There’s just something so satisfying about a warm bowl of chili simmering all day. This Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe is my go-to for cozy meals that are both hearty and guilt-free. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m seriously enthusiastic about this Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between rich, comforting chili flavors and lean, nutritious ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and leaves you feeling good about what you’re eating.
- Simple prep: Most of the work happens in the slow cooker, so it’s practically hands-off until dinnertime.
- Healthy and hearty: Using lean ground turkey keeps this chili lower in fat while staying packed with protein.
- Flavor-packed: Smoky chipotle, fire-roasted tomatoes, and fresh poblano give it depth without added calories.
- Versatile to customize: You can easily adjust heat and add your favorite veggies or toppings to suit your tastes.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe plays its part, creating layers of texture and flavor. Shopping tip? Pick fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra smoky punch and grab a fresh poblano to keep that mild heat in check.
- Olive oil: Helps soften the veggies and adds a bit of healthy fat for flavor.
- Diced yellow onion: The base for savory depth and sweetness once cooked down.
- Poblano pepper: Milder than jalapeños but adds a lovely smoky warmth without overpowering.
- Garlic: Adds unmistakable aroma and flavor that meld beautifully into the chili.
- Lean ground turkey: Keeps it light but still hearty enough to feel satisfying.
- Chili powder & cumin: These classic spices bring that signature chili flavor we all crave.
- Oregano & coriander: Add subtle herbal and citrusy notes to brighten the dish.
- Chipotle chile & adobo sauce: Give smoky heat and complexity—feel free to adjust depending on your spice tolerance.
- Kosher salt: To enhance and balance flavors.
- Diced green chiles: Adds a mild kick with a fresh taste.
- Fire roasted corn: Sweetness and texture contrast that I love in almost every chili.
- Crushed fire roasted diced tomatoes: Deep smoky tang and a great chili base.
- Kidney beans: Protein and fiber powerhouse that makes chili extra filling.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps it moist and flavorful without extra salt.
Make It Your Way
What I adore most about this Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe is how flexible it is. I usually stick close to the original but like throwing in extra veggies or swapping beans depending on what’s in my pantry—and you should too!
- Variation: I sometimes add diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash in the fall for extra heartiness and sweetness—it’s amazing with the smoky chipotle twist.
- Make it spicier: Want more heat? Toss in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne powder when you add the spices.
- Vegetarian twist: Replace the turkey with extra beans and veggies and skip the chicken broth for veggie stock. Still so comforting.
- Low sodium: Use low sodium canned beans and broth, then control salt at the end to keep it heart-healthy.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion, poblano pepper, and minced garlic. Stir them often—about 3 minutes until everything softens and smells incredible. This step unlocks the base flavors that carry through the whole chili.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
Now, add your lean ground turkey right into the same skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon, season with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink—this usually takes 6-8 minutes. This browning step adds savory depth you won’t get if you just dump raw turkey straight in.
Step 3: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
Dump the sautéed veggies and browned turkey into your slow cooker. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, coriander, chipotle chile with adobo sauce, diced green chiles, corn, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir so the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Let It Simmer Low and Slow
Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 7 hours—or high if you’re short on time for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer melds the smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, making every bite deliciously rich and comforting.
Step 5: Time to Serve and Garnish
Once your chili’s done, ladle it into bowls and get creative with toppings—shredded cheese, green onions, fresh cilantro, creamy Greek yogurt or sour cream, even some crunchy tortilla chips. I love how the garnishes add layers of flavor and texture.
Top Tip
Through countless batches of this Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that truly elevate the final dish and help you avoid common pitfalls.
- Don’t skip browning the turkey: It’s tempting to toss everything straight into the slow cooker, but browning adds umami and texture you’ll notice big-time in the finished chili.
- Adjust salt at the end: Since chicken broth and canned items can vary in saltiness, wait until it’s done cooking to do your final taste test and seasoning tweak.
- Layer your spices: Adding spices with the turkey and then stirring some more into the slow cooker maximizes flavor infusion.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes and corn: They bring a subtle smoky sweetness that distinguishes this chili from the usual.
How to Serve Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe
Garnishes
For me, garnishes are everything. I love topping my chili with a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar, fresh chopped green onions, and bright cilantro. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess without overpowering, and if I’m feeling indulgent, some crunchy tortilla chips or slices of avocado round it out perfectly.
Side Dishes
I often pair this chili with a simple green salad or some warm cornbread for a classic combo. A side of roasted sweet potatoes or steamed green beans also works beautifully if you want to keep the meal extra healthy yet filling.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving this chili in mini bread bowls or even spooned over baked sweet potatoes for a fun presentation. Turning it into chili-stuffed peppers is another favorite—adds color and makes it party-ready.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, I transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge. This chili keeps well for about 3 to 4 days and actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had more time to mingle.
Freezing
I love freezing portions in freezer-safe bags for busy nights—I just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat when ready. It stays flavorful and the turkey doesn’t dry out, which is always a win with slow cooker meals.
Reheating
Reheating is best on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking. If you’re short on time, the microwave also works fine—just be sure to cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! You can sauté the aromatics and brown the turkey directly in the Instant Pot using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes followed by a natural release.
Absolutely. All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your canned goods and spices to ensure there are no hidden gluten additives.
You can swap lean ground beef if you prefer a richer flavor, but keep in mind the recipe will be higher in fat. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and drain excess fat after browning if needed.
This chili has a gentle smoky heat from the chipotle and poblano, but it’s generally mild. To make it milder, reduce or omit the chipotle chile and adobo sauce and use milder peppers or none at all.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe is one of those dishes I keep returning to because it manages to be both comforting and nourishing without fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, I think you’ll find it as reliable and delicious as I do. So grab that slow cooker and give it a whirl—you might just find your new favorite chili!
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Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is a flavorful, comforting dish made with lean ground turkey, fire-roasted tomatoes, beans, and a blend of spices. Perfect for an easy, hearty meal, it simmers all day in the slow cooker for tender, melded flavors. Topped with shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, and Greek yogurt or sour cream, it's a nutritious and satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 poblano pepper, seeds removed and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground turkey (93/7% lean)
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 finely chopped chipotle chile plus 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 4 ounces diced green chiles
- 1 cup fire roasted corn or regular sweet corn
- 28 ounces crushed fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 15 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Avocado (optional)
- Tortilla chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prep and Sauté Vegetables: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the diced yellow onion, poblano pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the vegetables soften, then transfer them into the slow cooker.
- Cook Turkey: In the same skillet, add the lean ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and crumble it while cooking. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Transfer the cooked turkey to the slow cooker.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, ground coriander, chopped chipotle chile with adobo sauce, diced green chiles, corn, crushed fire roasted diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and low sodium chicken broth into the slow cooker. Stir all ingredients well to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until flavors are well melded and chili is hot throughout.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, green onions, cilantro, Greek yogurt or sour cream. Optionally add avocado slices and tortilla chips for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use 93/7% lean ground turkey for the best lean-to-fat ratio for moist chili.
- Adjust chili powder and chipotle chile according to your desired heat level.
- For a thicker chili, cook uncovered in the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Substitute kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans if preferred.
- Leftover chili stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
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