Leftover Turkey Chili from Bird to Bowl in Under an Hour

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever stare into the fridge after Thanksgiving? Got Leftover Turkey? Make Chili! This Turkey Chili Recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser! The smoky, slightly spicy flavor is so comforting.

Brief Overview

Chili, originating from humble beginnings in the American Southwest, is now a global comfort food. My Easy Turkey Chili takes about 50 minutes, start to finish.

This Best Turkey Chili Recipe yields 6-8 servings.

Main Benefits

This Healthy Turkey Chili is packed with protein and fiber, making it guilt free. It's perfect for a chilly evening or a casual get-together. What makes this recipe special? Its simplicity, really!

From Bird to Bowl: My Turkey Chili Recipe

Honestly, I used to dread the mountain of Turkey Leftovers . Then, I discovered this chili, and now I almost look forward to it.

This is one of the Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes I keep coming back to!

This recipe is about more than just using leftovers. It's about creating something new and delicious from what you already have.

So easy, I can almost guarantee that this Spicy Turkey Chili Recipe will work for everyone, regardless of your cooking ability!

Why This Turkey Chili with Beans Recipe?

This ain't your average chili. Using turkey instead of beef makes it lighter and healthier. I aim for a good balance of flavors: a touch of heat, a hint of smokiness, and plenty of savory goodness.

This Quick Turkey Chili is seriously delicious.

It's also super customizable. Want it spicier? Add more cayenne! Want it sweeter? Add a bit of honey. The possibilities are endless. Plus, it’s one of my favourite Healthy Turkey recipes.

What You Need for Your Easy Turkey Chili

Before we dive in, let's gather the troops. You'll need the usual suspects, like onions, bell peppers, and canned tomatoes. And, of course, the star of the show: that lovely leftover turkey!

Here's a secret: don't skimp on the spices! Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are key to that authentic chili flavor.

Add them to the veggies to release their flavor. It makes a world of difference, honestly!

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this incredible Turkey Chili Recipe . Honestly, the beauty of this recipe is that it's super flexible.

You can adjust things based on what you have on hand.

Main Ingredients - Turkey Time!

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). This gets our party started!
• Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 ½ cups , 225g). Yellow or white, whatever you fancy.
• Bell peppers: 2 , chopped (about 2 cups , 300g). I love a mix of red and green.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 2 teaspoons , 6g). Gotta have that garlicky goodness.
• Chili powder: 1 tablespoon (7g). This is the backbone of our chili flavor.
• Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon (3g). Adds a warm, earthy note.
• Smoked paprika: ½ teaspoon (1.5g). Gives it that smoky depth.
• Cayenne pepper: ¼ teaspoon (optional) (0.75g). For those who like a kick.
• Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g). Diced tomatoes work too.
• Kidney beans: 1 (15 ounce) can , drained and rinsed (425g).
• Black beans: 1 (15 ounce) can , drained and rinsed (425g).
• Leftover Turkey: 2 cups shredded cooked turkey (about 300g). The star of our show! For the best Turkey Chili Recipe , use good quality meat. Think juicy, not dry. This is key to a Healthy Turkey Chili .
• Broth: 1 cup chicken or turkey broth (240 ml). Adds moisture and flavor.
• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (3g). A little touch of Italian.
• Salt and pepper: To taste. Seasoning is everything.

Seasoning Notes Spice Up Your Life!

Essential Spice Combinations: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are the holy trinity.

Flavor enhancers: A bay leaf (remove before serving) adds depth. A squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens everything up.

Quick Substitutions: Don't have smoked paprika? Use regular paprika plus a dash of liquid smoke (careful, it's strong!).

Equipment Needed Keep it Simple!

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Gotta have something to cook it in.
• Cutting board: For chopping those veggies.
• Knife: A sharp one makes life easier.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate seasoning.

You can totally use a big saucepan if you don't have a Dutch oven. I've made Easy Turkey Chili in a humble pot more times than I can count.

Honestly, Got Leftover Turkey? Make Chili! Don't overthink it!

Thinking about my own experience, I will say that there are some people that prefer a Spicy Turkey Chili Recipe .

I always start with a little cayenne, taste, and add more if needed. You can always add heat, but you can't take it away!

This is your moment to use those Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes !

Don't forget to grab that Healthy Turkey and give it a new life! A Quick Turkey Chili is what we want! Use it with beans, and that will make you the Best Turkey Chili Recipe ever!

Okay, so you Got Leftover Turkey? Make Chili! Seriously, it's the best use of Turkey Leftovers ever . I mean, let’s be honest, turkey sandwiches get old after, like, day two.

This Turkey Chili Recipe is a total game changer.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Chili Foundation

First, the mise en place thing. Basically, chop your onion. Dice those peppers. Mince the garlic. And get those spices lined up.

Organization is key. Trust me, no one wants to be scrambling for chili powder while the garlic's burning. Oh, and quick tip, if you're using canned beans (who isn't?), give them a good rinse.

