There's something so comforting about a big pot of chili simmering away, filling your home with its rich and spicy aromas. This Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe is just that—hearty, wholesome, and perfect for busy days when you want a nourishing meal without standing over the stove.

The image shows a close-up of a thick stew with three main visible layers blended together: a base of rich reddish-brown sauce soaked with spices, mixed with chunks of cooked ground meat, dark red kidney beans, small cubes of bright yellow corn, and diced green bell peppers. The stew looks hearty and textured, with chunks and bits evenly spread throughout, some areas shiny with moisture. A shiny metal ladle holds a scoop of the stew in the center of the frame, emphasizing the thickness and chunky ingredients. The background is the same stew filling the pot around the ladle, set on a white marbled surface. 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 loads of chili recipes over the years, but this Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe wins my heart every time. It just hits the sweet spot between flavor, ease, and nutrition, making it one of those go-to dinners that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

Simple Prep: You can throw all the ingredients into your slow cooker early in the day and come home to a ready-made meal.
Lean & Healthy: Using ground turkey keeps it lighter without sacrificing that rich chili texture and flavor.
Bold Flavors: The chipotle chile and adobo sauce add this smoky, spicy kick that I just can’t get enough of.
Customizable: You can easily change up the veggies or spice levels to match your family's tastes or what you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this chili is how well the flavors and textures come together while staying health-focused. Each ingredient plays a role, whether it's the subtle heat of the chipotle or the satisfying protein from the turkey. Here’s a little breakdown from my kitchen:

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing ground cumin, a small white ceramic bowl with dried oregano, a small white ceramic bowl holding ground coriander, a small white ceramic bowl with chipotle chile and adobo sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl with diced green chiles, a small white ceramic bowl of fire roasted corn, a small white ceramic bowl filled with crushed fire roasted diced tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl with rinsed kidney beans, a small white ceramic bowl of low sodium chicken broth, a pile of fresh lean ground turkey, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, one diced yellow onion, one diced poblano pepper with seeds removed, a small mound of shredded cheese, a few sprigs of cilantro, and a small white ceramic bowl of plain Greek yogurt, placed 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: A healthy fat that helps soften the veggies and bring out their natural sweetness.
Diced Yellow Onion: Adds a foundational savory flavor that builds depth as it cooks down.
Poblano Pepper: Milder than jalapeños but packs a smoky-earthy flavor; removing seeds keeps heat balanced.
Garlic: Essential for that aromatic touch that makes chili smell irresistible.
Lean Ground Turkey: I love 93/7% lean because it’s moist and flavorful but lower in fat than beef.
Chili Powder, Cumin, Oregano, Coriander: These spices create the classic chili profile—warm, earthy, and just a little bright.
Chipotle Chile & Adobo Sauce: The smoky heat here really elevates the chili; don’t skip it unless you’re spice-averse.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors; adjust to taste as you go.
Diced Green Chiles: Boosts the chili’s heat and adds a pleasant texture contrast.
Fire Roasted Corn: Adds subtle sweetness and a pop of texture; the fire-roasted version adds smoky notes.
Crushed Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: A deliciously rich base for the chili sauce that's slightly tangy.
Kidney Beans: Provide fiber, protein, and that classic chili heartiness without heaviness.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps it moist without overpowering, and sodium control helps keep it healthy.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want more heat, a veggie boost, or a milder version for kiddos, you can adapt it to suit your kitchen mood.

Variation: Sometimes I swap poblano for diced bell peppers to reduce heat but keep the vibrant color and crunch.
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat or extra beans and veggies instead of turkey for a meatless version.
Make It Spicy: Add extra chipotle or a dash of cayenne if you like your chili with a fiery kick.
Thicker Chili: Cook on low with the lid slightly ajar or stir in a bit of masa harina (corn flour) near the end.

