• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Grits and Pinecones
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Mardi Gras
  • Valentine’s Day
  • All Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Grits and Pinecones » Recipes » Chicken

    Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe

    November 26, 2020 by Sharon Rigsby 6 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pinterest pin for turkey chili.

    Looking for the perfect post-Thanksgiving dish?  Not only is Leftover Turkey Chili delicious, but best of all, it answers the question of what to do with all that leftover turkey.

    A bowl of turkey chili topped with sour cream and cheese.

    Seasoned with just the right amount of spice and packed with lean turkey, vegetables, and black beans, this quick and easy recipe is one of my go-to recipes in the fall and winter, and I predict it will quickly become one of yours too!

    Here’s why you will love this recipe:

    1. This flavorful turkey chili is a sure-fire winner; it can also be made in one pot and comes in at only 340 calories per serving.
    2. You can have it on the table in less than 30 minutes, and leftovers freeze beautifully. 
    3. This turkey chili with black beans is not only a perfect use for your leftover turkey, but it’s also just as tasty if you swap out the turkey for chicken.

    Here’s what you will need:

    Ingredients for Turkey Chili including turkey and a can of black beans.

    • Leftover turkey: while you can substitute purchased ground turkey, this recipe is a great way to use your leftovers from the holidays.
    • Black beans: while traditional chili is made with kidney beans, I like to use black beans in this recipe to give it a Tex-Mex vibe. These lentils also are packed with fiber and protein. 
    • Salsa Verde: which is made with tomatillos, gives this chili a unique flavor profile and makes it one of the best recipes I’ve found. 
    • Diced tomatoes and green chilies: (Rotel) this popular ingredient, with its zesty green chilies, adds a hint of heat and is an essential ingredient in this dish. (not pictured)  
    • Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: while you can use regular diced tomatoes in a pinch, fire-roasted tomatoes provide a smoky sweetness and add an instant depth of flavor. 
    • Onion and green pepper: these healthy vegetables are the base of this dish and add a mild, sweet taste. 
    • Spices: it wouldn’t be chili without aromatic and savory chili powder; ground cumin also adds a smoky earthiness.
    • Chicken stock: brings everything together in one delicious soup that will have you coming back for more.   

    Here’s how to make it:

    1. Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the olive oil, onion, and bell pepper. Sauté, frequently stirring for about four minutes or until the onion and bell pepper have softened.Green bell pepper and onions cooking in a Dutch oven.
    2. Add the turkey, ground cumin, and chili powder. Mix well.Adding a bowl of turkey to cooked vegetables in a pan.
    3. Add the salsa verde, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomatoes and green chilies, black beans, and chicken stock, mix well.Adding black beans and tomatoes to a Dutch oven.
    4. Once this mixture starts to boil, turn the heat down to low and cook for about ten minutes to allow the flavors to blend.Chili simmering on a stove.
    5. Serve hot and garnish with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

    Two bowls of chili topped with sour cream and shredded cheese.

    Optional toppings:

    I have to say the toppings are my favorite part. Choose as many as you like or mix and match.

    • Sour Cream
    • Diced fresh tomatoes
    • Avocado slices
    • Grated cheddar cheese, or any cheese you like
    • Cheez-Its, tortilla chips, or Fritos
    • Sliced jalapenos
    • Queso dip
    • Diced scallions or onions
    • Lime wedges
    • Fire-roasted corn
    • Salsa or pico de gallo
    • Shredded carrots

    What to serve with it?

    This dish is a meal in itself, and the only thing I usually serve it with is a slice of cornbread or maybe my broccoli cheddar cheese cornbread muffins. 

    Leftovers:

    Leftovers should be covered and will keep up to four days in the refrigerator; it also freezes well and will keep several months in an airtight container in the freezer.

    Leftover chili is wonderful by itself, but if you want to get creative, you can serve it over rice, use it to make chili dogs, add as a topping to twice-baked potatoes, add it to mac and cheese to make chili mac and cheese, or make a spicy shepherd’s pie. 

    Sharon’s tips:

    No turkey, no worries! Substitute cooked chicken for the turkey, and voila, Chicken Chili. You can also substitute ground turkey or ground beef. Just be sure to cook it first. 

    I like the extra flavor fire-roasted tomatoes add to this dish. If you can’t find them, you can substitute regular diced tomatoes. 

    If you have picky eaters or little ones who might balk at the large chunks of diced tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper, run them through your food processor first or use an immersion blender to chop them up into tiny pieces or even puree them so they won’t be so obvious. 

    Related recipes:

    Thanksgiving leftovers are legendary and, for many, the best part of a holiday meal. Check out these easy recipes that also feature leftover turkey:

    • Turkey Enchiladas
    • Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini 
    • Turkey Egg Rolls
    • Leftover Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

    If you need more ideas, check out my roundup, 27 Best Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes and Menu Ideas.

    ★ If you make this dish, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

    Thanks so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones!

     

    A bowl of turkey chili topped with avocado, cheese and sour cream.

