Name: Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 heaping cups turkey – cooked and chopped; 3 bell peppers – diced; 1 large onion – diced; 3 jalapeño peppers – diced; 15.5 oz. can kidney beans – juices strained; 15.5 oz. can black beans – juices strained; 15.5 oz. can corn – juices strained; 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes; 16 oz. salsa – Dessert Pepper brand preferred; 2 tbsp. olive oil; 1 tbsp. barbecue sauce; 2.5 tbsp. chili powder; 2 tbsp. berbere spice or smoked paprika; 1 tbsp. garlic powder; 1.5 tsp. salt; 1 tsp. pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 65 reviews

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a mound of cooked turkey wondering how to transform those leftovers into something exciting, this Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and a comforting warmth, this chili turns humble remnants into a satisfying, hearty meal. The combination of tender turkey, spicy jalapeños, smoky spices, and fresh vegetables creates a balance that’s downright irresistible. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish delivers both nourishment and delight in every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a cooked stew with a chunky texture, featuring several layers mixed together. There are pieces of shredded brown meat, soft yellow corn kernels, and bits of red and green peppers scattered throughout. The stew looks saucy and richly colored in deep reds and browns, with some small dark beans visible. A metal spoon is partly submerged in the stew, stirring the mixture. The bowl holding the stew is clear glass, resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the foundation of any great meal, and this chili is no exception. Each component plays a unique role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color—from the tender turkey and crisp vegetables to the spices that bring it all to life.

2 heaping cups turkey – cooked and chopped, providing lean protein and a hearty base.
3 bell peppers – diced, adding sweetness and vibrant color to the mix.
1 large onion – diced, essential for that savory depth of flavor.
3 jalapeño peppers – diced, bringing a bright hint of heat and freshness.
15.5 oz. can kidney beans – juices strained, for creamy texture and protein.
15.5 oz. can black beans – juices strained, offering earthiness and bite.
15.5 oz. can corn – juices strained, adding natural sweetness and a pop of color.
14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes – bringing acidity and juiciness that balance the richness.
16 oz. salsa – I prefer the Desert Pepper brand, for a flavorful, mildly spicy kick.
2 tbsp. olive oil – for sautéing the vegetables and bringing everything together smoothly.
1 tbsp. barbecue sauce – adds a smoky undertone and subtle sweetness.
2.5 tbsp. chili powder – the heart of the chili with its bold, warm spice.
2 tbsp. berbere spice – or smoked paprika if you want to keep it simple, providing a complex, smoky flavor.
1 tbsp. garlic powder – for an aromatic punch that complements the spices beautifully.
1.5 tsp. salt – to enhance all the flavors and bring harmony to the dish.
1 tsp. pepper – a finishing touch of subtle heat and earthiness.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Turkey

Start by dicing your bell peppers, onion, and jalapeños into uniform pieces. This makes sure every bite has a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Meanwhile, chop your leftover turkey into bite-sized chunks that will soak up all those spices and juices during cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños. Cook until softened and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step unlocks the natural sweetness and mellow heat from the veggies, which sets the stage for a rich chili.

Step 3: Add Spices and Turkey

Sprinkle in the chili powder, berbere spice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper directly into the pot. Stir well to coat the softened veggies and bloom those spices, releasing their full aroma. Then add the chopped turkey and barbecue sauce, stirring to combine everything so the turkey pieces get nicely glazed and infused with flavor.

Step 4: Add Beans, Corn, Tomatoes, and Salsa

Pour in the strained kidney beans, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and your choice of salsa. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all the components. The beans and corn add heartiness and texture, while tomatoes and salsa introduce acidity and moisture, perfect for a luscious chili.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it cook slowly for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer lets the flavors meld beautifully, deepening the complexity and giving the turkey chili that comforting, well-rounded taste.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe

The image shows two parts: on the left, there is a round white plate filled with four sections of chopped vegetables, arranged in layers from top left going clockwise: white onions, green bell peppers, red bell peppers, and orange bell peppers, all neatly chopped into small squares. Below this plate, there is a small white bowl filled with chopped green chili peppers. On the right side of the image, there is a close-up of tender, light brown cooked chicken pieces that look shredded or torn into bite-sized chunks, scattered on a white marbled surface, with a knife partially visible at the top. The colors and textures contrast well between the fresh vegetables and the soft chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your chili with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess that tones down any heat. Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions add bright, herbal notes and a pop of color. Don’t forget a sprinkling of shredded cheese to bring gooey richness, or a handful of crunchy tortilla chips for texture contrast.

Side Dishes

This chili shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with warm cornbread or crunchy garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of the sauce. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can refresh the palate and bring balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Serve your leftover turkey chili over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a unique twist. You can also fill bell peppers or baked potatoes with the chili, making for fun handheld meals or impressive dinner presentations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your chili, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your leftovers will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it an easy, delicious lunch or dinner for the next few days.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion your chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Frozen chili will keep for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy that homemade warmth whenever you need a quick meal.

Reheating

Reheat your chili gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Alternatively, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals, stirring between, until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use white beans instead of kidney and black beans?

Absolutely! White beans such as cannellini or navy beans will work well and add a creamy texture that complements the turkey and vegetables. Feel free to customize based on what you have on hand.

What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I skip the jalapeños?

You can definitely leave out the jalapeños or reduce the quantity to suit your heat preference. The chili will still be flavorful with the other spices, and you can add a small pinch of smoked paprika for that smoky warmth without the heat.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! This Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe makes excellent leftovers and keeps well in the fridge or freezer, so it’s perfect for preparing meals ahead of time. Simply reheat portions as needed for quick, satisfying meals all week long.

Do I need to peel the vegetables before adding them?

There’s no need to peel the bell peppers, onions, or jalapeños; simply wash and dice them well. Their skins add color, nutrients, and texture to the chili.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Definitely! After sautéing the vegetables and turkey with spices, transfer everything to a slow cooker set on low for 4 to 6 hours. This hands-off method only intensifies the chili’s flavor and makes for an easy weeknight dinner.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about turning your leftover turkey into a vibrant bowl of chili that feels both comforting and exciting. This Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe is a wonderful way to breathe new life into simple ingredients, making every meal feel special. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and discover just how delicious your leftovers can be!