This Leftover Turkey Chili is a great way to use up what you have on hand from Thanksgiving. This dish is healthy, loaded with vegetables, and freezer friendly, too!
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FOR THE FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE SEE THE RECIPE CARD AT THE END OF THIS POST. BEFORE YOU SCROLL, THERE’S IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG POST.
If you have leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, no need to throw it out! There’s also no need to make turkey sandwiches everyday either.
If you used my Cajun Turkey recipe then you are really in for a treat because you are starting with turkey that is loaded with flavor!
How to Make Turkey Chili
- Place a Dutch oven or soup pot on medium-high heat. Add olive oil, onions, and peppers. Saute until translucent and fragrant.
- Add in garlic and stir.
- Add in broth, cooked turkey, beans, chili seasoning, beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir.
- Simmer.
How to Thicken
The best way to get thick chili is to not go overboard with liquids. I only use 1 cup of broth in this recipe. The remaining liquid comes from the diced chilis and tomatoes and the tomato sauce, which will thicken as the chili simmers.
What Type of Beans to Use
You can use whatever you like. Just about anything will pair nicely. I like to use red kidney beans and black beans. You can also use chili beans or any legumes. Be sure to drain your beans first if used canned.
How to Make it Spicy
I’m a huge fan of spicy chili so I add a tablespoon of red cayenne pepper. If you want it to be slightly spicy, use a teaspoon and build from there if you wish.
If you don’t want it spicy omit the cayenne pepper completely. You may also need to test out the chili powder you use as well, if you are extremely sensitive to spice. Sometimes, people report chili powder as spicy, but it should not be.
Do You Need to Use a Slow Cooker?
No, your turkey is already fully cooked. You can slow cook if you wish, but not necessary. You need a large pot or Dutch oven.
What to Serve and Pair With the Chili
Keto Low Carb Cornbread
Air Fryer Cornbread
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
Southern Classic Homemade Cornbread
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Topping Ideas
- Shredded Cheese
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Jalapenos
- Cooked and Crumbled Bacon
- Sliced Avocado
How Long Will it Last in the Fridge
How long is it good for? If you are using leftover turkey from the holiday, turkey lasts up to 4 days in the fridge. You can make an argument that reheating and cooking it again can extend the life, but not certain. If you don’t plan to eat the chili within that window, it works great for freezing and is safe to do.
Freezer Tips
I love to freeze it using these freezer soup molds from Amazon. It will freeze for up to several months. I like to defrost it overnight in the fridge and then reheat.
More Chili Recipes
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Keto Low Carb Chili
Instant Pot Beef Chili
Pumpkin Chicken Chili
Sweet Potato Chili
More Leftover Turkey Recipes
Leftover Turkey Nachos
Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup
Turkey Bone Broth
Leftover Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped red pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
- 2 garlic cloves Minced
- 1 cup broth Turkey, chicken, or vegetable.
- 4 cups cooked turkey meat
- 1 16 oz can kidney beans drained
- 1 16 oz can black beans drained
- 1 16 oz can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
Spices
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano Dried or ground.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper Optional, 1 tablespoon for spicy.
Instructions
- Place a Dutch oven or soup pot on medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, onions, and peppers. Saute for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Add in the garlic and stir.
- Add in all of the remaining ingredients and stir. Lower the heat to medium-low and cover.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the soup is warm and the turkey is tender.
Marisol McNash
Monday 28th of December 2020
My husband walked in the kitchen and said: Whatever you’re cooking is making my mouth water.
It was just us two for thanksgiving but my husband insisted on a traditional roasted turkey. We had a socially distanced dinner so I had to freeze a bunch of turkey. This was the perfect recipe to use the last of it.
Second Staysnatched recipe. Bomb!
staysnatched
Tuesday 29th of December 2020
I love that idea! I'm glad you both enjoyed it.
Lisa
Sunday 27th of December 2020
Made this chili tonight with leftovers from Christmas (we opted for thanksgiving part 2) and it was delicious and super easy!
staysnatched
Tuesday 29th of December 2020
Yay! So glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Krazy Kapricorn
Friday 25th of December 2020
Made this chili today for Christmas dinner & it was a hit! I made a double batch for 5 people. By the time they left, it was all gone! Thank you for another great & simple recipe!
staysnatched
Tuesday 29th of December 2020
You're welcome! I love disappearing food!
Amanda
Monday 30th of November 2020
Made this after thanksgiving dinner -DELICIOUS!!! This is my first Stay Snatched recipe but it definitely won’t be the last! Excited to try out more!!
staysnatched
Tuesday 1st of December 2020
I can't wait for you to try more recipes!
Rachel
Sunday 29th of November 2020
So, so good!
staysnatched
Sunday 29th of November 2020
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!