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

The image shows a close-up of a bowl filled with chili made of ground meat, red kidney beans, and corn in a thick red sauce. On top, there are shredded yellow cheese pieces and broken light yellow tortilla chips scattered. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled over the chili for color contrast. A spoon is partially dipped inside the chili, ready to scoop. The bowl is white and set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Unlock Flavor

I start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, I toss in the diced yellow onion, poblano pepper, and minced garlic. A quick 3-minute sauté softens them and brings out their natural sweetness, giving the chili a fantastic flavor base. Make sure your skillet is hot but not smoking, so the garlic doesn’t burn—burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin your chili.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Next, add the ground turkey to the same skillet after scooping out the veggies. Crumble it well and season lightly with salt and pepper. Browning the turkey this way seals in flavor and helps avoid that bland ground turkey taste some people complain about. Cook until no pink remains, roughly 6-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step—it builds the foundation for rich chili flavor.

Step 3: Combine & Let It Do Its Magic

Transfer the browned turkey and sautéed veggies to your slow cooker. Add in all the spices, chipotle chile with adobo sauce, diced green chiles, corn, crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir so those flavors meld while cooking. Pop the lid on and let it slow-cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or if you're short on time, on high for 3 to 4. It’s worth resisting the urge to peek too often—the slow cooker does wonders when left undisturbed!

Step 4: Serve It Up With Tasty Toppings

When your chili is ready, ladle it into bowls and dress it up just how you like. I’m a sucker for shredded cheese, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt. The cool creaminess balances all that spicy, smoky warmth. Tortilla chips on the side are a must for that extra crunch!

Top Tip

Making this Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe has become a staple in my cooking rotation, but over time, I've learned a few tricks that make the results even better. These tips will help you avoid little pitfalls and get that deep, layered chili flavor every time.

Don’t Skip Sautéing: Sauté the veggies and brown the turkey first—it amplifies flavor dramatically compared to dumping everything raw in the slow cooker.
Adjust Salt at the End: Slow cooker cooks down liquids, which might concentrate saltiness. Taste before adding extra salt so you don’t overdo it.
Use Quality Chipotle: Canned chipotle in adobo sauce can vary in heat—start with less and add more if you like spicy food.
Layer Flavors: Spices benefit from being toasted or added early to bloom their aromas before slow cooking. Don’t rush this step!

How to Serve Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

healthy turkey chili - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love simple garnishes that add color and contrast—the usual suspects for me are shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, freshly sliced green onions, a handful of chopped cilantro, and a generous spoonful of plain Greek yogurt. The yogurt not only adds creaminess but cools down the heat perfectly.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually keep it straightforward: tortilla chips (great for scooping!), a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette, or warm cornbread to soak up that delicious chili sauce. Sometimes, I even serve it over brown rice to stretch the meal for a few extra servings.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a gathering? Try serving the chili in small mason jars as a fun, portable option. Top with your favorite garnishes, add a small spoon on the side, and you’ve got an easy appetizer or individual serving. Another fun idea is to pile the chili over baked sweet potatoes for a cozy twist that doubles as part of your side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chili in airtight containers in the fridge and find it stays fresh for up to 4 days. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Just reheat on the stove or microwave gently.

Freezing

This Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it out in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, label them, and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks when you want a homemade meal without any prep.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the chili overnight in the fridge, then warm up slowly on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen it if needed. Stir often to heat evenly, and add fresh garnishes right before serving to keep things fresh and bright.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground turkey for extra beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative, and increase the veggies to keep it hearty and flavorful. Adjust the cooking time as needed, especially if you use lentils that may require longer to soften.

How spicy is this Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe?

The chipotle chile and adobo sauce add a nice smoky heat, but it’s totally adjustable. If you prefer milder chili, start with half the chipotle and add more if desired after tasting. For extra heat, add cayenne or chopped jalapeño peppers.

Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

You can, but fresh veggies tend to retain their texture better when slow cooked. If you use frozen peppers or corn, add them later in the cooking process to avoid mushiness and maintain that nice texture.

What can I serve with this Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe?

It pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, cornbread, or over rice for a more filling meal. A crisp green salad or roasted veggies on the side also balance out the rich flavors nicely. Don’t forget the toppings like cheese, avocado slices, and a dollop of Greek yogurt!

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a reliable friend on hectic days, a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, and a cozy comfort when you need a little warmth. I truly recommend giving it a try, knowing you can trust it to deliver satisfying flavor without guilt. From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy making (and eating) this chili as much as I do!