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Cozy Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Chili

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This Cozy Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Chili is the ultimate hands-off meal, perfect for using up post-holiday turkey. It’s rich, smoky, and deeply comforting, with tender turkey and hearty beans in a flavorful broth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups leftover cooked turkey, shredded or diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Two 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes, undrained
  • One 8-ounce can tomato sauce
  • One 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • One 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Prep your turkey: Shred or dice leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  2. Toast the spices: In a slow cooker insert (if stovetop-safe) or a small skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once shimmering, add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes until onion softens and becomes translucent. If using the slow cooker insert on the stovetop, transfer it back to the base now.
  4. Layer in wet ingredients: Add diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Add beans and turkey: Gently fold in kidney beans, black beans, and shredded turkey. Stir until evenly distributed.
  6. Season and set: Add a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir once more. Cover the slow cooker.
  7. Cook low and slow: Set slow cooker to LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
  8. Check and adjust: About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. If too thick, add a splash of broth; if too thin, leave lid off for last 30 minutes.
  9. Serve: Ladle into bowls and let everyone customize with desired toppings.

Notes

Toasting the spices is a game-changer—don’t skip it. Rinse beans thoroughly to remove excess starch and sodium. Let chili rest for 15-20 minutes before serving for best flavor. This chili tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, leftover turkey chili, turkey chili, easy chili, cozy chili, post-holiday recipe

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/cozy-slow-cooker-leftover-turkey-chili-recipe/