• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Work with Me
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizer
    • Dinners
    • Instant Pot
    • Slow Cooker
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Grilling
    • Condiments and Spice Mixes
  • Kids
  • Outdoor Living
  • DIY BEAUTY
  • Gardening
  • Shop
  • FAVORITES
  • Subscribe

Juggling Act Mama logo

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Holidays
  • DIY
  • Travel
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • DIY
  • Holidays
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Soups and Stews » Chili

    Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe

    Published: Oct 17, 2022 · Modified: Nov 9, 2022 by Ang Paris · Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links·

    Pin
    Share
    Tweet
    Share
    20Shares
    Use your delicious leftover holiday turkey to make this leftover turkey chili. It's hearty and perfect for fall and winter.
    Jump to Recipe Add to Favorites Go to Collections Print Recipe
    This Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe is perfect for using up your holiday leftovers. It's bursting with flavor and fresh ingredients. You'll never know it came from leftovers! via @jugglingactmamaThis Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe is perfect for using up your holiday leftovers. It's bursting with flavor and fresh ingredients. You'll never know it came from leftovers! via @jugglingactmama

    This Leftover Turkey Chili recipe is full of body and bursting with flavor. It’s loaded with turkey meat (either browned ground turkey or leftover roasted turkey) and hearty beans, simmered in sautéed onions, tomato sauce, and an array of chili spices and seasoning! 

    Two bowls of leftover turkey chili surrounded by a large pot filled with chili and fresh bread.
    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • 🧂 Ingredients
    • 🔪Instructions
    • Equipment
    • ⏲️ Storage
    • How to Use Leftover Chili
    • ⭐ Tips
    • 💭 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Variations
    • Related: Slow Cooker Chuck Wagon Chili
    • 🍴 Serving Suggestions
    • 😋 Similar Recipes
    • Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe

    As the years have gone on, I’ve certainly tried and tested my fair share of homemade chili - chicken, beef, vegan...you name it! And while it’s hard to pick a favorite, I must say that I love my latest turkey chili recipe, if not for the mouth-watering flavors and texture then for the fact that it’s helped me find a new way to use up those holiday turkey leftovers (though my Thanksgiving Sandwich is also delicious!). 

    This Leftover Turkey Chili recipe freezes well, allowing you to prepare wholesome meals for the family ahead of time while also using up any turkey you may have in the refrigerator. Serve it with your favorite chili toppings or a side of cornbread or dinner rolls to soak up all that turkey chili goodness!

    ❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • It's a tasty way to use up leftover holiday turkey, making a hearty meal that the whole family will love.
    • You don't need any fancy kitchen appliances to make this simple yet super flavorful dish.
    • Leftover turkey chili can be made in advance to save you time and effort later on.
    • It's a budget-friendly meal that's also versatile!
    Ingredients for Leftover Turkey Chili.

    🧂 Ingredients

    • Olive oil
    • Turkey - ground or shredded
    • Yellow onion - chopped
    • Garlic cloves - minced
    • Tomato sauce - canned
    • Chicken broth
    • Cumin
    • Chili powder
    • Cayenne pepper
    • Oregano
    • Salt and pepper - to taste
    • Black beans - canned and drained
    • Kidney beans - canned and drained
    Thickly sliced turkey breasts on a wood cutting board.

    🔪Instructions

    This is meant to be a brief overview of the Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below or Jump to Recipe.

    1. Add oil and onions to a large pot or dutch oven over medium high heat.
    2. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the onions are tender.
    3. Add in the turkey and cook through. Drain any excess liquid and return the turkey mixture to the pot.
    4. Next, add in: garlic, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt and pepper. Stir to incorporate into the turkey.
    5. Add in the canned tomato sauce, chicken broth, kidney beans and black beans.
    6. Bring the turkey chili ingredients to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer for 30-45 minutes.
    7. Adjust the seasonings as necessary and then serve immediately!
    Chili in a large pot with a wooden spoon.

    Equipment

    Be sure to check out my Juggling Act Mama Storefront on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of great products to make your life easier!  Thanks so much for being a part of Juggling Act Mama ❤

    • Dutch Oven - 6 quart
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Dry Measuring Cups
    • Liquid Measuring Cup
    • Cutting Board
    • Santoku Knife

    ⏲️ Storage

    To Store: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. (These are my favorite containers.)

    To Reheat: Reheat on the stove at medium high heat until warm all the way through, or microwave individual bowls according to your microwave's instructions.

