One of the greatest recipes for leftover turkey is leftover turkey chili! It’s simple to prepare, full of flavor, and healthy—you should definitely try it! You can cook it on the stovetop, in an instant pot, or in a crockpot. This simple recipe is perfect for thanksgiving leftovers!.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my policy and more about affiliate links. This post was originally shared in 2020 but has since been updated.
This recipe for Leftover Turkey Chili, which can be made with either white or dark meat, is a must-try if you have tough turkey leftover from Thanksgiving. (And if you’re still planning your Thanksgiving menu – check out these Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes!).
Leftover turkey can become monotonous rather quickly, but this chili is anything but! The turkey is slow-cooked with tomatoes, vegetables, and spices to create the ideal comforting dish!
And if you’re looking for how to cook your turkey – this Crockpot Turkey Breast is the best!
Leftover turkey chili is a delicious and healthy way to use up leftover turkey. But how long does it last in the fridge?
According to Quora 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.
Here are some tips for storing leftover turkey chili:
- Cool the chili completely before storing it. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Store the chili in an airtight container. This will help to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.
- Label the container with the date. This will help you keep track of how long the chili has been in the fridge.
Here are some signs that leftover turkey chili has gone bad:
- The chili has a sour or off odor.
- The chili has changed color, becoming darker or more brown.
- The chili has developed mold.
If you see any of these signs, do not eat the chili. Throw it away and make a fresh batch.
Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy recipe for leftover turkey chili, check out this one from The Clean Eating Couple:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion, minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup red bell peppers, chopped
- 3 cups cooked turkey (breast, dark meat, etc.), chopped
- 40 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (omit for less spicy)
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups frozen corn
Instructions:
Crockpot Instructions:
- Chop vegetables.
- Heat olive oil in a pan on the stove. Add in the onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 2-5 minutes or until slightly translucent. (This step is optional, but recommended!)
- Stir all of the remaining ingredients EXCEPT corn together in the crockpot until thoroughly mixed.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Five minutes before serving, add in frozen corn and stir until warmed.
- Serve over rice or cauliflower rice.
Instant Pot Instructions:
Warning The instant pot is very finicky. We do not recommend making this chili in it unless you must as it may give you a burn notice. This chili tastes much better and is easier to make in your crockpot or on the stove. Note: You will need 1 cup of water in addition to the ingredients listed above to make this in the instant pot.
- Chop vegetables.
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode for 5 minutes. Heat olive oil. Add in the onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 2-5 minutes or until slightly translucent.
- Important: Make sure to scrape off any pieces of food on the bottom of the Instant Pot or you will get a burn notice during cooking.
- Add peppers, cooked turkey, crushed tomatoes, spices, beans, and 1 cup of water to the pot. Do not add corn. Stir together.
- Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 6 minutes on high pressure. Make sure the pressure release is set to sealing (on older models). When finished cooking, allow pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- When ready to serve, add in frozen corn and stir until warmed.
- Serve over rice or cauliflower rice.
Stovetop Instructions:
- Chop vegetables.
- In a large pot on the stove, heat olive oil. Add in the onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 2-5 minutes or until slightly translucent.
- Add peppers, cooked turkey, crushed tomatoes, spices, and beans. Do not add corn. Stir together.
- Bring chili to a low boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and cook over medium heat for 20-30 minutes on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can simmer this on the stove for up to 2 hours.
- Five minutes before serving, add in frozen corn and stir until warmed.
- Serve over rice or cauliflower rice.
Leftover Turkey Chili FAQ
How long is leftover turkey chili good for?
Leftover turkey chili is good for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. You can freeze it before then if you don’t plan on eating it.
What is the most popular way to eat leftover turkey?
The most popular ways to eat turkey leftovers are in a sandwich, soup/stew, chili, or casseroles like a turkey pot pie!
How do you reheat turkey chili?
You can reheat turkey chili in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You could also reheat turkey chili in a pan on the stove.
Is leftover turkey good after 7 days?
No, leftover turkey is not good after 7 days. It could make you sick from bacteria.
What can you do with overcooked turkey?
There are so many things you can do with overcooked turkey, but the best thing to do is use it in a recipe that rehydrates it. Soups, stews, and chili are perfect for using up overcooked turkey.
Additional Resources:
- Leftover Turkey Soup
- Turkey Noodle Soup
- Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup
- Healthy Turkey Pot Pie Soup
- Sub turkey for chicken in this Lemon Chicken Soup
- Turkey Broth
- Add it to this Best Vegetarian Chili
Instant Pot Turkey Chili
Yes, you can make this chili in the instant pot, crockpot, OR on your stovetop!
When preparing this in an Instant Pot, be careful to scrape off any food particles from the bottom of the pot to avoid burn notifications while cooking.
You also must make sure your Instant Pot pressure is set to sealing. See below for instant pot instructions in the recipe.
How to make Leftover Turkey Chili:
You can make this Turkey Chili in the slow cooker, instant pot, or on the stove. My favorite way to make this chili is in the slow cooker, which I’ve shown below.
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot except for frozen corn.
- Mix together until combined. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
- When ready to eat, stir in frozen corn.