Name: Best Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 16 ounces ground turkey; 1 large onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 medium zucchini, diced; 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes, with juices; 15 ounces canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 15 ounces canned corn kernels, drained; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 2 tablespoons ground cumin; 1 tablespoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 Sour cream; 1 Shredded cheddar cheese; 1 Chopped red onion; 1 Fresh chives; 1 Crumbled bacon

Best Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

This easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dinner made with lean ground turkey, beans, corn, tomatoes, and plenty of vegetables. With just 15 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does most of the work, making this turkey chili perfect for busy weeknights, chilly fall evenings, and easy meal prep.

Why This Recipe Works

This slow cooker turkey chili is the perfect combination of simple ingredients, bold chili spices, and hands-off cooking. Ground turkey provides plenty of protein, while kidney beans, corn, zucchini, bell pepper, and tomatoes add fiber, vegetables, and satisfying texture. Browning the turkey first adds extra flavor, then everything simmers together in the slow cooker until rich, hearty, and delicious. It also reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead dinner for the week.

Tips to Make Best Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

Brown the turkey first: Browning the ground turkey before adding it to the slow cooker creates deeper flavor and a better texture.
Don't over-stir: Stirring once or twice during cooking is plenty. Keeping the lid closed helps maintain the slow cooker's temperature.
Adjust the spice level: For milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add more to taste.
Keep zucchini chunky: Zucchini will cook down significantly during the longer cooking time. If you want visible pieces of zucchini, add them during the final 2 hours on low or the final hour on high.
Add your favorite toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, chives, and crumbled bacon all make delicious toppings.
Serve it with a side: Cornbread, garlic bread, breadsticks, a baked potato, or a simple side salad pairs perfectly with turkey chili.

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Chef's Tip

For the best slow cooker turkey chili, don't skip browning the ground turkey before adding it to the crockpot. This quick step develops a richer, more savory flavor that you won't get from adding raw turkey directly to the slow cooker. Also, avoid opening the lid frequently while the chili cooks because each opening allows heat to escape and can increase the cooking time. If you prefer a chunkier chili with noticeable pieces of zucchini, add the zucchini toward the end of cooking instead of at the beginning.