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Leftover turkey chili is topped with a dollop of sour cream.
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Leftover Turkey Chili

Check out this easy recipe for leftover turkey chili, a thick, aromatic stew of leftover turkey meat, onions, tomatoes, and spices.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 282kcal
Author Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

Seasoning mix:

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 3 ounces tomato paste half a can
  • 2 tablespoons fresh garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons water

Chili:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion medium, diced
  • 2 bell peppers medium, diced
  • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt divided; see notes below
  • 24 ounces cooked white turkey meat skinless, shredded or diced; 5 cups
  • 30 ounces petite diced tomatoes undrained; see notes below
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, with a fork, mix together the seasoning ingredients to create a paste.
    Seasoning paste in a white bowl.
  • Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Add the onion, bell peppers, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
    Sauteing onions in a skillet.
  • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the seasoning mixture (use a small spatula to scrape it off the bowl) and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
    Adding the seasoning paste to the pan.
  • Stir in the turkey meat until well-coated with the spices.
    Turkey was added to the saucepan.
  • Add the tomatoes, bay leaves, remaining salt, and black pepper. Add enough water to bring the chili to a thick stew consistency, about 1 cup.
    Adding tomatoes to the saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    Simmering the chili in a saucepan.
  • Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
    Leftover turkey chili is served in a bowl, topped with scallions, shredded cheese, and sour cream.

Video

Notes

  • If using any salt other than Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, including Morton kosher salt, use half the amount listed.
  • If using regular diced tomatoes, give them an extra chop. 
  • I usually use white meat, but you can use a mix of white and dark meat. Just make sure that the meat is skinless. The skin would taste rubbery in chili.
  • You can keep the leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days, but please take into account the days the turkey meat has already spent in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 282kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 798mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g
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