Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe

The easiest way to use up leftover turkey meat is to make turkey chili! It’s flavor-packed with a ton of delicious spices and loaded with good-for-you veggies, like corn, edamame, carrots, and tomatoes.

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Leftover Turkey Chili

I got the most delicious chili recipe for you all today and it’s made with leftover turkey meat. Because it’s an annual struggle for us – what to do with all the leftover turkey meat? So I have no doubt you guys are in the same boat. Well, think no more.

This chili is super (duper) easy to make. Even though by the look of the ingredient list it may seem like it’s a lengthy recipe but honestly you’ll be dumping and stirring practically the entire time. 

Reasons To Love This Chili Recipe

Gosh, where do I even begin? This chili is simply delicious.

• It’s thick, perfectly spiced, and loaded with yummy veggies.
• It tastes even better the next day. So you can make a batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Or freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• You’ll need leftover turkey meat. I used a combination of breast and thigh meat but any type of cut will do.
• The great thing about this turkey meat chili is that it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to add a little more or less of something to suit your taste.

Turkey Meat Chili Q&A

Before we get to how to make the turkey chili, let’s answer some frequently asked questions! If you have a question that’s not included, let us know in the comments below.

Can turkey chili be frozen?

Yes, it can. Simply transfer cooled chili into freezer-safe containers (we love these for soups/chili) or freezer-safe bags and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop over medium heat.

What meat is best for chili?

I personally love to use a combination of white and dark turkey meat but use whatever leftover meat you have.

How to make chili more flavorful?

• There are a handful of ways to add more flavor to chili. Starting with spiciness. This chili is not spicy at all. So you can add cayenne pepper, red chili flakes, sriracha, diced chiles, or fresh jalapeño.
• To add smokiness, a teaspoon of smoked paprika is great or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
• Also feel free to add more veggies or swap out any veggies for what you have on hand, such as squash, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes.
• Lastly, fresh herbs. Cilantro is always delicious in chili but don’t stop there. Chopped Italian parsley or fresh oregano is great for adding flavor.

How to thicken chili?

Chili thickens itself. Simply simmer the chili partially covered so the steam can escape and the liquid can reduce. After the chili is done cooking, let it rest for 10 or so minutes before serving so it can settle and thicken. Chili tastes the best the next day.

Should you drain the beans?

Yes, you should drain the beans for this chili recipe. The extra starchy liquid surrounding the beans is usually full of sodium. Always drain the beans, unless a recipe specifically calls for using the liquid.

How to Make Turkey Chili with Leftover Turkey

Step 1: First you want to start by sautéing the veggies: onions, carrots, and garlic. Add in all the spices and let them cook for just a minute or two until the flavors blend.

Step 2: Stir in your turkey meat, tomatoes, stock, and simmer the mixture for good 30 minutes. It will slightly reduce. Make sure to leave the pot partially covered so the steam can escape.

Step 3: Finish the chili off by stirring in the beans, corn, and edamame. I think the corn and edamame are my two favorite additions. They brighten the chili and add another delicious layer of flavor.

Step 4: Discard the bay leaves and serve the chili with toppings of choice. I love to stick to basics, such as sour cream, avocado, green onions or cilantro, and cheese.

More Leftover Turkey Recipes

• Turkey Tortilla Soup – quick and easy soup recipe with all your favorite tex-mex flavors.
• Leftover Turkey in Creamy Mushroom Sauce from Natasha’s Kitchen – this would be delicious with Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes with Spinach.
• Easy Slow Cooker Stock – save your turkey carcass and swap it for the chicken to make this amazing easy stock!
• Leftover Turkey Harvest Cobb Salad from Skinnytaste – something I would make in a heartbeat.
• This creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup can easily be turkey tortilla soup by simply swapping out the shredded chicken meat for the turkey.
• Turkey Cuban Sandwich – delicious sandwich that packs well for lunch on the go!

Love chili recipes? Try Three Bean Turkey Chili, Lentil and Butternut Squash Chili, or Smoky Turkey Quinoa Chili.

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