Best Turkey Chili (Leftover Turkey Recipe) + VIDEO - A Spicy Perspective (2024)

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This, my friends, is the Best Turkey Chili Recipe I’ve ever made. It’s a great way to turn your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers into a hearty midweek meal!

Best Turkey Chili (Leftover Turkey Recipe) + VIDEO - A Spicy Perspective (1)

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey

As Thanksgiving approaches, I always try to jot down a few ideas that will help me make the most of our leftovers. Turkey sandwiches are great for a day or two. But after that, our Thanksgiving leftovers tend to sit stagnant in the fridge until their inevitable day of doom.

I hate wasting food like that.

Giving leftover Thanksgiving turkey a makeover is a great way to ensure your family is happy to see it again on days 3, 4, or 5.

Best Turkey Chili (Leftover Turkey Recipe) + VIDEO - A Spicy Perspective (2)

Best Turkey Chili Recipe

Sure, I’ve made turkey chili before. Plenty of times. Yet never with the depth and hearty allure of this recipe.

My Best Turkey Chili Recipe was inspired by a turkey chili I tasted last spring in Deer Valley Resort. It was rich and well-spiced with loads of veggies, sweet corn, beans, and large chunks of turkey meat.

It’s then topped with cheese, onions, and sour cream, a rich one-bowl meal I could have enjoyed for days.

Obviously, I had to come home and create my own copy-cat recipe.

By starting with a leftover, you can make the Best Turkey Chili Recipe you’ve ever tried any night of the week. Add in a side of honey cinnamon corn muffins and you have a show-stopping meal your family will ask for again and again.

At least mine does.

Best Turkey Chili (Leftover Turkey Recipe) + VIDEO - A Spicy Perspective (3)

How To Make Turkey Chili

Ingredients

  • Red Bell Pepper
  • Red Onion
  • Celery
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Butter
  • Masa Corn Flour
  • Ground Cumin
  • Ground Coriander
  • Chili Powder
  • Dried Oregano
  • Turkey Stock or Chicken Stock
  • Cooked (Leftover) Turkey Meat
  • Canned Black Beans (drain and rinse the beans)
  • Frozen Corn
  • Honey
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Possible Toppings: Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Diced Red Onion, Chopped Scallions, Salsa, Corn Chips

Instructions

  1. Start by sautéing onions, red bell peppers, celery, and garlic in butter. Then add cumin, coriander, chili powder, and oregano for an alluring balance of spice.
  2. You can add in chopped leftover Thanksgiving turkey, or even leftover chicken (or store-bought rotisserie chicken) to conveniently make this recipe all through the winter.
  3. Simmer all the ingredients for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors time to mix and mingle. Then top each bowl with a hefty amount of toppings and serve.

That’s it.

See the Recipe Card Below for How to Make The Best Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe. Enjoy!

Best Turkey Chili (Leftover Turkey Recipe) + VIDEO - A Spicy Perspective (4)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this leftover turkey chili last?

You can keep this recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

How well does it freeze?

You can freeze leftover turkey chili for 3-6 months. Make sure to store in an airtight container in the back of the freezer.

Can I use dried over canned beans?

Yes, you can substitute 1 pound of dried beans for the canned beans. However, you will need to soak the beans in water overnight. Simmer them with the broth, veggies, and spices for 1-2 hours until the beans are soft. Then add in the turkey and simmer for another 20 minutes.

Are there any substitutes for corn flour?

Masa is a great thickener for chili because it offers a rustic earthy note. However, you can use all-purpose flour or Gluten-Free baking mix if desired.

Can I make this in the crock pot or instant pot?

Yes, you can. Cooking it in a slow cooker makes more sense than the Instant Pot, because it doesn’t really save you time in the IP, over cooking it on the stovetop. For the slow cooker: Saute the vegetables in a skillet to soften. Then place everything in the crockpot. Cover and set on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

How can I adjust the spices if I want to make it spicier or less spiced?

None of the spices in this recipe are actually very spicy. You can reduce the chili powder if desired. Or add cayenne pepper if you want extra heat.

Other Chili Recipes You Might Like:

  • Chunky Vegan Chili Recipe
  • Mini Chorizo Chili Bread Bowls Recipe
  • Beef Nachos with Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne Recipe
  • Award-Winning Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Best Turkey Chili (Leftover Turkey Recipe) + VIDEO - A Spicy Perspective (5)

Print Recipe

5 stars (13 reviews)

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Best Turkey Chili (Leftover Turkey Recipe)

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

This, my friends, is theBest Turkey Chili Recipe I've ever made. It's a great way to turnThanksgiving leftovers into a hearty mid-week meal!

Servings: 6

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Place the butter in a large stock pot and set over medium heat. Add the bell pepper, onions, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-8 minutes, until softened. Stir to make sure the veggies don’t burn.

