Hearty Slow Cooker White Turkey Chili: Your Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftover Solution

The perfect way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers, this slow cooker White Turkey Chili is filled with beans, chiles and turkey.

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After the grand feast of Thanksgiving, many of us are left with the delightful challenge of transforming abundant turkey leftovers into something fresh and exciting. While turkey sandwiches have their charm, why not spice things up with a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant? Enter this incredible Slow Cooker White Turkey Chili – a brilliantly easy, incredibly flavorful recipe designed to give your post-holiday meal planning a delicious twist. It’s packed with tender turkey, robust white beans, a medley of mild green chiles, and aromatic spices, all simmering to perfection with minimal effort.

Imagine waking up the day after Thanksgiving, still relishing the memories of yesterday’s indulgent meal. You know dinner needs to happen, but the thought of more elaborate cooking feels daunting. This White Turkey Chili is your culinary hero! It’s not just easy; it’s a brilliant way to reinvent your leftover turkey, adding a welcomed kick of flavor that feels entirely new. Plus, making it in the slow cooker frees you up to enjoy those precious post-holiday moments with family and friends, or simply to relax. Pair it with a side of Boston Market Cornbread for an extra layer of comfort and a complete, satisfying meal.

Why This White Turkey Chili Recipe Is a Must-Try

This recipe isn’t just about using leftovers; it’s about creating a fantastic meal that stands on its own. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Effortless Leftover Transformation: Say goodbye to boring turkey. This chili transforms your holiday bird into a savory, spicy, and utterly satisfying meal. It’s the perfect antidote to “Thanksgiving fatigue” and an ideal way to enjoy your turkey for days.
• Slow Cooker Convenience: The beauty of a slow cooker meal is the hands-off approach. After a minimal amount of prep, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over several hours, resulting in a rich, complex chili with very little active cooking time.
• Rich & Balanced Flavor: Unlike traditional red chili, this white turkey chili offers a lighter yet equally robust flavor profile. The combination of earthy cumin, fragrant oregano, pungent garlic, and mild green chiles creates a warm, aromatic, and subtly spicy depth that is incredibly inviting and comforting.
• Hearty & Wholesome: Loaded with lean protein from the turkey, fiber-rich white beans, and wholesome vegetables, this chili is a nutritious and filling meal that will keep you cozy and satisfied without feeling heavy. It’s a healthy and hearty choice for any chilly evening.
• Customizable to Your Taste: Whether you prefer a mild warmth or a fiery kick, this chili is easily adaptable. Control the spice level with the jalapeño and explore a wide array of toppings to allow everyone to customize their bowl to perfection, making it a crowd-pleaser for all palates.

Looking for another delicious way to use that leftover turkey? Don’t miss this comforting Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup!

How to Make the Best Slow Cooker White Turkey Chili

Creating this flavorful chili requires just a little bit of upfront prep, then your slow cooker does the rest of the magic. Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding meal:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your finely diced yellow onion, seasoning it lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes beautifully tender and translucent, which typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This initial step is crucial for building a strong, aromatic flavor base for your chili.
2. Bloom the Cumin: Stir in two teaspoons of ground cumin and let it cook with the softened onions for approximately one minute. This process, known as “blooming,” helps to release the full aromatic potential of the spice, infusing the chili with a much deeper, richer, and more complex flavor than simply adding it raw to the slow cooker.
3. Add Garlic and Jalapeño: Introduce five cloves of minced garlic and one minced jalapeño (seeded for less heat, or with some seeds for a spicier kick) to the pan. Sauté for just one more minute until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your chili.
4. Incorporate Green Chiles: Stir in three 7-oz cans of diced green chiles (undrained to utilize their liquid and flavor). Mix everything together well. This flavorful mixture forms the aromatic heart of your chili’s unique “white” profile.
5. Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the entire sautéed onion and chile mixture to your large slow cooker. Add one pound of cooked and diced or shredded turkey, three 15-oz cans of white beans (such as cannellini, great northern, or navy beans), which should be thoroughly drained and rinsed, and two teaspoons of dried oregano.
6. Add Liquids and Freshness: Pour in 3 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, along with 1/3 cup of fresh minced cilantro. Stir all the ingredients gently to ensure everything is well combined and evenly distributed throughout the slow cooker.

