What can I use if I don’t have leftover turkey for turkey chili?

If you don’t have leftover turkey, cooked shredded chicken or ground turkey are good substitutes. Both options work well and keep the chili flavorful. Simply cook and shred or brown the meat before adding it to the chili. This maintains the texture and taste similar to using leftover turkey.

Can I freeze leftover turkey chili, and how long will it last?

Yes, leftover turkey chili freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

What beans work best in a turkey chili recipe?

Kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans are all great choices for turkey chili. You can swap beans based on your preference or what you have on hand. Each type adds fiber and protein, contributing to the chili’s hearty texture and flavor.

How can I add more spice to my turkey chili without overpowering the other flavors?

To add mild heat, try red pepper flakes or a small amount of cayenne pepper. For more noticeable spice, add finely chopped jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Add gradually and taste as you go to balance the chili’s flavor without overwhelming it.

Is turkey chili a healthier option compared to traditional beef chili?

Turkey chili can be a healthier alternative because turkey is generally lower in saturated fat than beef. Including beans in the recipe also boosts fiber and protein content, making the dish more filling. However, the overall healthiness depends on the recipe ingredients and portion size.

Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe That’s Easy and Filling

Name: leftover turkey chili
Prep time: PT-973346H26M20S
Cook time: PT-486673H13M10S
Total time: PT-486673H13M10S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 to 4 cups shredded cooked turkey meat (approximately 1 pound); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or 3 tablespoons butter); 2 cups chopped onion (or 1 large red onion, about 180 grams, diced); 1 cup chopped green bell pepper (or 1 red bell pepper, about 155 grams, diced); 3 to 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced; 2 to 4 tablespoons chili powder (a mix including ancho chili powder is recommended); 1 tablespoon ground cumin (or 2 teaspoons); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ to 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor); ½ to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust spice level); 1 tablespoon tomato paste (or ¼ cup); 3 cans (15oz each) crushed tomatoes or 28 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 to 1.5 cups turkey, chicken, or beef stock (beef stock preferred for richer flavor); 2 cans (14 to 15 oz each) kidney, black, or mixed beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (4 oz) can fire-roasted chilies (optional); 1 to 3 teaspoons sugar (optional, to balance acidity); Salt to taste (approximately 1 tablespoon sea salt); ½ teaspoon black pepper

Description

🦃 Leftover Turkey Chili transforms holiday turkey into a hearty, flavorful meal packed with protein and comforting spices.
🍲 This recipe is perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, and enjoying rich, robust chili flavors with customizable heat and ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

3 to 4 cups shredded cooked turkey meat (approximately 1 pound)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or 3 tablespoons butter)

2 cups chopped onion (or 1 large red onion, about 180 grams, diced)

1 cup chopped green bell pepper (or 1 red bell pepper, about 155 grams, diced)

3 to 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced

2 to 4 tablespoons chili powder (a mix including ancho chili powder is recommended)

1 tablespoon ground cumin (or 2 teaspoons)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ to 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)

½ to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust spice level)

1 tablespoon tomato paste (or ¼ cup)

3 cans (15oz each) crushed tomatoes or 28 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained

1 to 1.5 cups turkey, chicken, or beef stock (beef stock preferred for richer flavor)

2 cans (14 to 15 oz each) kidney, black, or mixed beans, drained and rinsed

1 (4 oz) can fire-roasted chilies (optional)

1 to 3 teaspoons sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Salt to taste (approximately 1 tablespoon sea salt)

½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Heat fat: Warm olive oil, vegetable oil, or butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.

Sauté vegetables: Add chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened and golden, about 5 minutes.

Add aromatics & spices: Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.

Mix in tomato base: Add crushed or fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and stock. Stir to combine.

Include beans and chilies: Add drained beans and fire-roasted chilies if desired. Stir well.

Add turkey: Incorporate shredded turkey, stirring evenly.

Simmer: Bring chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover and cook for 30 to 60 minutes to meld flavors and thicken the chili slightly.

Season to taste: Adjust salt, sugar, or spices as needed based on flavor preference.

Serve: Serve hot, garnished with cheese, sour cream, onions, corn chips, or avocado as desired.

Notes

🔥 Adjust cayenne and chili powder to control heat level for your taste preference.
🥫 Use a variety of beans like kidney, black, or pinto for texture and flavor diversity.
💧 To thicken chili, puree some beans with liquid or add a cornstarch slurry before simmering.

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Simmering Time: 30-60 minutes
Cook Time: 30-60 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 375-430 kcal
Sugar: 7-15 g
Sodium: 946-1600 mg
Fat: 13-14 g
Saturated Fat: Varies
Unsaturated Fat: N/A
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 41-45 g
Fiber: 10-11 g
Protein: 21-36 g
Cholesterol: 48-83 mg

Keywords: Leftover Turkey Chili, Turkey Chili Recipe, Hearty Chili, Thanksgiving Leftovers