If you have turkey leftover from a recent feast and are wondering how to transform it into something cozy, hearty, and packed with flavor, look no further than this Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe. It’s a vibrant, satisfying dish that brings together tender turkey, smoky spices, and a medley of beans and vegetables to create a perfect bowl of comfort. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or feeding a crowd with minimal fuss, this chili is a delicious way to breathe new life into your turkey.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to this chili’s success. Each element plays an important role, from adding depth and smokiness to offering texture and brightness that make every bite sing.
- Olive oil: A splash to sauté the aromatics and add a mellow fruitiness.
- Medium onion (chopped): Provides sweetness and a hearty base flavor.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the chili with pungent warmth and complexity.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (28 oz can with juices): Adds smoky, tangy tomato goodness that forms the chili’s rich sauce.
- Diced green chilies (4 oz can with juices): Offers a gentle, zesty kick without overpowering heat.
- Black beans (14 oz can, drained): Contributes creamy texture and an earthy note.
- Red or white kidney beans (14 oz can, drained): Brings plumpness and bite for satisfying contrast.
- Green bell pepper (half, chopped): Adds a fresh, crunchy brightness and color.
- Cooked turkey meat (2 cups, shredded or cut up): The star ingredient, offering lean protein and a tender, meaty flavor.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Enhances moisture, helping blend flavors beautifully.
- Chili powder (2 tablespoons): A cornerstone spice that delivers warmth and a classic chili taste.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the smoky depth of the dish subtly and elegantly.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Imparts earthy notes and a touch of complexity.
- Italian seasoning (2 dashes): Adds herbal undertones that round out the flavor profile.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing every savory bite.
- Optional garnishes: Sour cream, fresh cilantro, and Tex-Mex cheese blend are perfect finishing touches.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Start by heating your olive oil over medium-high heat in a large soup pot. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns lightly browned and translucent. This step unlocks the natural sweetness and creates a fantastic base for your chili. Add the minced garlic towards the end of this step so it softens without burning, releasing that irresistible aroma that sets the stage for what’s coming.
Step 2: Prepare the Remaining Ingredients
While the onions and garlic are cooking, take a moment to chop your green bell pepper and shred or cut up the cooked turkey. Having everything ready will help the next steps flow smoothly so you can assemble the chili quickly and effortlessly.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Add in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, the diced green chilies, black beans, kidney beans, chopped green bell pepper, shredded turkey, chicken broth, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together, then bring the pot up to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. This simmering phase is crucial because it melds all the flavors beautifully while allowing the chili to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Season and Serve
After the chili has simmered, taste it carefully and add salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors. Give a final stir, then ladle the chili into bowls and get ready for the best part: the garnishes!
How to Serve Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings are where you can have a little fun with textures and flavors. A dollop of cool sour cream offsets the warmth of the chili beautifully. Fresh cilantro adds a bright herbal note that livens up each bite. And for cheese lovers, a sprinkle of Tex-Mex blend melts enticingly over the hot chili, making each spoonful creamy and indulgent.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm cornbread, which soaks up every drop of the sauce. Crunchy tortilla chips are perfect for dipping and add a delightful contrast in texture. A crisp green salad brings a refreshing element to balance the meal, too.
Creative Ways to Present
To jazz things up at a casual dinner or game day gathering, serve your Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe in mini bread bowls or over a bed of fluffy rice. You can also use it as a filling for stuffed baked potatoes or spread it inside warm tortillas for hearty chili wraps. The possibilities are endless and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover turkey chili keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to deepen as it sits, making it a fantastic next-day meal that’s even better reheated.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully, making it a great candidate for meal prep. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, label them, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chili gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until hot, adding a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick. Either way, it’s quick and keeps the chili tasting fresh and comforting.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey in this chili?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works just as well and will still deliver plenty of protein and flavor. Just use the same amount and you’re good to go.
How spicy is this Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe?
This recipe leans towards mild to medium spice, thanks to the green chilies and chili powder. If you like more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
You can omit the turkey and increase the beans or add vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms to keep the chili hearty and satisfying while making it vegetarian-friendly.
What’s the best way to shred leftover turkey?
Using two forks is a simple and effective way to shred cooked turkey. Alternatively, you can chop it finely if you prefer bite-sized chunks in your chili.
Is this chili good for meal prepping?
Yes! The robust flavors actually improve after a day or two in the fridge, making it perfect for batch cooking and enjoying multiple meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe is a warm hug of a meal that transforms simple ingredients, including your turkey leftovers, into a bowl full of flavor and comfort. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes and pantry staples. So next time you have turkey on hand, dive into this recipe and enjoy a delicious new way to celebrate those leftovers with friends and family!
Print
Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and flavorful chili recipe that repurposes leftover turkey into a delicious, comforting meal. This turkey chili combines fire-roasted tomatoes, beans, and a mix of spices for a satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 fluid ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 (4 fluid ounce) can diced green chilies with juices
- 1 (14 fluid ounce) can black beans, drained
- 1 (14 fluid ounce) can red or white kidney beans, drained
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups cooked turkey meat, shredded or cut up
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 dashes Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Sour cream
- Cilantro
- Tex-Mex cheese blend
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion is lightly browned and softened, releasing its natural sweetness.
- Prepare Ingredients: While the onions sauté, mince the garlic, chop the bell pepper, and shred or cut up the cooked turkey meat to have all ingredients ready for the pot.
- Add Ingredients and Simmer: Add the minced garlic, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices, diced green chilies with juices, black beans, kidney beans, chopped green bell pepper, shredded turkey, chicken broth, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and Italian seasoning into the pot. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Season and Serve: After simmering, taste the chili and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the chili hot, topping with your choice of garnishes such as sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a Tex-Mex cheese blend for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- Leftover cooked turkey can be from any part of the bird, shredded or chopped finely works best.
- For a spicier chili, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Can be made a day ahead; flavors improve when allowed to rest overnight.
- Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure that the chicken broth and spices are certified gluten-free.
