There’s something so comforting about a pot of chili simmering all day, filling your home with those warm, spicy aromas. This Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe is one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something hearty, healthy, and so simple to throw together. It’s a game changer on busy days when you want dinner ready without the fuss.

Two white bowls filled with chili sit on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has a vibrant mix of red and dark red beans, orange kidney beans, chunks of browned meat, and orange bell peppers in a thick red tomato sauce. On top, there are layers of shredded white cheese, dollops of white sour cream, diced green avocado, and thin green sliced jalapeños with bright green cilantro leaves. A silver spoon is in the closer bowl. To the right, a white rectangular plate holds several pieces of golden cornbread with a crumbly texture, and a small white bowl with shredded cheese is placed to the left. 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

This easy slow cooker turkey chili recipe has earned a permanent spot in my weekly rotation, especially during colder months. The flavors deepen as it cooks low and slow, and it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that keep me feeling good without sacrificing taste.

Hands-off cooking: Just toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic—perfect for busy days or when you want to relax and come back to dinner ready.
Lean and healthy: Using lean ground turkey keeps it light but still deliciously satisfying, which I appreciate when aiming for healthier meals without blandness.
Flavorful yet versatile: With a mix of beans, peppers, and spices, this recipe bursts with complex flavors but leaves room for you to tweak it exactly how you like.
Feeds a crowd: It makes a generous amount, so it’s great for leftovers or serving family and friends without extra effort.

A white bowl filled with a thick chili soup, showing three main layers: the bottom layer is a rich red tomato-based broth, the middle layer has small chunks of cooked ground meat mixed with black beans, and the top layer shows diced red and yellow bell peppers and corn kernels scattered throughout. The texture looks hearty with visible pieces of ingredients floating evenly. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this slow cooker turkey chili come together to create the perfect balance of hearty, spicy, and fresh flavors. Each component is chosen to meld beautifully in the slow cooker, giving you rich, comforting chili every time.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a white ceramic plate with a mound of raw, pink lean ground turkey, a whole medium yellow onion with a few diced pieces beside it, one whole fresh red bell pepper sliced to show inside, one whole fresh yellow bell pepper chopped, a simple white bowl filled with smooth red tomato sauce, another white bowl with red petite diced tomatoes, two white bowls each containing glossy black beans and red kidney beans rinsed and drained, a white bowl holding sliced green jalapeño peppers, a small white bowl of bright yellow frozen corn kernels, small piles of deep red chili powder and light brown cumin powder, scattered fresh black peppercorns and coarse salt crystals in a tiny white dish, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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: Helps brown the turkey and add a subtle richness.
Ground turkey: Lean, high-protein base that keeps the chili light but filling.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor when cooked slowly.
Red and yellow peppers: Bring a natural sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
Tomato sauce & diced tomatoes: Create the savory, saucy base that holds all the flavors together.
Black beans and kidney beans: Provide texture, fiber, and protein; rinsed to reduce salt and caniness.
Jalapeno peppers: Adds just the right spicy kick without overpowering.
Frozen corn: Adds a pop of sweetness and texture balance.
Chili powder & cumin: Essential spices that build the classic chili flavor profile.
Salt and black pepper: To season and enhance all those 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

One of the things I love about this easy slow cooker turkey chili recipe is how flexible it is. Over time, I’ve experimented with little tweaks to suit my mood or what’s in my pantry, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.

Variation: Once, I swapped the turkey for lean ground chicken when I was fresh out, and it still turned out fantastic—just as tender and flavorful.
Spice adjustment: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the jalapenos or skip them altogether. For heat lovers, I’ve added a diced chipotle in adobo for a smoky punch that’s amazing.
Chunky or smooth: I sometimes blend half the tomato mixture before adding it to the slow cooker—that way you get a smoother chili with some nice chunks remaining.
Extra veggies: Feel free to toss in carrots or zucchini if you want to pack in more nutrition and texture variety.

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

Step 1: Brown the Turkey to Build Flavor

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until it's nicely browned. This step locks in flavor and texture — don’t rush it! Once browned, transfer the turkey to your slow cooker. If you skip this, you might lose some of the depth in the final dish, so take this step seriously.

Step 2: Add the Veggies and Beans

Next, toss in the diced onion, both red and yellow chopped peppers, rinsed black and kidney beans, and the jar of tamed jalapeno peppers. These add color, texture, and that subtle heat that balances the chili’s richness.

Step 3: Pour in Tomato Sauces and Corn

Pour in the tomato sauce and petite diced tomatoes, then add the cup of frozen corn right on top. The tomatoes provide a saucy base, while corn adds wonderful sweetness and bite.

Step 4: Spice it Up and Season Well

Sprinkle over chili powder and cumin, and then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine all those flavors. Taste the chili before cooking, you can always adjust the seasoning at the end.

Step 5: Let It Simmer Low and Slow

Cover and cook on High for about 4 hours or Low for 6 hours. The longer cooking time allows flavors to meld and the turkey to get extra tender. When you come back, you’ll be greeted with a delicious, comforting bowl of chili.

Top Tip

I’ve made this chili dozens of times, and a few small tips have really helped me get it just right every time. Here are some nuggets I’ve picked up along the way.

Don’t skip browning the turkey: It adds a lot of flavor and texture you won’t get by just dumping raw meat in the slow cooker.
Rinse canned beans: This cuts down on the “canned” taste and helps control salt in the dish.
Season gradually: Add some salt initially, but taste near the end to add more if needed—it’s easier to add than fix over-salting.
Use jarred tamed jalapenos: They lend spice without being overwhelming or too fiery, perfect for family meals.

How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

slow cooker turkey chili - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for toppings! I usually go with sliced green onions and a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese—adds creaminess and a fresh bite. Avocado slices bring a lovely buttery texture, and either sour cream or Greek yogurt gives a cool tang that balances the spice beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve this chili with warm cornbread or tortilla chips to soak up every spoonful. A crisp green salad or simple steamed rice are lovely sides too—they help round out the meal without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this chili buffet-style with all the toppings laid out so everyone can build their perfect bowl. Or stuff it into baked sweet potatoes for a fun twist that’s both hearty and visually appealing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The chili actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have melded even more, making it a perfect next-day lunch or easy dinner.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the chili gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine too—just cover and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great alternative and will produce a similar flavor and texture. Just make sure it’s lean to keep the chili healthy.

How spicy is this chili?

This chili has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the tamed jalapeno peppers. You can adjust the spice by adding fewer peppers or swapping for a hotter variety if you like it spicier.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Then just dump everything into the slow cooker the next day. Leftovers freeze well too, so it’s perfect for meal planning.

What’s the best way to thicken the chili if it’s too watery?

If your chili is a bit thin, uncover the slow cooker and cook on high for another 30 minutes to let some liquid evaporate. Alternatively, stirring in a tablespoon of masa harina or cornstarch mixed with water at the end helps thicken it up nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe has been a real lifesaver for me on hectic days when I want something nourishing and delicious without standing over the stove for hours. I hope you find it just as comforting and versatile as I do. Invite some friends, load up your slow cooker, and enjoy a bowl of warmth that feels like a cozy hug from the inside.