Time saving? Sure thing! If you're really in a rush, chop the onion and peppers the night before. Store them in a container in the fridge. Easy peasy!

From Bird to Bowl: The Easy Turkey Chili Process

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the onion and peppers. Cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes .
2. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic, cook about 1 minute till fragrant. Your kitchen should smell amazing.
3. Stir in spices ( 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon cayenne). Cook 1 minute . Blooming the spices really brings out the flavor.
4. Dump in your base ( 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes, 15 ounce can kidney beans, 15 ounce can black beans, 2 cups shredded turkey, 1 cup broth, 1 teaspoon oregano).
5. Simmer time! Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 20- 25 minutes . The longer it simmers, the better it tastes, right?

Best Turkey Chili Recipe : Pro Tips for Chili Greatness

Want to take it up a notch? Add a dollop of sour cream when serving. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro also is nice touch.

The number one mistake? Rushing the simmering process. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to chili.

make-ahead? Absolutely! Chili is even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat when you're ready to eat.

This Quick Turkey Chili is so good that you are sure to cook it every week! Healthy Turkey Chili is also super simple to adapt, by adding Healthy Turkey options like sweet potatoes, or using low sodium beans, I am sure you will love the Spicy Turkey Chili Recipe once you start.

This is a great way of using Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes

Recipe Notes for the Best Turkey Chili Recipe

So, you're about to dive into making this Easy Turkey Chili . Ace! Before you start chopping, let's chat about a few things.

These are the little secrets that'll take your chili from "meh" to "OMG this is the Best Turkey Chili Recipe ever!".

Honestly, it's all about the little details.

Level up Your Bowl: Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters, even with chili! I love ladling it into a rustic bowl. Top with a dollop of sour cream.

Then, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a handful of shredded cheese. Talk about comfort food goals. Don't forget some good old cornbread on the side.

Seriously, dipping that sweet, crumbly bread into the Spicy Turkey Chili Recipe is pure heaven.

Keep it Fresh: Storage Tips

Refrigeration: If you somehow don't finish the whole pot (shocking, I know), let it cool completely. Then, stick it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll be good for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: Got Leftover Turkey? Make Chili! And then, freeze any extra. It's a gift to your future self. Portion it into freezer safe bags.

Squeeze out the air. It will last for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Then, gently warm it on the stove. I usually add a splash of broth if it seems a bit thick after freezing.

Spice it Up (or Down): Variations

Want to tweak the recipe? Go for it! For a milder flavor, you can use diced sweet potatoes instead of bell peppers.

For a Healthy Turkey Chili , load up on extra veggies. Think chopped carrots, zucchini, or even spinach. Ditch the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a protein boost.

You could try a Turkey Chili with Beans that swaps kidney and black beans for great northern or pinto beans too.

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes don't have to be boring!

A Little Something Extra: Nutrition Basics

This Healthy Turkey Chili is packed with protein from the turkey and beans. It has fiber. Fiber from the beans and tomatoes keeps you feeling full and satisfied.

It is a great way to sneak in those nutrients, especially with the Turkey Leftovers often not used. Plus, all those spices have antioxidant properties.

Basically, you're nourishing your body while enjoying a delicious meal.

So there you have it. Now go forth and make some amazing Quick Turkey Chili . Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

I'm sure it will become your own Best Turkey Chili Recipe. You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make "Got Leftover Turkey? Make Chili!" in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sauté the onions, peppers, and garlic as instructed in the recipe, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Just like a good cup of tea, it’s worth the wait!

What's the best way to store leftover turkey chili?

Store your chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure it's completely cooled before popping it in the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave a proper "ready meal" if ever there was one!

I don't have smoked paprika. Is it okay to leave it out, or is there a good substitute?

While smoked paprika adds a lovely depth of flavor, you can definitely still make delicious "Got Leftover Turkey? Make Chili!" without it. If you have regular paprika, use that. If not, a pinch of cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy!) can add a little kick and some complexity.

Think of it like improvising with your spices a bit like substituting custard for trifle sponge when you're in a pinch.

How can I make this recipe even healthier?

Easy peasy! Use low-sodium broth and canned beans to reduce the sodium content. You can also add extra vegetables like chopped zucchini or carrots for added nutrients and fiber. Consider swapping out sour cream for Greek yogurt, which is lower in fat and higher in protein when serving.

Much like a lighter version of a classic Sunday roast.

My chili is a little bland. How can I add more flavor?

Don't panic! Start by adding a pinch more salt and pepper. A squeeze of lime juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar can also brighten the flavors. If you're feeling adventurous, a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can add some umami depth.

Consider it a flavor boost a bit like adding marmite to your sandwiches!

Can I use different types of beans in this "Got Leftover Turkey? Make Chili!" recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite beans. Pinto beans, cannellini beans, or even great northern beans would all work well. Think of it as personalizing your chili like choosing your favourite fillings for a jacket potato. As long as they’re cooked properly and you like them, go for it!