This is the best slow cooker turkey chili recipe ever! It’s super flavorful but not too spicy, and it’s filling, healthy, quick, and easy to make. The Crockpot lets it simmer for a rich flavor with no hovering over the stovetop. Perfect for fall, tailgating, and parties.

What makes this Slow Cooker Turkey Chili so good?
- This is a great dump and go chili recipe! There’s very little prep time needed and no stirring at the stovetop!
- The chili is cooked long and slow for a deep and rich flavor.
- It’s perfect for batch cooking and meal prep throughout the week.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Chili – Step by Step
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add turkey and brown, breaking up with a spoon or spatula. Add to slow cooker.
- Return pot to stove and heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, pepper, celery, and jalapeño, chili powder, and cumin; sauté 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute or until well combined. Scrape mixture into slow cooker.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken stock; stir. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours.
- Add drained beans; stir. Cook uncovered 1 hour on low heat. Ladle into serving bowls and top with desired garnishes.

To make this slow cooker turkey chili in an Instant Pot:
If you prefer to make this slow cooker turkey chili in the Instant Pot, simply sauté the turkey, as well as the onion-pepper mixture in the Instant Pot on sauté mode. Place turkey in a bowl or on a plate after cooking then return to Instant Pot after cooking onion-pepper mixture.
Use less chicken stock; either skip it completely or only use 1/2 cup. Cook the mixture (without beans) on High Pressure for 10 minutes then let naturally release at least 5-10 minutes. Stir in beans and heat through.
What toppings go on turkey chili?
Let’s be honest, what really makes a chili bowl great is all of the toppings! Add all of your usual favorites:
- shredded cheese
- jalapenos
- sour cream
- avocado
- green onions
- fresh cilantro

What do you do with leftover turkey chili?
This recipe makes enough tasty chili for six generous and hearty servings. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge where it will keep for around 4 days.
The chili can also be frozen – let it cool to room temperature and place in a container or freezer bag. Defrost in the fridge before heating through.
Or! Cook a sweet potato or Russett potato and pour the chili over. Delish.
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is perfect for meal prep!
Because the chili keeps so well, it’s perfect for batch cooking and meal prepping. It’s great to grab for easy midweek lunches, just heat it up quickly in the microwave. After a day or so, the flavors get stronger too!

Top Tips for Making Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
- You can keep the chili cooking on a low heat for up to 6-8 hours.
- If you can’t wait for your chili, you can cook it on high for 2 hours.
- You can add the beans in at the last minute if you prefer. Simply stir them in after 4 hours on low heat and let them heat through.
Be sure to check out these other slow cooker recipes!
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
- 3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken
- Crockpot Chicken Tacos
- Crockpot Vegan Mashed Potatoes (Whole30)
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Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil or other neutral oil
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 large red bell pepper cored, deveined, and chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 jalapeno pepper cored, deveined, and finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (24 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans light or dark, drained
- salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped yellow onions
- Diced avocado
- Fresh or pickled jalapeño slices
- Sour cream or yogurt
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add turkey and brown, breaking up with a spoon or spatula. Add to slow cooker.
- Return pot to stove and heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, pepper, celery, and jalapeño, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves; sauté 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute or until well combined. Scrape mixture into slow cooker.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken stock; stir. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours.
- Add drained beans; stir. Cook uncovered 1 hour on low heat. Ladle into serving bowls and top with desired garnishes.
Heather says
*if* the weather ever cools off here in Texas, I am going to be sure to make this! It looks so filling, so full of flavor that I am already drooling!
Kari - Get Inspired Everyday! says
This look so comforting and perfect for fall, plus I just found my slow cooker in the moving boxes so I’m all ready to make something cozy!
jennifer says
Definitely putting this on my slow cooker “must make” list — what a perfect dish for busy, cool weather days
Hope Pearce says
This looks so hearty and comforting! Can’t wait to make a big batch, I bet it makes great leftovers!
STACEY CRAWFORD says
Such a glorious bowl of chili! I love to make chili in the IP. It makes it so easy and quick. So meaty & comforting 🙂
Carol Little R.H. @studiobotanica says
Great recipe! I love making turkey chili in my IP. Will try your version next time I am making.
Thank you! YUM!
Jean Choi says
I’m ALL about chili these days and I can’t wait to try this one! Looks so comforting and delicious.
Raia Todd says
I love a good chili! Any time of year. It’s total comfort food.
paleoglutenfreeguy says
Perfect comfort food! And making this in the slow cooker is such a great way to not be tied to your stove.
Zuzana says
I have used my Instant Pot for the recipe and I have to say. The best ever
Megan Stevens says
Such beautiful food styling! What a delicious bowl of stew.
ChihYu says
So delicious, savory and comforting! Love that it’s easy to make!!