  • Mix in the masa, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and oregano. Stir to coat and sauté another 2 minutes. Then pour in the turkey stock and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen the veggies.

  • Add the chopped turkey, beans, corn, and honey. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper. Bring the chili to a low boil and simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and season again if needed. Serve warm.

Video

Notes

Don’t have leftover turkey meat? Substituteleftover cooked chicken, or a rotisserie chicken from the market.

Nutrition

Serving: 2cups, Calories: 674kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 95g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 234mg, Sodium: 1476mg, Potassium: 1607mg, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 1265IU, Vitamin C: 30.2mg, Calcium: 139mg, Iron: 6.2mg

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Author: Sommer Collier

Making this recipe?Follow us on Instagram and tag @ASpicyPerspective so we can share what you’re cooking!

This site contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission.

Best Turkey Chili (Leftover Turkey Recipe) + VIDEO - A Spicy Perspective (2024)

FAQs

How long is leftover turkey chili good for? ›

How to Store & Freeze Leftovers. Leftover turkey chili will keep in the fridge for about 5 days. It can also be frozen for about two months. Thaw and then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How to make chili more flavorful? ›

How to Give Chili a Flavor Boost
  1. Add something acidic. ...
  2. Try to identify what about your chili is boring. ...
  3. Add tomato paste. ...
  4. Drop in some chocolate. ...
  5. Embrace pickling liquid. ...
  6. Stir in some molasses.

How long should chili simmer? ›

Chili recipes need time for flavors to meld and come together, and collagen-rich meat (like chuck roast or ground beef) needs 90 minutes to two hours to fully break down and become tender. If you don't have time for a long simmer, try using a slow cooker or making it the day before.

Is leftover turkey good after 7 days? ›

Mar 22, 2023

USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less).

Can I eat week old turkey chili? ›

Store chili in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Place it in an airtight container or plastic bag and use it within four days. To freeze chili, transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags and use it within three months.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Cocoa Powder

Chocolate might not be the first thing you think of when you're making a batch of chili but it pairs perfectly with peppers. Adding just a teaspoon or two of unsweetened cocoa powder like we do in our Instant Pot Chili (pictured above) will make your go-to recipe rich and flavorful.

What to add to chili to make it spicy? ›

Spicier chili: to make chili even spicier, don't remove the ribs or seeds from the jalapeño. You can also add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes or dice up another hot chili pepper. I recommend trying the recipe as stated and letting the flavors sit for a few hours before adding additional spice.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

Should you simmer chili with lid on or off? ›

We want the liquid in the chili to reduce, and leaving the lid off is crucial. If you're simmering the chili for a longer time, partially cover the pot to prevent the liquid from evaporating too quickly.

What do Mexicans eat with chilli? ›

And to serve

In Mexico, they make a green rice, using a long-grain variety flavoured with salsa verde. Paul also suggests trying an ancient grain such as quinoa or faro, as well as corn tortillas and condiments such as guacamole, salsas and sour cream. “Chilli con carne is very communal,” he says.

Why do people put sour cream in chili? ›

The slightly tart flavor will add brightness and complexity to your tried-and-true chili recipe, while the thick texture creates heartiness and a creamy mouthfeel.

What do Southerners eat with chili? ›

What To Serve With Chili: Our 15 Best Side Dish And Topping Ideas
  • 01 of 15. Southern Skillet Cornbread. ...
  • 02 of 15. Grilled Cheese Sandwich. ...
  • 03 of 15. Chopped Salad. ...
  • 04 of 15. Guacamole. ...
  • 05 of 15. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread. ...
  • 06 of 15. Microwave Baked Potato. ...
  • 07 of 15. Broccoli Cornbread. ...
  • 08 of 15. Cheese Sauce.
Mar 31, 2024

Can I eat leftover chili after 5 days? ›

Understanding Food Safety and Chili

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), leftovers, including chili, can be safely stored in the refrigerator for three to four days if properly handled.

Can you eat leftover turkey after 5 days? ›

As a general guideline, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recommends eating or freezing turkey and other leftovers within three to four days. For Thanksgiving, that means you should eat or freeze by Monday.

Is chili good after 5 days in the fridge? ›

Commercially packaged or store-bought chili is good in the refrigerator for about 5–7 days, as they add preservatives and additives to increase the shelf life. Before storing, it is better to read the storage guidelines present on the labels to avoid spoilage.

How many days can you eat leftover ground turkey? ›

On the other hand, leftover ground turkey will keep well in the fridge for three to four days once cooked, or two to six months if you're going the freezer route. Fresh, uncooked ground turkey should be frozen within one to two days of purchase, the USDA says.

References

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