7. Thicken with Cornmeal: In a separate small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of cornmeal with the remaining 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Whisk vigorously until a smooth slurry forms, ensuring there are no lumps. This cornmeal mixture is a fantastic secret ingredient to naturally thicken your chili and give it that classic hearty, comforting consistency.
8. Integrate the Thickener: Pour the cornmeal slurry into the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Stir thoroughly once more to distribute it evenly throughout the chili, preventing any clumps and ensuring consistent thickening.
9. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on the “High” setting for a minimum of 3 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld beautifully, the turkey will become even more tender, and the chili will thicken. If, after 3 hours, you find the chili is thicker than you prefer, simply add a bit more warm chicken broth, a quarter cup at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked and perfectly flavored, ladle the hot chili into individual bowls. Encourage everyone to garnish generously with their favorite toppings for a truly personalized and enjoyable meal.

Alternate Cooking Methods for White Turkey Chili

While the slow cooker offers unparalleled convenience for this White Turkey Chili, this versatile recipe can also be prepared using other popular cooking methods to suit your schedule and kitchen setup:

• Stove Top: For a quicker preparation when time is of the essence, this chili can be easily made on the stove top. Follow all the same initial instructions for sautéing the onions, blooming the cumin, and adding the garlic, jalapeño, and green chiles in a large, heavy-bottomed stock pot or Dutch oven. Once the aromatics are fragrant, add all remaining ingredients (cooked turkey, white beans, oregano, chicken broth, cilantro, and the cornmeal slurry). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30-45 minutes (or longer for deeper flavor development) until heated through and thickened to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Instant Pot: The Instant Pot is a fantastic tool for speeding up this recipe while still achieving deep flavors. Use the “Sauté” feature on your Instant Pot to cook the onions, garlic, and peppers as instructed in steps 1-4. Once the aromatics are fragrant, press “Cancel” and add the remaining ingredients: cooked turkey, drained and rinsed white beans, dried oregano, 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, fresh cilantro, and the cornmeal slurry. Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on “High Pressure” for 10 minutes. After the cooking cycle is complete, perform a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually. If the chili is too thin for your preference, switch back to the “Sauté” feature (on low) and let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency, stirring frequently.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect White Turkey Chili

Make your White Turkey Chili even more spectacular and tailor it perfectly to your preferences with these helpful insights:

• Choose Your White Beans Wisely: You have excellent flexibility when it comes to the white beans. I will usually opt for cannellini (white kidney beans) or great northern beans, both of which offer a wonderfully creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the turkey and chiles beautifully. Navy beans are another equally delicious and suitable choice. Regardless of your selection, always ensure you drain and rinse the canned beans thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and any starchy liquid, which also aids in digestibility.
• Versatility with Protein – White Chicken Chili: No leftover turkey on hand? No problem at all! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily substitute cooked, shredded chicken in place of the turkey for a delectable White Chicken Chili. It works just as beautifully and is perfect for any time of year, not just after the holidays.
• Mastering the Spice Level: For those who crave an extra punch of heat, consider leaving some of the seeds and the white membrane (ribs) of the jalapeño in. These parts contain the majority of the capsaicin, which gives the pepper its fiery kick. For a milder chili, be meticulously sure to remove all seeds and the white membrane. If you truly love heat, a small pinch of cayenne pepper can be added with the cumin for an intensified warmth.
• Abundant Toppings Make the Meal: Chili is almost always better when adorned with a generous array of toppings! My personal favorites include a dollop of cool and creamy sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter option), a sprinkle of freshly shredded Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar cheese, and a flourish of additional fresh cilantro. Other fantastic options that add texture and flavor include diced avocado for its rich creaminess, a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness and tang, thinly sliced green onions for a mild oniony bite, or even a handful of crumbled tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
• Flavor Development Over Time: Like many hearty stews and soups, chili often tastes even better the next day! The flavors have more time to marry and deepen, creating a more complex and harmonious taste profile. This characteristic makes it an ideal meal for meal prepping for busy weeknights or for keeping warm in the slow cooker on a night when family members might be eating at different times. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Adjusting Consistency for Perfection: If, after cooking, you find your chili is too thick, simply stir in additional warm low-sodium chicken broth, a quarter cup at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency. If it happens to be too thin, you have a couple of options: you can either let it simmer uncovered on a low setting for a bit longer to allow some liquid to evaporate and reduce, or create another small cornmeal slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornmeal with 2 tablespoons cold broth) and stir it in, simmering until it thickens to your liking.

