master-cooks | Easy Slow Cooker Spicy Turkey Chili Recipe

This Easy Slow Cooker Spicy Turkey Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. It combines lean ground turkey with a variety of colorful vegetables and robust spices to create a satisfying meal with a bit of a kick. The recipe starts by browning the ground turkey to enhance its flavor, then combines it with chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic for a savory base. Canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and black beans add texture and nutritional value, while chili powder, cumin, and paprika deliver a warm, spicy punch. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the ingredients to meld together over several hours, resulting in a rich and tasty chili. This method not only enhances the flavors but also makes it incredibly convenient for busy schedules. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for an added layer of flavor. This chili is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own, over rice, or with a side of cornbread, making it a delightful choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Gather the ingredients for slow cooker spicy turkey chili

To achieve the best flavor, begin by sautéing a few ingredients, so make sure to have some olive oil on hand. Start with yellow onion, garlic, and ground turkey. Next, gather Worcestershire sauce, sweet potato, kidney beans, black beans, green chiles, and tomato puree. We recommend using canned green chiles, but if they're unavailable, diced jalapeños will work as a substitute. Don't forget to pick up a can of chipotles in adobo; you'll need both the chiles and the sauce, especially if you prefer it spicy. Finally, have beef stock or broth, salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder ready.

Step 1: Heat up a skillet

Warm oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics

When the pan is hot, add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 2 minutes until they become soft and aromatic.

Step 3: Brown the turkey

Incorporate the turkey and break it apart as it cooks. Sauté until it’s browned, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 4: Transfer to a slow cooker

Pour the mixture into a slow cooker.

Step 5: Add the potato and beans

Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, sweet potato, and all the beans into the slow cooker.

Step 6: Cover with chiles

Top with chopped chiles, tomato paste, adobo sauce, and chipotle pepper.

Step 7: Add the broth and seasonings

Incorporate the beef broth and spices. Mix well to blend.

Step 8: Cook low and slow

Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours. Enjoy!

How can I make spicy turkey chili on the stove top?

To prepare spicy turkey chili on the stovetop, start by following the recipe as directed, but use a deep pot or Dutch oven to sauté the vegetables and turkey instead of a skillet. Once the turkey is browned, incorporate the remaining ingredients into the pot, stirring thoroughly to lift any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Allow it to cook for 1 to 2 hours, or up to 5 hours, checking on it every hour and adding broth as necessary. Unlike a slow cooker, liquid will evaporate while cooking on the stove, so it requires closer attention to prevent burning. (Remember, the slow cooker is the ideal choice for chili.) If you're short on time, you can omit the beef broth and simmer the chili until the sweet potato is tender, which should take about 30 minutes.

How can I store spicy turkey chili?

Turkey chili is well-known for its excellent storage capabilities. You can keep this chili in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for several months. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then place it in Ziploc bags or freezer-safe containers before storing it in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the refrigerator or quickly defrost it by submerging the container in water. Alternatively, you can cook the chili directly from frozen—simply transfer the mixture to a large pot and heat it gently until it is warmed through.

What should I serve with turkey chili?

One of the best aspects of enjoying chili is the variety of toppings you can choose from. Consider garnishing your bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced avocado, and crunchy corn chips. If you prefer a bit more spice, try adding shredded pepper Jack cheese and freshly sliced jalapeños. For a traditional accompaniment, serve the chili with crusty bread or a simple bowl of white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

For side dishes to enjoy alongside your chili, a Southwestern-inspired salad featuring black beans, corn, and romaine lettuce, along with a skillet cornbread, are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. If you want something more substantial, opt for lighter fare since the chili is already quite rich. Roasted cauliflower tacos are an excellent choice, and the variety of toppings will complement either option beautifully.

What other chili recipes should I try?

Craving some chili? We totally understand! This slow cooker spicy turkey chili is just the beginning of your spicy adventure. If you need more chili ideas, we’ve got plenty to share.

Chili enthusiasts might prefer a beef variant instead. While your slow cooker is still handy after preparing this dish, why not make a batch of our spicy slow cooker beef chili? Both recipes use canned chipotles in adobo to deliver that deep, smoky flavor. If you’re in the mood for a chili with two types of meat, check out our chili con carne featuring beef and chorizo.

For a vegetarian option, you can’t go wrong with a three-bean chili. Our recipe includes classic black beans and kidney beans, plus we add canned refried beans for a rich, creamy texture that keeps the chili from becoming too soupy.

Easy Slow Cooker Spicy Turkey Chili Recipe