There’s something incredibly cozy about a bowl full of chili simmered low and slow, filling your kitchen with those rich, spicy aromas. This Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe is my go-to comfort meal that’s as simple as it is satisfying, perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, wholesome dinner waiting for you.

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 Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t recommend this enough—even if you think chili is “just chili.” The slow cooker makes everything melt together beautifully, and using lean turkey keeps things healthy without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s almost foolproof, which is a total win for weeknights.

Hands-Off Cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away—no stirring or babysitting required.
Healthy and Hearty: Using lean turkey means you get all that protein with less fat, so it feels better for you but still satisfies those chili cravings.
Flavorful Layers: With a mix of spices, peppers, beans, and a little jalapeño kick, every bite has a nice depth without being overpowering.
Super Flexible: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your pantry or dietary preferences without losing the heart of the dish.

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 here pulls its weight to make this chili both tasty and nutritious. I like to grab fresh vegetables when I can and good-quality canned beans to keep prep simple but still fresh and vibrant.

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: This gets everything started by browning the turkey, adding a subtle richness without extra heaviness.
Ground Turkey: Lean and healthy, it soaks up spices really well, giving you that meaty texture without the fat of ground beef.
Onion: Adds sweetness and an aromatic base that deepens as it cooks low and slow.
Red & Yellow Peppers: Bright colors and natural sweetness balance the spicy kick of the jalapeños.
Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: Create the chili's tangy, thick, and juicy backbone.
Black Beans & Kidney Beans: Give you fiber and creamy bites that make this chili more filling.
Tamed Jalapeño Peppers: Just the right amount of heat plus a smoky complexity without overwhelming the dish.
Frozen Corn: Adds unexpected bursts of sweetness and texture contrast.
Chili Powder & Cumin: The heart of the chili’s flavor—chili powder brings warmth, and cumin adds earthiness that feels comforting.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all those vibrant ingredients.

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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 chili by swapping in different peppers for heat and texture, or adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. The beauty of this Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe is how forgiving it is—make it how you like it without worry.

Variation: One time, I added diced sweet potatoes and a touch of cinnamon, which gave the chili an autumn vibe that was surprisingly delightful and added a nice sweetness.
Make it Vegetarian: Skip the turkey and double up on beans and veggies—just adjust cook times slightly since there’s no meat to brown.
Spicy Kick: If you like heat, adding fresh jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce at the end really wakes things up.

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

Step 1: Brown the Turkey Perfectly

I always start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until it’s shimmering. Then, I add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Patience here pays off—give it time to brown well without stirring too often. When it’s got that lovely golden color and no longer pink, I know it’s ready to go straight into the slow cooker. Browning first helps lock in flavor and improve the texture.

Step 2: Prep and Add Your Veggies and Beans

While the turkey browns, chop your onion and peppers. Once the turkey is in the slow cooker, I add everything else—onions, red and yellow peppers, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, rinsed beans, drained jalapeños, and corn. Stir it gently so all those flavors start mingling before we turn on the heat.

Step 3: Spice It Up and Set the Slow Cooker

Sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. I usually taste the mixture before cooking, making sure the seasoning hits the right notes—it’s easier to adjust later but better to start close to perfect. Pop on the lid and set your slow cooker to high for 4 hours, or low for 6 if you want to start it earlier in the day.

Step 4: Serve it Up with Your Favorite Toppings

When the chili’s ready, give it one last stir and taste. If you want it a bit thicker, take the lid off and let it cook on high for an extra 15-30 minutes. Ladle it into bowls and add your favorite toppings because chili is all about those final personal touches.

Top Tip

Over the years, making this Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe, I’ve found some little tricks that really elevate the outcome and save time in the kitchen.

Brown the Meat Completely: Don’t skip browning the turkey first—it locks in flavor and prevents any soggy texture in the chili.
Drain and Rinse Beans Well: This avoids that canned taste and controls the saltiness since canned beans can pack in quite a bit of sodium.
Adjust Seasonings at the End: Slow cooking mutes spices a bit, so taste and add a pinch more chili powder or cumin right before serving if needed.
Use a Heavy-Duty Slow Cooker: A good slow cooker with even heat distribution prevents hot spots and helps the chili cook steadily.

How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for simple garnishes that add creaminess and freshness—sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded sharp cheddar, and sliced green onions are my top picks. Sometimes, I toss on diced avocado for that buttery texture or a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten every bite. These toppings make every bowl feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This chili loves company! Cornbread—whether homemade or store-bought—is a classic side that soaks up all the juicy chili goodness. For something lighter, I often serve with a green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty chili.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, I’ve served this chili inside baked sweet potatoes or even scooped it into crispy tortilla bowls. It’s fun and visually appealing, plus it adds a little extra texture and excitement for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chili in airtight containers and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s great for quick lunches or a second dinner when you don’t want to cook from scratch. You’ll notice the flavors even deepen overnight, making leftovers even better than the first day.

Freezing

This chili freezes beautifully, which is a total life saver. I portion it out in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’ve got an easy meal ready in minutes on busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up, stirring often until warm through. It keeps the chili’s texture nice and prevents it from drying out, just like the first time you made it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey in this chili?

Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will work just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to brown it well before adding to the slow cooker for the best flavor.

How spicy is this Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe?

The chili has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the tamed jalapeño peppers. If you want it spicier, feel free to add fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce near the end of cooking or when serving.

Can I make this chili in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! You can use an Instant Pot on the 'Sauté' setting to brown the turkey, then add remaining ingredients and pressure cook on high for about 15 minutes. Just be sure to use quick-release carefully to avoid overcooking the beans.

Will this chili freeze well?

Definitely. This recipe freezes wonderfully in airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave for easy meal prep.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s straightforward, versatile, and packed with flavors that grow richer the next day. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s one of those recipes that’s fail-safe but never boring, and honestly, what more could we want from a home-cooked meal?