    To Freeze: Freeze in air tight containers for up to 3 to 6 months.

    To Thaw: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

    How to Use Leftover Chili

    Here are three of my favorite ways to use leftover chili to make a new meal or snack:

    • Corn Muffin Chili Cups - these are so fun to make with kids!
    • Chili Stuffed Peppers - traditional stuffed peppers get a chili makeover.
    • Chili Potato Skins - perfect for game day snacking!
    • Corn Muffin Chili Cups
    • Chili Stuffed Peppers
    • Chili Potato Skins

    ⭐ Tips

    ✔️Make sure that you don’t skip the first step of softening the onions before adding in the rest of the turkey chili ingredients. Not only do you want to avoid crunchy onions in the chili but softened onions also do a great job of incorporating all the flavors in the pot.

    ✔️Using good quality turkey will increase the overall flavor of this dish. You could also consider browning the turkey with the tender onions in a larger pan with a bigger surface area than the pot or Dutch oven. This is totally optional but worth it if you want to achieve a better browning of the ground turkey - a trick that always intensifies those delicious meaty flavors!

    ✔️Avoid cooking the ground turkey on high heat otherwise, the flavors won’t develop as well and you may also end up with tough turkey instead of tender meat.

    💭 Frequently Asked Questions

    Here are some questions (and answers!) readers often ask about this recipe.

    What can you do with leftover chili?

    If you don’t have enough leftover turkey chili to serve as-is for a hearty main meal, consider using up what you have left to make some other mouth-watering snacks, appetizers, or side dishes, such as: 
    Corn Muffin Chili Cups or mini turkey pot pies with cornbread crust;
    Chili Potato Skins or other veggie sides such as turkey chili stuffed acorn squash!

    How Should I Store Leftover Turkey Chili?

    Store your leftover turkey chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
     
    You can also freeze leftover turkey chili for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring regularly until warmed through.

    📖 Variations

    • The great thing about this leftover turkey chili recipe is that you can use up a bunch of different leftovers. You can puree leftover veggies like sweet potatoes, and carrots or leave them whole and just throw them into the pot.
    • Use leftover cooked and shredded turkey for this turkey chili instead of ground turkey. It’s a great way to use up turkey (in whichever form you have leftover) during the holidays. The texture of shredded turkey will obviously be different from what you’d get using ground turkey but your chili will still be super delicious!
    • Thinly sliced celery can be sautéed with the garlic and onions as an additional ingredient before adding in the ground turkey. Celery is a common ingredient used to provide an aromatic quality to a dish such as stews, braises and soups. 
    • For more heat in your turkey chili, add more chili powder or use red pepper flakes and increase the amount of cayenne pepper. A chopped jalapeno can also be added to the garlic and onions at the start of this recipe for an extra kick of heat!

    Related: Slow Cooker Chuck Wagon Chili

    🍴 Serving Suggestions

    Turkey Chili is a hearty meal as is. A bowl of this leftover turkey chili can be enjoyed as a satisfying main dish, served with your favorite toppings such as:

    • Sour cream;
    • Sliced jalapeno;
    • Shredded cheese,
    • Fresh avocado chunks, or 
    • Tortilla chips. 

    If you’re looking for a separate side dish to accompany this leftover turkey chili recipe, then consider these tasty options:

    • Buttery Dinner Rolls
    • Garlic Cheddar Cornbread
    • Cornbread muffins
    • Baked potatoes
    Close up image of turkey chili in a blue bowl topped with fresh herbs, jalapeno slices, cheese, and sour cream.

    😋 Similar Recipes

    • Instant Pot Beef Chili - A beefy chili made easily in an Instant Pot with a rich tomato base, garbanzo and beans!
    • Slow Cooker Chicken Chili - A ‘set and forget’ chili dish made with slow cooked tender chicken pieces, tangy tomato and crisp corn kernels, boasting a subtle spice and smokiness. 
    • Vegan Chili - Made with everyday pantry staples, this easy Vegan Chili recipe is loaded with hearty plant-based protein for a nutritious and delicious meal option. 
    • Sweet and Spicy Chili - This chili is close to my heart and has been an absolute winner for game day. The kick of heat is beautifully balanced with a slight sweetness!
    • Sweet and Spicy Chili Recipe
    • Instant Pot Beef Chili Recipe
    • Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Recipe
    • Pumpkin Chicken Chili

    If you love meals with turkey, try our Turkey Sheet Pan Dinner or Turkey Pot Pies.

