This high-protein slow cooker turkey chili is hearty, flavorful, and simple to prepare. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a cozy family dinner.
I’ve been relying on slow cooker recipes a lot lately — afternoons are busy with kids’ activities and homework, so I love having dinner ready when we need it.
Along with favorites like honey garlic chicken, creamy beef and kale stew, and slow-cooker spaghetti sauce, this crockpot turkey chili has become a new staple. Made with ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and warming spices, it’s a family-friendly dish that pairs well with a variety of toppings for everyone to customize their bowl.
Table of Contents
- What makes this recipe great
- Recipe ingredients
- Additions/ Substitutions
- Step by step instructions
- Expert tips
- Recipe FAQs
- Other chili recipes you’ll love:
- Slow Cooker Turkey Chili (High Protein) Recipe
What makes this recipe great
- High in protein. Ground turkey, bone broth, and beans provide a filling source of protein—about 36 grams per serving.
- Easy to prepare. Brown the turkey, add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker, and let it cook. Active prep takes roughly 10–15 minutes.
- Family friendly. The base recipe is mild, and you can easily adjust the heat to suit different tastes.
- Perfect for meal prep. Leftovers reheat well and make great lunches or dinners later in the week.
- Versatile. Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free as written; swap ingredients to match dietary needs or preferences.
Recipe ingredients
- Ground turkey – Use lean or regular depending on preference; 92% lean works well here.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, chili powder, cumin, oregano – These spices build the chili’s warm, layered flavor.
- Diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce – Create the tomato base and body of the chili.
- Red bell pepper – Adds sweetness and texture.
- Bone broth – Provides liquid and extra protein; chicken broth can be substituted.
- Black beans, kidney beans, and corn – Add fiber, protein, and texture. Rinse canned beans and corn before using.
See the recipe card below for exact measurements and a printable format.
Additions/ Substitutions
- Protein swaps: Use ground chicken or beef if preferred.
- Broth: Chicken broth works instead of bone broth (protein will be slightly lower).
- Beans: Substitute pinto or white beans if you like.
- Heat: Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to increase spiciness. Start small and taste.
- More chili flavor: Add another tablespoon of chili powder for deeper heat and aroma.
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a few teaspoons of olive oil. Add the ground turkey, onion powder, garlic powder, and tomato paste. Break up the meat and brown until cooked through.
Step 2: Transfer the browned turkey to the slow cooker. Add diced bell pepper, salt, black pepper, paprika, chili powder, oregano, cumin, diced tomatoes, bone broth, tomato sauce, beans, and corn. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 6–8 hours.
Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or chili powder if desired. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Expert tips
- This recipe starts with 1 teaspoon of salt; after cooking, add more to taste (an additional 1/2 teaspoon worked well for me).
- If you prefer spice, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne.
- Serving suggestions: Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced green onions, jalapeño, avocado, guacamole, shredded cheddar, or tortilla chips.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–5 days. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Recipe FAQs
Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or chipotle powder a little at a time until it reaches your desired heat level.
Yes. Brown the turkey in a large pot, add the remaining ingredients, then simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Yes—just ensure your slow cooker is large enough and don’t exceed its max fill line.
Other chili recipes you’ll love:
Did you try this recipe? Please leave me a ⭐ review below!
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili (High Protein)
Equipment
-
1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt, (plus more to taste after cooking)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 (28 ounce can) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup bone broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce can) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce can) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce can) sweet corn, rinsed and drained
Instructions
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a few teaspoons of olive oil, then add the ground turkey, onion powder, garlic powder, and tomato paste. Brown the turkey, breaking it up as it cooks.
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Transfer the browned turkey to the slow cooker. Add the diced bell pepper, salt, black pepper, paprika, chili powder, oregano, cumin, diced tomatoes, beans, corn, bone broth, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
-
Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 6–8 hours.
-
Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed. For more heat, add extra chili powder or cayenne to taste.
Notes
- How to serve: Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt, green onion, jalapeño, avocado or guacamole, cheddar, and tortilla chips.
- How to store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–5 days or freeze for up to three months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.