This Leftover Turkey Chili recipe is perfect for when the holiday feasts come to an end and we find ourselves with an abundance of leftover turkey. Transform those holiday remnants into something exciting and delicious. Whether you're looking to repurpose your Thanksgiving or Christmas meal, or you simply want to enjoy a warm and satisfying meal on a chilly evening, this is a comforting dish that brings new life to your leftovers.
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If you have leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, no need to throw it out! There’s also no need to make turkey sandwiches every day either.
If you used my Cajun Turkey recipe then you are really in for a treat because you are starting with turkey that is loaded with flavor!
How to Make Leftover Turkey Chili
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Place a Dutch oven or soup pot on medium-high heat. Add olive oil, onions, and peppers. Saute until translucent and fragrant.
- Add in garlic and stir.
- Add in broth, cooked turkey, beans, chili seasoning, beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir.
- Simmer.
How to Thicken
The best way to get thick chili is to not go overboard with liquids. I only use 1 cup of broth in this recipe. The remaining liquid comes from the diced chilis and tomatoes and the tomato sauce, which will thicken as the chili simmers.
What Type of Beans to Use
You can use whatever you like. Just about anything will pair nicely. I like to use red kidney beans and black beans. You can also use chili beans or any legumes. Be sure to drain your beans first if used canned.
How to Make it Spicy
I'm a huge fan of spicy chili so I add a tablespoon of red cayenne pepper. If you want it to be slightly spicy, use a teaspoon and build from there if you wish.
If you don't want it spicy omit the cayenne pepper completely. You may also need to test out the chili powder you use as well, if you are extremely sensitive to spice. Sometimes, people report chili powder as spicy, but it should not be.
Do You Need to Use a Slow Cooker?
No, your turkey is already fully cooked. You can slow cook if you wish, but not necessary. You need a large pot or Dutch oven.
What to Serve and Pair With the Chili
Keto Low Carb Cornbread
Air Fryer Cornbread
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
Southern Classic Homemade Cornbread
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Topping Ideas
- Shredded Cheese
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Jalapenos
- Cooked and Crumbled Bacon
- Sliced Avocado
How Long Will it Last in the Fridge
How long is it good for? If you are using leftover turkey from the holiday, turkey lasts up to 4 days in the fridge. You can make an argument that reheating and cooking it again can extend the life, but not certain. If you don't plan to eat the chili within that window, it works great for freezing and is safe to do.
Freezer Tips
I love to freeze it using these freezer soup molds from Amazon. It will freeze for up to several months. I like to defrost it overnight in the fridge and then reheat.
More Chili Recipes
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Keto Low Carb Chili
Instant Pot Beef Chili
Pumpkin Chicken Chili
Sweet Potato Chili
Creamy Seafood Chili
Buffalo Chicken Chili
Chili Cheese Fries
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chili Mac
Butternut Squash Chili
More Leftover Recipes
Leftover Turkey Nachos
Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup
Turkey Bone Broth
Leftover Ham and Cheese Panini
Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce
Turkey and Cheese Sliders
More Turkey Recipes
Smothered Turkey Wings
Baked Turkey Wings
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Breast
Cajun Spiced Roasted Turkey
Leftover Turkey Nachos
Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Turkey Bone Broth Recipe
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Stuffed Turkey Legs
Slow Cooker Turkey Legs
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Check out The Best Healthy Chili Recipes here.
Check out my Homemade Chili Seasoning, Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken and Rice and How to Make a Charcuterie Cheese Board here.
Leftover Turkey Chili
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Ingredients
Spices
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano Dried or ground.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper Optional, 1 tablespoon for spicy.
Instructions
- Place a Dutch oven or soup pot on medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, onions, and peppers. Saute for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Add in the garlic and stir.
- Add in all of the remaining ingredients and stir. Lower the heat to medium-low and cover.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the soup is warm and the turkey is tender.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Rachel says
So, so good!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Amanda says
Made this after thanksgiving dinner -DELICIOUS!!! This is my first Stay Snatched recipe but it definitely won’t be the last! Excited to try out more!!
staysnatched says
I can't wait for you to try more recipes!
Krazy Kapricorn says
Made this chili today for Christmas dinner & it was a hit! I made a double batch for 5 people. By the time they left, it was all gone! Thank you for another great & simple recipe!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I love disappearing food!
Lisa says
Made this chili tonight with leftovers from Christmas (we opted for thanksgiving part 2) and it was delicious and super easy!
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Marisol McNash says
My husband walked in the kitchen and said: Whatever you’re cooking is making my mouth water.
It was just us two for thanksgiving but my husband insisted on a traditional roasted turkey. We had a socially distanced dinner so I had to freeze a bunch of turkey. This was the perfect recipe to use the last of it.
Second Staysnatched recipe. Bomb!
staysnatched says
I love that idea! I'm glad you both enjoyed it.
V says
This is so good! I've made this before but this second (or third? 🙂 time around I made it with ground turkey. Still delicious!
staysnatched says
yum! So versatile.
Jennifer A Terris says
Even though it is really warm out, I am craving some Chili! And this is exactly what I was looking for! A chili that is easy, tasty and full of veggies!! Yummy!!
staysnatched says
Yay! I love chili!
Lisa says
Do you use Bell peppers or chili peppers?
staysnatched says
bell