Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into a hearty and flavorful meal with this Leftover Turkey Chili! Packed with beans, spices, and tender turkey, it’s the perfect cozy dish to enjoy after the holiday. Making Leftover Turkey Chili is a great way to minimize food waste.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Olive oil: For sautéing and enhancing the chili’s flavor.
- Onion, garlic, bell pepper: Builds a savory, aromatic base.
- Diced tomatoes, tomato paste: Adds tangy richness and thickens the chili.
- Black beans, kidney beans: Boosts protein, fiber, and texture.
- Cooked turkey: A lean, flavorful protein source for Leftover Turkey Chili.
- Broth: Keeps chili moist and adds depth.
- Chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano: Infuses smoky, bold, and earthy flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the dish.
- Optional toppings: Adds creaminess, crunch, or freshness to customize.
Alternative Ingredients
- Olive oil: Substitute with avocado oil, vegetable oil, or butter.
- Bell pepper: Use poblano, zucchini, or skip it entirely.
- Black beans, kidney beans: Replace with pinto, chickpeas, or lentils.
- Turkey: Swap with shredded chicken, beef, or tofu in your chili recipe.
- Broth: Use water with a bouillon cube or vegetable stock.
- Chili powder: Replace with cayenne, red pepper flakes, or taco seasoning.
Detailed Steps
Sauté the Vegetables: Chop vegetables evenly for uniform cooking. Cook onions slowly to bring out their sweetness and avoid burning the garlic.
Toast the Spices: Toast spices in oil and vegetables to unlock their full flavor. Stir frequently, adding broth if they stick, to enhance the taste of your Leftover Turkey Chili.
Add the Base Ingredients: Rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium. To thicken the chili, mash some beans or let it simmer uncovered.
Incorporate the Turkey: Shred or cube turkey into bite-sized pieces for better flavor absorption. Add a little broth if the turkey is dry.
Simmer for Flavor: Simmer on low heat to deepen flavors. If it thickens too much, add extra broth or water to reach the desired consistency. Leftover Turkey Chili benefits from a slow simmer.
Taste and Adjust: Taste before serving and balance flavors. Use lime juice or vinegar for brightness, and sugar or sour cream to tone down spice.
Serve and Customize: Add toppings like avocado, cheese, or fresh herbs. When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.
Expert Tips
Use Homemade Broth: If you have homemade turkey or chicken broth, use it for an extra layer of rich flavor. Store-bought broth works too, but a homemade version can elevate the taste significantly.
Enhance with Smokiness: Add diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to introduce a more smoky depth that complements the turkey.
Balance Acidity: If the chili tastes too tangy from the tomatoes, stir in a small amount of honey or brown sugar to balance the acidity.
Amp Up the Veggies: Don’t hesitate to toss in extra vegetables like diced zucchini, corn, or carrots for added nutrition and texture. They cook down well and blend seamlessly into the chili.
Layer Flavors with Leftovers: Got leftover roasted veggies or mashed sweet potatoes? Add them to your Leftover Turkey Chili for an unexpected twist that adds depth and reduces waste.
Boost Creaminess: For a creamy texture, stir in a few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt or a dollop of cream cheese before serving.
FAQs
Yes! Sauté the vegetables and toast the spices in a pan first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Shredded chicken, ground beef, or a plant-based meat alternative are great substitutes if you don’t have turkey.
Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for extra heat. Adjust to your taste.
Mash some of the beans or let the chili simmer uncovered until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Leftover Turkey Chili with warm cornbread, crusty bread, or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Add a side of fresh green salad or tortilla chips with guacamole for extra texture and flavor.
Storage Suggestions
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months, reheating with a splash of broth or water.
You’ll also enjoy:
- Turkey Bone Broth
- Turkey Noodle Soup
- Perfectly Roasted Turkey
- Pumpkin Chili
- Butternut Squash Pasta Salad
Leftover Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 (15 oz) can of diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can of black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can of kidney beans rinsed and drained
- 1 1/2 cups cooked turkey shredded or cubed
- 2 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, avocado, or crushed tortilla chips (optional toppings)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.2 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium onion, 1 bell pepper, 3 garlic cloves
- Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Add diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, broth, and turkey. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.1 (15 oz) can of diced tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can of black beans, 1 (15 oz) can of kidney beans, 1 1/2 cups cooked turkey
- Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Ladle the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy your turkey-inspired comfort food!
Video
@cookinglikekate Turn your holiday leftovers into a hearty meal with this easy and flavorful Leftover Turkey Chili, perfect for cozy nights. #turkeytiktok #holidaytiktok #holidayvibes #holidaymeals #yummy #holidaymealideas ♬ Maybe You Still Call It Christmas – Phantom Planet
Notes
- Turkey Substitutes: If you don’t have leftover turkey, you can use shredded chicken or ground beef instead.
- Adjust Spice Level: Customize the heat by adding more or less chili powder, cayenne, or fresh jalapeños.
- Thickening Tips: Mash some of the beans to naturally thicken the chili or let it simmer uncovered to reduce.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth or water.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
Very good! Nice change from beef.