Ah, turkey.  We see it once, maybe twice a year as the centerpiece of holiday meals.  We ooh and ahh over the browned skin, the moist meat, the way it goes so perfectly with all of the carbs we love to serve with this roasted fowl.

And then the holidays are gone, and we don’t see it again for a whole year.  What’s up with that?

According to Food for Thought, a website and blog comprised of facts and info from registered dietitians and other nutrition experts, points out the important fact that turkey is low in fat, high in protein, and has a high concentration of B vitamins, which is healthy for you!  So why aren’t we turning to this healthy fowl more often?

When you’re done with that big ole’ turkey carcass a the end of the holiday meal, do you just toss it out?  Do you place leftover meat in the fridge and then forget about it until it comes back to life as a new life form and it winds up in the garbage?  Don’t let that happen!  There is so much you can do with those turkey leftovers that WON’T make you feel like you’re eating Thanksgiving dinner all over again.

I feel like you don’t believe me.  Here’s some proof, baby.  Turkey Chili.  Bam.  You’re welcome.

Turkey ChiliIf you are like me, I always wind up with leftover turkey.  Not always a ton of it, but enough to repurpose if given the right inspiration.  I am one of those people who picks over the turkey carcass when the guests have gone and I’m all alone doing clean up in the kitchen. I’m like a vulture, making sure no delicious piece of bird goes unused. While that is, I am sure, a lovely picture to paint for you, the results are well-worth it.

How well-worth it?  Well, trust me when I tell you that this HEALTHY and delicious Turkey Chili will inspire you to become a vulture, too.  In fact, you should be inspired to plan for that leftover meat so that you can freeze it and pull it out when you’re looking for a great chili alternative to warm you up all winter long.

This leftover Turkey Chili will warm you up, and hopefully not fill you up like a whole turkey dinner does.  Just enough protein, flavor and comfort in a bowl to make you gobble it up in no time (oh come on, I had to throw it in there). 

Hey, how about adding this great variation to a Chili Cook Off?  Now THAT will get the judges attention, and will be a bowl that sets you up for victory–and flavor galore!

Leftover Turkey Chili
Turkey Chili
Print Recipe
I love this variation of a cold-weather classic like chili. Like anything I prep in my beloved crock pot, this dish came together in no time flat, and serves a crowd. Bonus: it freezes beautifully and can be portioned out into single-serving containers for a quick lunch or dinner. Turkey Chili will make you crave a big bird more often!
Servings Prep Time
6 people 10 minutes
Cook Time
4-8 hours
Servings Prep Time
6 people 10 minutes
Cook Time
4-8 hours
Leftover Turkey Chili
Turkey Chili
Print Recipe
I love this variation of a cold-weather classic like chili. Like anything I prep in my beloved crock pot, this dish came together in no time flat, and serves a crowd. Bonus: it freezes beautifully and can be portioned out into single-serving containers for a quick lunch or dinner. Turkey Chili will make you crave a big bird more often!
Servings Prep Time
6 people 10 minutes
Cook Time
4-8 hours
Servings Prep Time
6 people 10 minutes
Cook Time
4-8 hours
Ingredients
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Chop vegetables and rinse beans. Set chickpeas aside for use later in the recipe.
    Leftover Turkey Chili Ingredients
  2. Place all ingredients into crock pot insert.
    Leftover Turkey Chili Ingredients
  3. Add broth over ingredients.
    Leftover Turkey Chili with Broth
  4. Cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 8 hours.
    Crock Pot Countdown
  5. When 30 minutes remain on timer, crush chickpeas into a course consistency. This will help the chili thicken during the final cook time.
    Chickpeas Ready for Chili
  6. Add the crushed chickpeas and stir to incorporate.
    Chickpeas into Chili
  7. When complete, the turkey should have a golden hue, and a vibrant look. Get ready to dig in!
    Leftover Turkey Chili
  8. Serve with a spritz of lime, and some saltine crackers. Gobble, gobble!
    Leftover Turkey Chili
Recipe Notes

My husband made a smoked turkey the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  Because apparently we didn't have enough leftovers to go around.  But may I suggest that if you have access to something with this depth of flavor it would also be incredible in this recipe.  A little smoky flavor goes a long way, and adds some delicious depth to an already delicious bowl of Turkey Chili!

Smoked Turkey

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