There's something so comforting about a bowl of chili simmering all day, filling the house with rich, spicy aromas. This Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe is my go-to for cozy evenings when I want a satisfying meal without the fuss. It's hearty, wholesome, and easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeks.

The image shows a close-up of a thick, rich chili mixture held by a metal ladle. The chili has several layers: red kidney beans that are glossy and plump, browned ground meat with a crumbly texture, small pieces of yellow corn, and diced green bell peppers. These ingredients are all combined in a thick reddish-brown sauce that looks smooth and slightly oily with visible spices and herbs. The ladle is shiny silver, with the chili filling it almost to the edge, and the rest of the chili fills the background with the same vibrant colors and textures. The photo is taken with a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made plenty of chili recipes over the years, but this healthy slow cooker turkey chili really stands out because it strikes the perfect balance between depth of flavor and nutrition. Plus, using the slow cooker means you can prep in minutes and come home to a ready-made, delicious meal.

Easy Prep, Big Flavor: Sautéing the veggies and turkey before slow cooking unlocks layers of flavor you might not expect from a "set-it-and-forget-it" meal.
Healthy & Lean Protein: Ground turkey is a lean alternative to beef that keeps the chili hearty without extra fat.
Slow Cooker Convenience: The recipe lets you walk away and focus on other things while it simmers low and slow all day.
Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing: It’s easy to adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings for a family-friendly meal everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This combination of ingredients brings together smoky, spicy, and fresh notes that make each bite exciting. The chipotle adds a smoky warmth without overpowering the dish, and the fire roasted tomatoes lend a subtle charred depth that brightens the rich turkey base.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a pile of diced yellow onion, a diced green poblano pepper, three whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a mound of lean ground turkey, a small white ceramic bowl with reddish chili powder, another small bowl with light brown ground cumin, a small heap of dried oregano leaves, a pinch of ground coriander, one fresh red chipotle chile beside a small white bowl with reddish-brown adobo sauce, a small pile of coarse kosher salt, a small mound of diced green chiles, a small heap of bright yellow fire roasted corn kernels, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with crushed fire roasted diced tomatoes, a small white bowl with drained kidney beans, a small white ceramic bowl with pale golden chicken broth, and small piles of shredded cheese, fresh green cilantro sprigs, chopped green onions, and a dollop of creamy white Greek yogurt, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: This adds a nice base for sautéing and brings a gentle richness without heaviness.
Yellow onion: Sweet and aromatic, it forms a flavorful foundation when cooked down.
Poblano pepper: Mildly spicy and perfect for adding depth; removing seeds controls the heat.
Garlic: Essential for that bold kick and aroma.
Lean ground turkey (93/7%): Keeps the chili light yet protein-packed.
Chili powder: The classic chili seasoning bringing warmth and complexity.
Ground cumin: Earthy and smoky, it amplifies the chili’s robust flavor.
Oregano: Adds a subtle herbaceous note to balance spices.
Ground coriander: Lends a citrusy undertone that brightens the dish.
Chipotle chile & adobo sauce: Brings smoky heat and rich flavor — worth it if you can find it!
Kosher salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors.
Diced green chiles: Adds a nice mild, slightly tangy heat.
Fire roasted corn: Sweet with a subtle smoky char, great texture contrast.
Crushed fire roasted diced tomatoes: Juicy and smoky, they enrich the chili with body and flavor.
Kidney beans: Classic chili beans that add creaminess and fiber.
Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps moisture and adds savory depth without too much salt.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this chili depending on my mood or what I have on hand. Feel free to jazz it up or keep it simple — it’s forgiving and flexible, perfect for your kitchen experiments.

