Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili (No Cumin No Chili Powder)

This is my Mother-in-law's 50 year old healthy slow cooker turkey chili recipe with a modern twist! Not only is it high protein, high fiber, and low calorie, it's not quite a traditional chili since it's made without cumin and chili powder, but it embraces all the coziness you get from eating warm chili on a cold day.

If you're not a fan of spicy chili or want a milder version without cumin or chili powder, our recipe keeps all the flavor without the heat. Celery, green bell pepper, marjoram, and lemon pepper give it a fresh, savory twist that still tastes like classic comfort food.

Why You'll Love This Heart Healthy Crock Pot Turkey Chili

• High protein & high fiber: Lean turkey and beans make this a balanced, satisfying meal that's low calorie and heart healthy too. 38g of protein and 6-7g of fiber per serving.
• No chili powder or cumin: Perfect for anyone who prefers a mild chili without spice.
• Full of veggies: Celery, bell pepper, onion, and green chiles add flavor, texture and fiber!
• Easy Crock Pot recipe: Just brown the turkey, combine everything in the slow cooker, and let it simmer.
• Healthy comfort food: Low in fat, full of protein, and great for family dinners or to freeze for later. You get a filling hearty portion that's actually super lean and light!

If you love to make chili as an easy dinner, you'll want to try our other easy chili recipes like Crock Pot low carb chili (without beans), Crock Pot beef and kielbasa chili, or our Instant Pot white chicken chili (plus we have a low carb white chicken chili stovetop version too).

Ingredients you'll need

• Ground turkey (93% lean): Adds high-quality protein with minimal fat. You can also make this with ground beef and we often do!

• Kidney beans: The main fiber source for heartiness and texture. We sometimes do 1 can of dark red kidney beans and 1 can of black beans (which are slightly higher in fiber).
• Canned diced tomatoes & tomato paste: Create a thick, flavorful tomato base.
• Celery, onion, and bell pepper: Add crunch, color, and nutrients.
• Diced green chiles: Bring mild flavor without heat.
• Sweetener (granulated sugar, monk fruit or coconut sugar): Balances acidity naturally.
• Salt, garlic powder, marjoram, lemon pepper, parsley: A simple, mild seasoning blend that keeps it flavorful without traditional chili spices.
• Bay leaf: Optional, but deepens the flavor as it simmers.

How to Make Crock Pot Turkey Chili

Step 1. Brown the turkey. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 2 lbs lean ground turkey until fully cooked. Drain off excess fat. Add to the Crock Pot.

If you have a multi cooker or a slow cooker with a saute function (like we do), you can cook the turkey right in the unit.

Step 2. Combine ingredients. Add the drained kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, celery, onion, green bell pepper, tomato paste, green chiles, sweetener, bay leaves, salt, dried marjoram, garlic powder, lemon pepper, and dried parsley. Stir everything together.

Step 3. Cook. Cover and cook on High for 1-2 hours, then reduce to Low for 6+ hours, stirring occasionally.

Serve and enjoy! Remove the bay leaves before serving and enjoy a bowl of healthy, hearty chili.

Jenni's Recipe Notes

• Want it spicy? You can add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes.
• This beautifully for up to 3 months in airtight containers. We especially love to freeze individual portions using these freezer cubes.
• You can add ½ cup chicken broth to loosen the chili a bit, we make ours thick and chunky.
• This recipe works in either a 6 qt slow cooker or a 4 qt slow cooker (as shown below).

FAQ's

What are some common side dishes for turkey chili?

Healthy turkey chili pairs well with side dishes like cauliflower rice, brown rice, butternut squash, or a high-fiber tortilla or chips.

What are some topping ideas for turkey chili?

• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: A little goes a long way for rich flavor.
• Diced avocado: Adds fiber and healthy fats that make the chili extra satisfying.
• Fresh cilantro or parsley: Brightens up the flavors and adds a fresh touch.
• Chopped green onions: For a mild onion crunch.
• Crushed tortilla chips or high-fiber crackers: Adds texture and crunch.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brings balance and brightness.
• Greek yogurt or light sour cream: Adds creaminess and extra protein without heavy calories.

Do you need to brown the meat for making chili?

Yes, for best results it's good to brown the ground turkey or ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker. Browning helps develop flavor and improves the texture so the meat doesn't clump together as it cooks.

You can technically skip this step to save time, but the chili will have a softer texture and less depth of flavor. For the best results, take the extra few minutes to brown and drain the turkey first, it really does make a big difference!

More Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes

Healthy ground turkey recipes makes the best lean protein source! Here are more of our recipes for easy weeknight dinner inspo.

• Italian turkey zucchini skillet
• Ground turkey sweet potato skillet
• Healthy turkey meatballs (with zucchini)

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