    Turkey Chili Recipe

    Sharon Rigsby
    This is the best and easiest Turkey Chili Recipe you will ever prepare. It's the perfect post-Thanksgiving dish for the family and a great use for your leftover turkey.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Lunch, Main Dish, Soup
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 304 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 onion medium, chopped
    • 1 green bell pepper seeded and chopped
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 teaspoons chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 pound cooked and cubed turkey or chicken; you can use a rotisserie chicken if you don't have turkey leftovers. about 2 cups
    • 16 ounces salsa verde
    • 10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chilies with juice Rotel
    • 2 cups chicken stock
    • 30 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juice 2-15 oz cans
    • 15 ounces black beans rinsed and drained

    Optional toppings

    • sour cream, chopped avocado, grated cheddar cheese, tortilla chips or Cheeze-its

    Instructions
     

    • In a large pan or dutch oven over medium heat, add the olive oil, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper. Saute, frequently stirring for about 5 minutes or until the onion and bell pepper have softened.
    • Add the turkey, ground cumin, and chili powder. Mix well.
    • Add the salsa verde, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomatoes and green chilies, chicken stock, and black beans and mix well. Once this mixture starts to simmer, turn the heat down to low and cook for about 10 minutes.
    • Serve hot and garnish with your choice of sour cream, grated cheese, chopped avocado, and tortilla chips. Optional, squeeze a little fresh lime juice on the chili right before you serve it. Enjoy!

    Notes

    What to serve with it?

    This dish is a meal in itself, and the only thing I usually serve it with is a slice of cornbread or maybe my broccoli cheddar cheese cornbread muffins. 

    Leftovers:

    Leftovers should be covered and will keep up to four days in the refrigerator; it also freezes well and will keep several months in an airtight container in the freezer.
    Leftover chili is wonderful by itself, but if you want to get creative, you can serve it over rice, use it to make chili dogs, add as a topping to twice-baked potatoes, add it to mac and cheese to make chili mac and cheese, or make a spicy shepherd's pie. 

    Tips:

    No turkey, no worries! Substitute cooked chicken for the turkey, and voila, Chicken Chili. You can also substitute ground turkey or ground beef. Just be sure to cook it first. 
    I like the extra flavor fire-roasted tomatoes add to this dish. If you can't find them, you can substitute regular diced tomatoes. 
    If you have picky eaters or little ones who might balk at the large chunks of diced tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper, run them through your food processor first or use an immersion blender to chop them up into tiny pieces or even puree them so they won't be so obvious. 

     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 304kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 22gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 470mgPotassium: 1113mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 23.1mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones!

    **This recipe was originally published on November 2, 2016. It was republished on November 26, 2020, with new photos and expanded directions and tips. 

    Best and Easiest Turkey Chili is the perfect post-Thanksgiving dish and, best of all, it answers the question of what to do with all that leftover turkey. www.gritsandpinecones.com

     

     

    More Chicken Recipes recipes

    • Southern Crispy Fried Chicken Burgers
    • Easy Cast-Iron Skillet Chicken
    • Creamy Skillet Chicken with Bacon & Mushrooms
    • Easy Cornish Hens with Stuffing

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Angie

      January 29, 2022 at 1:24 pm

      Is this super spicy? Thanks

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        January 29, 2022 at 2:35 pm

        I would say it’s moderately spicy. You can cool things down a bit by adding a big dollop of sour cream and reducing the amount of chili powder you add Also, make sure to purchase mild salsa verde if you have a choice. I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    2. Kristyn

      November 12, 2016 at 3:05 pm

      I love chili and this one looks wonderful and healthy.

      Reply
    3. Abby @ WinsteadWandering

      November 08, 2016 at 8:23 am

      I love creative uses for leftover chili, and this one looks perfect for Saturday football-watching. Yum!

      Reply
    4. Velva-Tomatoes on the Vine

      November 02, 2016 at 9:10 pm

      Hi Sharon, Love that you used a white meat (turkey or chicken) in a more traditional chili base. Delicious!

      I really enjoyed meeting you. What a great group of women. Hoping to see you again in the future. I will definitely be enjoying your blog.

      Velva

      Reply
      • Gritsandpinecones

        November 02, 2016 at 9:12 pm

        Thanks so much Velva! I enjoyed your class and will be making all of your dishes this weekend! Can’t wait! That Flan was out of this world good!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, recipe developer, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have well over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and there is nothing I like better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

    Celebrate Mardi Gras with these easy recipes:

    • 24 Mardi Gras Recipes & Menu Ideas 2023
    • New Orleans-Style Shrimp Creole with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce
    • Old-Fashioned Pecan Pralines
    • Easy Mardi Gras Hot Muffuletta Dip – A Flavorful Appetizer
    • Creole Shrimp Toast – Easy & Cheesy
    • Bourbon Ice Cream

    More Mardi Gras recipes:

    Popular Recipes

    • Quick and Easy Hoe Cakes (Fried Cornbread)
    • Blackened Grouper
    • Classic Southern Potato Salad
    • Quick and Easy Hanky Panky Recipe
    • Best Southern Crispy Fried Oysters
    • Southern Fried Fish
    Featured in Parade, The Today Show, Better Homes & Gardens, Greatist, and more.

    Footer

    More Recipe Categories

    • Appetizer Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Bread Recipes
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Cocktail Recipes
    • Condiments, Jams, Jellies, Sauces, and Salad Dressings
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Game Day and Tailgating Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes

    More…

    • Lunch Recipes
    • Main Dish Recipes
    • Pork Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Side Dish Recipes
    • Snack Recipes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Southern Recipes
    • Southern Peas (Cowpeas) Recipes

    Grits and Pinecones

    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Legal Disclaimer

    Copyright © 2023 Grits and Pinecones® · Privacy Policy · Legal Disclaimer

    • 288Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Yummly
    • Email
    2065 shares