This leftover turkey chili recipe is a healthy and hearty way to use up leftover turkey (or chicken) meat! Put those Thanksgiving leftovers to good use with this delicious and easy recipe.
I like this recipe because it's quick, and you basically just add the ingredients to the pot and let it cook for 15 minutes. No thinking needed after the big Thanksgiving feast that probably sapped all your energy. 😉
This chili has plenty of veggies and beans, so as well as keeping tummies full, it's good and nourishing. It's great to take to work to warm you up at the office once the post-Thanksgiving blues have set in.
I have a number of turkey chili recipes on here (using ground turkey meat), including my Turkey Pumpkin Chili, this Instant Pot Turkey Chili, my Turkey White Bean Chili, and this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili. I figured it was time to make one that uses up turkey leftovers! You could instead use leftover cooked chicken or even a rotisserie chicken.
Turkey chili topping ideas
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Tortilla strips or crushed up chips
- Chopped cilantro
- Scallions
- Tex-Mex cheese blend
- Avocado
What to serve with this turkey chili?
Try cornbread, the suggested toppings, rice, or just enjoy it by itself.
I figure it's important to have a selection of recipes on here that help my American readers get some variety in their diets besides turkey sandwiches for the next 3 weeks haha. So...
More leftover turkey recipes you may like:
- Easy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
- Easy Creamy Leftover Turkey Pasta Recipe
- Thai Turkey Soup
- Quick and Easy Turkey Noodle Soup
- Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Questions? Ask me in the comments below. 🙂
Made one of my recipes? Don't forget to tag me #saltandlavender on Instagram.
Leftover Turkey Chili
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 (or more) cooked turkey meat shredded/cut up
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 dashes Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Garnish (optional): sour cream, cilantro, Tex-Mex cheese blend, etc.
Instructions
- Add the olive oil and onion to a soup pot over medium-high heat. Sauté for 5-7 minutes or until the onion is lightly browned.
- Meanwhile, prep your other ingredients.
- Add all the other ingredients to the pot except for salt & pepper. Increase the heat to high, and once it's boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add salt & pepper as needed, dish it up, and top with your desired toppings.
Notes
- Want some kick? Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- If you want more liquid, feel free to add more chicken broth (especially when reheating).
- Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
Nutrition
Catherine says
Just made this with leftover Thanksgiving turkey we smoked on the egg, and it was a hit! Great use of leftovers.
Natasha says
So pleased you enjoyed it!!
Victoria says
This was great! I added a poblano pepper and 2 stalks of celery just to use them in fridge and omitted the canned green chilies.
Natasha says
Glad you enjoyed it! Love the poblano idea.
lisa Roberge says
What is the topping in picture that looks like a carrot?
Natasha says
I think it's either the cheddar cheese or diced tomatoes.
Jen says
This was very good! I served it with cornbread and it was the perfect compliment! Can you give me the nutritional information please? Thank you!
Natasha says
Hi Jen!! So pleased you liked it. I was able to add the nutrition info for you. Keep in mind it's just an estimate and ingredients vary, and it doesn't include any toppings of course since it's so subjective.
Aly Foster says
Had enough leftover turkey for two family meals...
Made Thai turkey soup night one, and this chili on night two.
Both were delicious and whole family enjoyed!
Natasha says
So glad to hear it! 🙂
Debbie says
Can you please tell me if 1 serving is 1/2c or1c. We are diabetic and have to count every carb. So we need to know the amount of each serving. Thank You.
Natasha says
Hi Debbie! I wish I could be more helpful but I just guesstimate on the servings. I don’t want to tell you something that will unintentionally mislead you.
Mary says
Very good! The longer it simmers, the better it is. I’m going to let mine simmer at least 2 hours.
Natasha says
Agreed!! So glad you enjoy this recipe, Mary.
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Perfect for all that leftover turkey that’ll be coming my way in a few days! Looks soooooo good!
Natasha says
Thanks so much, friend!!