There’s something about coming home on a chilly evening to a house filled with the soft, spicy scent of a slow simmering chili. It’s the kind of warmth that seeps into your bones, whispering that dinner’s almost ready. I remember one night, distracted by a phone call, I almost forgot to turn off the slow cooker—but the aroma kept pulling me back to the kitchen. The moment I finally sat down with a bowl, the creamy beans and tender turkey combined with that subtle, smoky paprika made me realize slow cooking doesn’t just feed your body—it soothes a restless mind too.

Why You’ll Love It:
– It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. Toss everything in the slow cooker and forget it for hours.
– The turkey keeps it lighter than traditional chili, but still deeply satisfying.
– Creamy white beans add a comforting texture that feels like a warm hug.
– Mild spices make it approachable for all palates, with just a hint of smoky depth.
– It’s a meal that works just as well for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

If you’re new to slow cooking turkey chili, don’t worry—this recipe is forgiving, and the flavors deepen the longer it cooks.

Slow Cooker Turkey White Bean Chili

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A hearty and healthy slow cooker turkey white bean chili packed with tender ground turkey, creamy white beans, and a blend of mild spices, perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground turkey
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (15 ounces each) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
3 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, for garnish
1/2 cup sour cream, for garnish

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6-7 minutes.
Transfer the cooked turkey, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker.
Add the drained and rinsed great northern beans, diced green chilies, chicken broth, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to the slow cooker.
Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
After cooking, stir the chili and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.

Kitchen Notes: Using a slow cooker means you can walk away without worry, but I usually give the turkey a quick brown in the skillet first to add a little extra depth. Serving it with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream really balances the mild spices. Sometimes I swap out Monterey Jack for a sharper cheddar or add a splash of lime juice at the end—though I haven’t tested all these variations extensively, so it’s a bit of a kitchen experiment. Leftovers reheat well and actually taste better the next day, making this chili a reliable friend for busy weeks.

FAQ
Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
A: Yes, ground chicken will work but might be a bit less flavorful. Consider adding a pinch more spices.

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Absolutely. Just freeze in airtight containers and thaw overnight before reheating.

Q: How spicy is this chili?
A: It’s on the mild side thanks to the gentle blend of spices and green chilies.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Sure, diced bell peppers or corn would be nice, but I like to keep it simple.

This slow cooker turkey white bean chili is a quiet celebration of comfort food without fuss. When you’re ready, grab a bowl, stack some crusty bread nearby, and let the slow-cooked goodness remind you how easy it is to feel at home in your own kitchen.