More Delicious Chili Recipes to Explore

If you love chili as much as we do, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic and diverse chili recipes from our collection:

• Classic Crock Pot Chili: A timeless favorite, perfect for any occasion.
• Hearty White Bean Chicken Chili: Another delightful white chili option featuring succulent chicken.
• Cozy Pumpkin Chili – Slow Cooker Version: A unique and comforting twist with autumnal flavors.
• Flavorful Ground Turkey Chili: A lighter, yet incredibly satisfying, take on traditional red chili.
• Wholesome Butternut Squash Chili with Beef: A hearty chili packed with vegetables and rich beef flavor.

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White Turkey Chili

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

3 hours 15 minutes

Total Time:

3 hours 35 minutes

Servings:

8 servings

Course:
Soup

Cuisine:
American

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The perfect way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers, this slow cooker White Turkey Chili is filled with beans, chiles and turkey.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (adjust for desired spice level)
• 3 (7 oz each) cans diced green chiles
• 1 lb. diced cooked turkey (from Thanksgiving leftovers or freshly cooked)
• 3 (15 oz each) cans white beans, drained and rinsed (cannellini, great northern, or navy beans)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 4 to 4 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/3 cup minced fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• Desired toppings – such as shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar), sour cream, fresh lime slices, additional cilantro, diced avocado, thinly sliced green onions, or crumbled tortilla chips.

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Add the diced yellow onion and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Stir in 2 teaspoons of ground cumin and cook for an additional minute, allowing the spice to bloom and release its full aroma.
4. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño to the pan and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the 3 cans of diced green chiles.
5. In a large slow cooker, combine the cooked diced turkey, the 3 cans of drained and rinsed white beans, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, and the sautéed onion and chile mixture.
6. Pour in 3 1/2 cups of the low-sodium chicken broth and add 1/3 cup of minced fresh cilantro. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine.
7. In a separate small bowl, place 1/4 cup of cornmeal. Slowly whisk in the remaining 1/2 cup of chicken broth until a smooth slurry forms. Stir this cornmeal mixture into the slow cooker to help thicken the chili.
8. Cover the slow cooker and cook on the “High” setting for 3 hours. If the chili becomes too thick for your preference, you can thin it with additional chicken broth, adding a quarter cup at a time until desired consistency is reached.
9. To serve, ladle the hot chili into individual bowls and garnish generously with your desired toppings. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal!

Recipe Notes:

Recipe inspired by Williams-Sonoma

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the nutritional counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide. Nutrition information does not include additional toppings.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/8 of recipe,
Calories: 319kcal (16%),
Carbohydrates: 36g (12%),
Protein: 31g (62%),
Fat: 6g (9%),
Saturated Fat: 1g (6%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 35mg (12%),
Sodium: 612mg (27%),
Fiber: 9g (38%),
Sugar: 2g (2%)

Keywords:
white turkey chili, slow cooker turkey chili, Thanksgiving leftovers, easy chili recipe, white bean chili, turkey chili recipe, creamy white chili