There’s nothing quite like the smell of warming spices filling your kitchen on a chilly day, and that’s exactly what happens with this Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe. It’s comforting, packed with flavor, and best of all—it’s easy and nourishing for you.

The image shows a close-up of a thick, rich chili mixture held by a metal ladle. The chili has several layers: red kidney beans that are glossy and plump, browned ground meat with a crumbly texture, small pieces of yellow corn, and diced green bell peppers. These ingredients are all combined in a thick reddish-brown sauce that looks smooth and slightly oily with visible spices and herbs. The ladle is shiny silver, with the chili filling it almost to the edge, and the rest of the chili fills the background with the same vibrant colors and textures. The photo is taken with a white marbled textured background. 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 Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of this Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe because it’s the perfect weeknight winner. I usually throw it together in the morning and come back to a house that smells like a cozy hug. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without feeling weighed down.

Super simple prep: You just brown some ingredients and then let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting for you.
Healthy and hearty: Lean turkey keeps it lighter than traditional chili but still fills you right up.
Loaded with flavor: Chipotle, cumin, and fire-roasted tomatoes add layers of smoky warmth.
Versatile for weeknights or meal prep: It freezes and reheats like a charm, saving you time later on.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe plays a special role. The spices bring the depth of flavor, the veggies add texture and color, and the lean turkey gives you protein without heaviness. Shopping tip: grab fire-roasted tomatoes and corn for an extra smoky touch.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a pile of diced yellow onion, a diced green poblano pepper, three whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a mound of lean ground turkey, a small white ceramic bowl with reddish chili powder, another small bowl with light brown ground cumin, a small heap of dried oregano leaves, a pinch of ground coriander, one fresh red chipotle chile beside a small white bowl with reddish-brown adobo sauce, a small pile of coarse kosher salt, a small mound of diced green chiles, a small heap of bright yellow fire roasted corn kernels, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with crushed fire roasted diced tomatoes, a small white bowl with drained kidney beans, a small white ceramic bowl with pale golden chicken broth, and small piles of shredded cheese, fresh green cilantro sprigs, chopped green onions, and a dollop of creamy white Greek yogurt, all arranged symmetrically 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 m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: For sautéing veggies gently and adding richness without overpowering flavors.
Diced yellow onion: Brings a sweet, savory base that softens perfectly in the slow cooker.
Poblano pepper: Adds a mild, smoky heat without burning the dish.
Garlic: A must for that warm aromatic background in every bite.
Lean ground turkey (93/7%): Low fat but high in protein, making this chili healthier and satisfying.
Chili powder: The heart of the chili flavor, balancing spicy and earthy notes.
Ground cumin: Adds a smoky earthiness that’s key to good chili.
Oregano: Brings a subtle herbal lift to brighten the dish.
Ground coriander: Enhances warmth with a slightly citrusy undertone.
Chipotle chile & adobo sauce: A smoky, slightly spicy punch that deepens the flavor profile.
Kosher salt: Essential to balance and bring all flavors together.
Diced green chiles: Adds gentle heat and a bit of tang.
Fire-roasted corn: Sweet bursts with a smoky finish — a big upgrade over canned corn.
Crushed fire roasted diced tomatoes: Provide the chili’s rich, tomatoey base with smoky undertones.
Kidney beans: The classic chili bean that soaks up seasoning and adds creaminess.
Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps things moist without making it too salty or heavy.

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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 making this chili with a bit of extra chipotle when I’m craving bold smoky heat, but you can totally dial back the spice if you want a milder meal. Feel free to swap in black beans or add chopped sweet potatoes for a different texture and a little sweetness.

Variation: I once tried adding diced butternut squash to give it a subtly sweet, creamy twist — it was a hit at family dinner.

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

A close-up of a bowl filled with thick chili, showing dark red kidney beans, yellow corn kernels, and brown cooked ground meat mixed in a rich red tomato sauce, topped with bright orange shredded cheese scattered unevenly on one side, light yellow broken tortilla chips layered over the chili, small green herb pieces sprinkled over the dish for color, and a dollop of pale green sour cream on the edge. A spoon is partially inside the bowl on the left side, and the bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté your aromatics

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced onion, poblano pepper, and minced garlic. I give these a good stir and just let them soften up for about 3 minutes—that way you wake up the flavors before they hit the slow cooker. Watch so the garlic doesn’t burn; it should be fragrant but not crispy.

Step 2: Brown the turkey

Add the ground turkey right to your skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper early so the meat absorbs flavor as it cooks. Cook until it’s no longer pink and just starting to brown, which usually takes about 5–7 minutes. Proper browning adds depth — don’t rush this step.

Step 3: Combine everything in the slow cooker

Transfer your sautéed veggies and browned turkey into the slow cooker. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, coriander, chipotle chile with adobo sauce, diced green chiles, corn, fire-roasted tomatoes, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Give it all a good stir to blend the spices evenly.

Step 4: Set and forget

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking lets all those flavors marry beautifully without any extra effort from you. By the time you’re back, your whole house will smell like something special is waiting.

Top Tip

In my experience, a few simple tricks take this homemade chili from good to unforgettable. Don’t be shy about seasoning at every stage—it helps layers of flavor build up. Also, letting it cook low and slow brings out the best in those chipotle notes and tender beans.

Layer your seasoning: Add salt and spices both during sautéing and in the slow cooker for deeper flavor.
Don’t skip browning: Getting a nice sear on the turkey makes a huge difference in taste.
Use fire-roasted ingredients: They give this chili a smoky complexity that’s tough to beat.
Let it rest: If you have time, refrigerate leftovers overnight—the flavors really intensify!

How to Serve Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m all about freshness when it comes to toppings. I usually add shredded cheese for melty richness, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to balance the spice, sliced green onions for crunch, and plenty of cilantro for that bright, herby pop. Sometimes I throw on a few tortilla chips for extra texture—comfort food heaven.

Side Dishes

Simple sides work best here. I like cornbread or a fresh green salad on the side to make the meal feel balanced. Sometimes I serve it with brown rice or quinoa if I want to stretch it and soak up every last drop of chili sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at gatherings, I’ve served this chili over baked sweet potatoes or as a chili bar where everyone adds their favorite toppings. It’s a total crowd-pleaser and looks beautiful layered with avocado slices, chopped jalapeños, and a sprinkling of cheddar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, store leftover turkey chili in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3-4 days. I usually portion it out so I can grab a ready-made healthy meal during busy weekdays.

Freezing

This chili freezes beautifully. I make big batches and freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge or gently warm it from frozen in a saucepan—flavors stay just as vibrant.

Reheating

Reheat your chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If it’s thickened too much after storing, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up and keep the texture just right.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! You can use the sauté function to brown the veggies and turkey, then pressure cook on high for about 20 minutes with a natural release. Just adjust liquid as needed since the Instant Pot cooks faster and retains moisture differently.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free chicken broth and double-check any canned ingredients for additives, this chili is naturally gluten-free. Beans, turkey, and veggies are all safe choices.

Can I substitute ground beef or chicken for turkey?

You can! Ground beef will make it richer and a bit heavier, while chicken will be lighter but less fatty. I recommend lean beef or chicken breast to keep it healthy. Cooking times remain roughly the same.

How spicy is this chili?

It has a nice medium heat thanks to the chipotle chile and poblano pepper, but it’s not overwhelming. You can reduce or omit the chipotle for milder chili, or add extra if you like a real kick.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it brings comfort and clean eating into one pot. It’s the kind of meal you can count on to feed your family or impress friends without fuss. Give it a try—you’ll find that homemade chili can be simple, flavorful, and definitely healthy.