Description
This Turkey Cranberry Chili is the perfect way to transform leftover turkey into a hearty, flavorful meal. Made in a slow cooker, it blends savory ground turkey, sweet and tangy cranberries, and bold chili spices for a unique twist on a classic comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
Instructions
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Prep Ingredients: Chop onion and garlic. Measure out spices and zest the orange.
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Brown the Turkey: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Brown ground turkey until fully cooked and lightly golden.
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Combine in Slow Cooker: Add browned turkey, chopped onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, cranberries, orange zest, and all spices into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
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Cook:
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For a slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
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For a quicker cook: Use high setting for 3–4 hours.
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Serve: Stir well before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked turkey instead of ground turkey—just skip the browning step.
- Adjust spice levels to your preference by adding jalapeños or hot sauce.
- This chili freezes well for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
- Optional: Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: turkey cranberry chili, leftover turkey chili, slow cooker turkey chili, cranberry turkey recipe, fall chili recipe