There’s something truly comforting about a big, bubbling pot of chili simmering away all day — and this Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe captures that cozy feeling perfectly. Packed with lean turkey, colorful veggies, and a blend of warming spices, it’s a recipe that’s as simple as it is satisfying.

Two white bowls of chili are shown on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has three main layers: a base layer of chili with red kidney beans, ground meat, corn, and diced tomatoes, followed by a layer of shredded white cheese partly melted, and topped with diced green avocado chunks, sliced green jalapeños, small green cilantro leaves, and a dollop of white sour cream. One bowl has a silver spoon inside it. To the right, a white plate holds several square pieces of golden yellow cornbread with a crumbly texture. A small white bowl with shredded cheese is placed near the bottom left corner. The scene also shows small crumbs scattered on the marble surface and a white cloth partly visible in the lower right corner. 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 special place in my weeknight dinner rotation because it’s effortless, healthy, and endlessly adaptable. I love coming home to the aroma of chili ready to serve, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Super Simple: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and forget it — perfect for busy days or meal prep.
Healthy & Lean: Using 99% lean ground turkey keeps it light without sacrificing hearty, meaty goodness.
Flavor-Packed: Spices like chili powder and cumin create that classic chili depth, while jalapeños add a gentle kick.
Feeds a Crowd: This recipe makes plenty of servings, ideal for families or for lunches throughout the week.

A white bowl filled with thick soup showing several layers of orange-red broth mixed with small chunks of light brown cooked meat, black beans, yellow corn kernels, and diced red and orange bell peppers, all floating evenly on the surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. The soup’s texture looks hearty with small bits spread widely across the broth, giving it a colorful and dense appearance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients in this Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe combine to create a perfect balance of textures and flavors — from creamy beans to sweet peppers and savory turkey. Let me break down why each one is a winner in the slow cooker.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a mound of raw lean ground turkey, a medium diced white onion, one chopped red bell pepper, one chopped yellow bell pepper, a simple white bowl filled with bright red tomato sauce, a small white bowl of petite diced fresh tomatoes, a small white bowl of glossy black beans, a small white bowl of shiny red kidney beans, a few sliced fresh green jalapeño peppers arranged neatly on a white plate, a small white bowl of bright yellow frozen corn kernels, a small white bowl of deep red chili powder, a small white bowl of golden brown cumin powder, a few whole white eggs with smooth clean shells, scattered black peppercorns and coarse salt crystals on the surface, 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 for richer flavor before it hits the slow cooker.
Ground turkey: Lean and protein-packed, it keeps chili filling, light, and less greasy than beef.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; sautéing first softens it up nicely.
Red and yellow peppers: Bring a pop of color and natural sweetness that balances the spices.
Tomato sauce: Creates the hearty base of the chili, infusing moisture and tang.
Petite diced tomatoes: Offer a bit of texture and freshness to the sauce.
Black beans and kidney beans: Provide creaminess and fiber, plus that classic chili feel.
Tamed jalapeño peppers: Add gentle heat without overwhelming, great if you want a mild kick.
Frozen corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture contrast.
Chili powder & cumin: Essential spices that bring warmth and that unmistakable chili flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste — don’t be afraid to taste and adjust!

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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

What I love most about this Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe is how flexible it is. Over time, I’ve tweaked it to suit my tastes and what’s in my pantry — and you can totally do the same.

Variation: I sometimes swap ground turkey for ground chicken when I want a slightly milder flavor; it’s just as tasty and cooks the same way in the slow cooker.
Spice Level: Prefer it spicier? Add some chipotle in adobo or diced fresh jalapeños instead of tamed peppers for a bolder kick.
Veggie Boost: Throw in a handful of chopped zucchini or carrots if you want extra veggies sneaking in—slow cooking softens them perfectly.
Bean-Free: If beans aren’t your thing, just double up the veggies or add some cooked quinoa for texture.

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

Step 1: Brown the turkey for flavor

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Adding the turkey to the hot oil, break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink — this step builds the base of flavor that makes the chili so rich. Don’t skip it even though it’s tempting to toss everything raw into the slow cooker!

Step 2: Load up the slow cooker

Once the turkey is browned, transfer it to your slow cooker. Then add diced onion, red and yellow peppers, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, drained black and kidney beans, jalapeños, frozen corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir so the spices and ingredients mix evenly.

Step 3: Set it and forget it

Cover your slow cooker and cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 6 hours—whatever fits your schedule. The long, slow cooking helps all the flavors meld together and tenderizes the turkey perfectly. When you’re done, give it a final taste and adjust salt or spice as needed.

Top Tip

After making this Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really amp up the flavor and texture without extra hassle. These tips have saved me from common pitfalls and helped me get the best chili every time.

Don’t skip browning the turkey: It might feel like an extra step, but it adds a deeper, caramelly flavor that’s worth the few extra minutes.
Drain and rinse canned beans: This cuts down on sodium and removes canning liquid that can sometimes make chili watery or bitter.
Adjust seasoning at the end: Slow cooking can mellow spices, so always taste before serving and tweak salt and heat levels if needed.
Use the right slow cooker size: I find a 6-quart slow cooker perfect so there’s space for stirring and the chili doesn’t dry out.

How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

slow cooker turkey chili - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My go-to toppings are simple but lift the chili to something special: a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, sliced green onions for crunch, and cubes of ripe avocado to mellow out the heat. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have!

Side Dishes

I love pairing this chili with warm cornbread or simple tortilla chips for dipping. A crisp green salad or steamed rice is also fantastic if you want to round out the meal with some fresh or comforting sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at gatherings, I’ve served this chili over baked potatoes or even as a chili bar with various toppings and corn chips laid out so everyone can customize their bowls. It always feels festive and inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chili keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually divide it into single or double portions right away so I can grab leftovers for lunches or quick dinners without fuss.

Freezing

It also freezes well! I like to portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, label them with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it looks a bit thick, adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen up the chili without watering down the flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this chili without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can make this recipe on the stovetop by browning the turkey, adding all ingredients into a large pot, and simmering gently for about an hour, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld. Just keep an eye on the liquid to prevent sticking.

Is ground turkey better than ground beef for chili?

Ground turkey is leaner and lower in fat than ground beef, making it a healthier option. It still provides great protein and pairs wonderfully with chili spices. If you prefer beef, you can swap it 1:1, but you may want to drain excess fat after browning.

How can I adjust the spice level?

For milder chili, use tamed jalapeño peppers as in the recipe and reduce chili powder slightly. For extra heat, add fresh diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Remember to taste as you go!

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this chili freezes beautifully! Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, label them, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe feels like a warm hug on cold days and an easy, nourishing meal on busy nights. It’s one of those recipes I wholeheartedly recommend to my friends because it’s reliable, delicious, and forgiving — plus, the leftovers are just as good the next day. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!