Variation: Sometimes I swap in black beans or add a sweet potato for extra bulk and sweetness. Both changes work beautifully.
Spice level: Want more heat? Add extra chipotle or dice in a jalapeño. If you prefer mild, just skip the chipotle and use mild green chiles.
Make it vegetarian: Replace the turkey with a combo of mushrooms and lentils for a hearty meatless version.
Extra veggies: I occasionally toss in diced carrots or zucchini for added nutrients and texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

A close-up of a bowl filled with thick chili, showing dark red kidney beans, yellow corn kernels, and brown cooked ground meat mixed in a rich red tomato sauce, topped with bright orange shredded cheese scattered unevenly on one side, light yellow broken tortilla chips layered over the chili, small green herb pieces sprinkled over the dish for color, and a dollop of pale green sour cream on the edge. A spoon is partially inside the bowl on the left side, and the bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the diced yellow onion, poblano pepper, and minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook until the veggies are softened and fragrant — about three minutes. Don’t rush this step; it wakes up the flavors and provides a tasty base for the chili.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance flavor as it cooks. Brown the turkey until no pink remains, about five minutes. This step contributes to the chili’s meaty depth and helps reduce any excess moisture.

Step 3: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the sautéed veggies and browned turkey to your slow cooker. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, ground coriander, chopped chipotle with adobo sauce, diced green chiles, corn, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to mix all those bold flavors together before covering with the lid.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer, slower cook time really lets those flavors meld and deepens the chili’s character. Plus, it makes your house smell incredible!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle your chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream. I find the yogurt adds a tangy creaminess that balances the spices perfectly.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that those little extra steps before throwing everything in the slow cooker really pay off. Here are some tips that have made this chili reliably delicious every time in my kitchen.

Sauté First: Don’t skip sautéing the onions, peppers, and turkey. It builds umami and makes your chili taste homemade, not just thrown together.
Chipotle Balance: Adding chipotle chile in adobo sauce adds smoky heat, but start with a small amount if you’re unsure — you can always add more later.
Beans Rinsed Well: Draining and rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and any canning liquid that can alter flavor or texture.
Don’t Overcook the Beans: Adding beans from the start is fine thanks to the gentle slow cooker heat, but if your slow cooker runs hot, consider adding beans halfway through to avoid mushiness.

How to Serve Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

slow cooker turkey chili - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I swear by simple garnishes that add brightness and creaminess. For me, it’s shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a generous spoonful of plain Greek yogurt. Sometimes I add diced avocado or a handful of crunchy tortilla chips for texture. These toppings really elevate the dish and make every bowl feel special.

Side Dishes

On the side, I usually serve warm cornbread or a simple green salad dressed lightly with lime vinaigrette to balance the chili’s richness. Roasted sweet potatoes or steamed rice also complement the meal nicely when you want something a bit heartier.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try serving this chili in small mason jars or mini bowls alongside a chili bar setup with toppings like pickled jalapeños, fresh lime wedges, shredded lettuce, and crispy onions. It’s always a hit and looks beautiful with colorful garnishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftover chili into airtight containers and refrigerate. It keeps perfectly for about 4 days, and the flavors often taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This chili freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. I usually portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It stays good for up to 3 months—great for those busy weeks when you need dinner ready to go.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen it up. Microwaving works too; just stir occasionally to heat evenly. Toppings are best added fresh after reheating to keep them vibrant.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function to cook the onions, peppers, garlic, and turkey as directed, then add the remaining ingredients. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes, followed by a quick release. It’s a faster alternative that still yields great flavor.

How spicy is this Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe?

It has a gentle kick from the chipotle and poblano, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the chipotle and adobo sauce or adding fresh jalapeño if you like it hotter.

Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute kidney beans with black beans, pinto beans, or even a mix for variety. Just be sure to use canned beans that are drained and rinsed to control salt and texture.

What’s the best way to thicken the chili if it’s too watery?

If your chili ends up thinner than you like, remove the lid and cook on high for the last 30 minutes to help reduce the liquid. Alternatively, stirring in a small spoonful of tomato paste or a slurry of cornstarch and water can help thicken it up nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe has become one of those dishes I rely on when I want comfort food that's both satisfying and nourishing. It's cozy, flavorful, and hands-off — a real kitchen win. Give it a try and make it your own, then gather your family or friends around for a bowl of heartwarming homemade chili.