    📋 Not ready to make Leftover Turkey Chili yet?

    Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later! When you do make it, please be sure to tag me on Instagram @jugglingactmama or #jugglingactmama – I’d love to see your pictures! And finally, if you get a chance, please comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!

    Top down view of Leftover Turkey Chili in bowls with spoons.

    Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe

    Use your delicious leftover holiday turkey to make this leftover turkey chili. It's hearty and perfect for fall and winter.
    Add to Your Recipe BoxGo to Collections
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 50 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 410kcal
    Author: Ang Paris

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Equipment

    • Dutch Oven - 6 quart
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Dry Measuring Cups
    • Liquid Measuring Cup
    • Cutting Board
    • Santoku Knife

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 pound turkey ground or shredded
    • ½ cup yellow onion chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic minced (approx. 1 tablespoon)
    • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ½ teaspoon oregano
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 15oz can black beans, drained
    • 1 15oz can kidney beans, drained

    Instructions

    • In a large pot or dutch oven over medium high heat add oil and onions
    • Cook for about 5 minutes or until onions are tender
    • Add in turkey and cook though, drain and return to pot
    • Next add in garlic, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt and pepper stir to incorporate
    • Add in tomato sauce, chicken broth, kidney beans and black beans.
    • Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer for 30-45 minutes
    • Adjust seasons as necessary.
    • Serve immediately

    For best results, be sure to check our Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help your delicious recipe come out perfectly.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 410kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 1793mg | Potassium: 1324mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1220IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 122mg | Iron: 6mg
    Please Note: I am not a registered dietician. Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
    Tried this recipe? Pin It for Later!Mention @jugglingactmama or tag #jugglingactmama!

    Sign up for our emails and never miss another recipe!!

    Newsletter Subscription

    Signup for our emails and receive our Best Weeknight Meals and Kitchen Bundle free.

    Thank you!

    You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

    . We'll never share your email or send you spam.
    • DIY Wood Bead Garland
    • Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
    • Faux Succulent Wreath DIY
    • Honey Teriyaki Chicken Wings - Baked
    Pin
    Share
    Tweet
    Share
    20Shares
    « Pantry Staples List Printable
    Easy Shepherd's Pie Recipe »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome! I'm Ang - the Juggling Act Mama! I love sharing quick and easy recipes, creative DIY projects, and fun family travel with you. Like many of you, I am a multi-tasking mama juggling priorities which is why here I offer solutions to tame your hectic lifestyle.

    More about me →

    POPULAR POSTS

    • Honey Teriyaki Chicken Wings - Baked
    • Petite Sirloin Steak Recipe
    • Ruth's Chris Steak Butter Recipe
    • Sheet Pan Pancakes with Pancake Mix
    • Homemade Rooting Hormone - 3 ways
    • Best Ever Sausage and Potato Casserole
    • Best Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin Recipe
    • Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti
    Delicious Smoothie Recipes Story

    What's Hot!

    • Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup
    • Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
    • Homemade Pineapple Bourbon BBQ Sauce
    • Milk Jug Bird Feeder
    • Chicken Hashbrown Casserole
    • Beef Tips with Gravy
    • Simple Waffle Snowman Craft
    • Petite Sirloin Roast

    GAME DAY

    • Cowboy Caviar Recipe
    • Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
    • Pizza Monkey Bread | Pull Apart Pizza Bread
    • Layered Taco Dip Recipe
    Easy Soup Recipes

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Republication Policy

    Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with me
    • Copyright Notice
    • Trademarks

    Juggling Act Mama is a lifestyle blog for busy moms that want to do it all. Enjoy amazing recipes, fantastic projects, and incredible travel ideas for living your best life.

    READER FAVORITES

    • Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
    • Cowboy Steak Rub Recipe
    • Easy Puff Pastry Chicken Pockets
    • Simple DIY Pallet Pool Storage
    • Sparkling Cotton Candy Drink
    • Best Ever Sausage and Potato Casserole
    • DIY Cedar Planter Box Tutorial
    • Make Ahead Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
    • Rum Cocktails: Tropical Storm Punch
    • Summer Essentials: Make your own Beach and Boat Tote
    • Mermaid Drink - Blue-Green Lemon Drop
    • Cheesy Tater Tots Recipe
    AS SEEN ON

    Copyright © 2023 Juggling Act Mama

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT