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Healthy, Gluten Free Crockpot or Stovetop Recipe

This easy 4-Ingredient Turkey Chili is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, game days, or any time you need a simple dinner that the whole family will enjoy. Made with lean ground turkey, chili beans, tomato sauce, and a packet of gluten free chili seasoning, it delivers plenty of comforting chili flavor without a long grocery list or complicated preparation.

You can prepare this healthy turkey chili in the Crockpot or make it quickly on the stovetop. Either way, you’ll have a warm, filling, protein-packed dinner using only four simple ingredients.

Serve it with warm Krusteaz Gluten Free Honey Cornbread for an easy comfort-food meal!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Chili

Homemade chili does not have to simmer all day or require an entire cabinet of spices. Using seasoned chili beans and a packet of chili seasoning makes this recipe especially easy without sacrificing flavor.

You’ll love this recipe because it is:

• Made with only four ingredients
• Naturally high in protein
• A good source of fiber
• Made with lean ground turkey
• Easy to prepare in the Crockpot
• Quick to make on the stovetop
• Naturally dairy free when served without dairy toppings
• Perfect for meal prep
• Ready with very little chopping or measuring
• Easy to double for a larger family

At approximately 297 calories and nearly 29 grams of protein per serving, it is a filling dinner that can fit into a balanced meal plan.

Is Turkey Chili Gluten Free?

Turkey, beans, and plain tomato sauce are naturally gluten free, but seasoning packets and flavored chili beans can vary. Always check each label before preparing the recipe, especially if you have celiac disease, a wheat allergy, or are sensitive to cross-contact.

Some of my favorite gluten free chili seasoning options include Pioneer, McCormick, Simply Organic, and Nature’s Promise. Recipes and manufacturing practices can change, so check the current package to make sure the specific variety you purchase is labeled gluten free.

I love using Bush’s Chili Beans in this recipe. Pinto and black chili beans are my favorite varieties, but you can use whichever one your family likes best. Once again, verify the label when purchasing.

The Four Ingredients You’ll Need

Lean ground turkey

This recipe uses one pound of 93% lean ground turkey. It has enough fat to remain flavorful without making the finished chili overly greasy. Butterball is my favorite, but any 93% lean ground turkey will work.

Gluten free chili seasoning

A packet of chili seasoning provides all the seasonings you need in one convenient package. Be sure to use chili seasoning, not taco seasoning, for the classic chili flavor.

The amount of seasoning in a packet can vary slightly by brand, but one standard packet works well for this recipe.

Chili beans

Unlike plain canned beans, chili beans are packed in a seasoned sauce. That sauce adds flavor and liquid to the chili, so do not drain or rinse the beans.

Bush’s pinto and black chili beans are my favorite, but traditional pinto or kidney chili beans can also be used.

Tomato sauce

One 8-ounce can of Hunt’s Tomato Sauce gives the chili a rich tomato base and helps all the ingredients come together. You can substitute another brand as long as it meets your gluten free needs.

How to Make Turkey Chili in the Crockpot

This is truly a dump-and-go Crockpot recipe. Add the ground turkey, chili seasoning, tomato sauce, and the entire can of chili beans to the slow cooker. Stir everything together, breaking the turkey into smaller pieces as much as possible.

Cover and cook on high for approximately six hours. Stir the chili periodically if you are home, breaking the turkey apart as it cooks. Before serving, make sure the ground turkey is fully cooked and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

For the best texture, you can brown and crumble the turkey in a skillet before adding it to the Crockpot. This optional step keeps the meat from cooking in large clumps and allows you to drain any excess liquid before slow cooking.

How to Make Stovetop Turkey Chili

The stovetop method is perfect when you need dinner quickly.

Begin by browning the ground turkey in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until no pink remains and the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Add the gluten free chili seasoning, tomato sauce, and undrained chili beans. Stir until everything is evenly combined.

You can serve the chili once it is hot, but letting it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes will help the flavors blend and allow the chili to thicken slightly.

That’s it—easy and healthy turkey chili!

What to Serve with Turkey Chili

A warm piece of Krusteaz Gluten Free Honey Cornbread is the perfect side for this simple chili. The sweetness of the honey cornbread pairs beautifully with the savory chili seasoning and tomato sauce.

You can also serve your chili with:

• Gluten free tortilla chips
• Corn chips
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Diced avocado
• Sliced green onions
• Fresh or pickled jalapeños
• Chopped cilantro
• A simple green salad
• Cooked rice
• Baked potatoes

Always verify that packaged toppings and side dishes are gluten free.

Easy Turkey Chili Topping Bar

Turn this simple recipe into a fun family dinner by creating a chili topping bar. Place bowls of shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, avocado, and jalapeños on the table. Everyone can customize their own bowl.

A topping bar is also an easy way to serve this turkey chili at a game-day party or casual gathering. Double the recipe and keep it warm in the Crockpot for serving.

Helpful Recipe Tips

• Use 93% lean turkey for a good balance of flavor and lower fat.
• Do not drain the chili beans because their seasoned sauce adds flavor and moisture.
• Use chili seasoning rather than taco seasoning.
• Break the turkey into small pieces for the best texture.
• Brown the turkey before slow cooking if you prefer more evenly crumbled meat.
• Check the turkey with a food thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
• Allow stovetop chili to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes for a thicker consistency.
• Add a splash of water or gluten free broth if your chili becomes too thick.
• Double the recipe if you need to feed a crowd or want leftovers.

How to Make the Chili Thicker

This recipe makes a thick, hearty chili. If you want it even thicker, allow it to simmer uncovered on the stovetop until some of the liquid evaporates.

For Crockpot chili, remove the lid during the final 20 to 30 minutes of cooking. Stir occasionally while the excess liquid cooks away.

How to Make the Chili Thinner

If you prefer a soupier chili, add water or gluten free chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Begin with ¼ cup and add more only as needed.

Make sure any broth you use is labeled gluten free.

Turkey Chili Variations

Although this recipe is intentionally simple, you can easily customize it.

Add vegetables

Sauté diced onion or bell pepper with the turkey before adding the remaining ingredients. Corn, diced zucchini, or green chiles can also be added.

Add more beans

Add another can of drained and rinsed black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans. You may also need to add another can of tomato sauce or a little broth.

Make it spicy

Use spicy chili beans or add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes.

Make it milder

Choose mild chili beans and a mild chili seasoning packet. Serve with cheese and sour cream to balance the spices further.

Substitute ground chicken

Ground chicken can be used in place of turkey. Cook it to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

How to Store Leftover Turkey Chili

Allow the chili to cool and transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to three or four days.

Reheat the chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or warm individual servings in the microwave. Add a splash of water if it has thickened in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze Turkey Chili?

Yes! This healthy turkey chili is perfect for freezer meal prep.

Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze individual portions for convenient lunches or freeze the entire batch for a future family dinner.

For the best quality, enjoy frozen chili within approximately three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Easy 4-Ingredient Turkey Chili Recipe

This healthy, gluten free turkey chili is made with lean ground turkey, seasoned chili beans, tomato sauce, and a convenient chili seasoning packet. Make it in the Crockpot or on the stovetop!

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 4-ingredient turkey chili, easy turkey chili, gluten free chili, healthy turkey chili, slow cooker turkey chili
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 6 hours in the Crockpot or approximately 25 minutes on the stovetop
Total time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 297 per serving

Ingredients

• 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey, Butterball is my favorite
• 1 packet gluten free chili seasoning
• 1 (15-ounce) can Bush’s Chili Beans, undrained
• 1 (8-ounce) can Hunt’s Tomato Sauce

Crockpot Instructions

1. Add the ground turkey to the Crockpot.
2. Add the gluten free chili seasoning, undrained chili beans, and tomato sauce.
3. Stir everything together, breaking the ground turkey into smaller pieces.
4. Cover and cook on high for approximately 6 hours. If possible, stir the chili periodically and break apart the turkey as it cooks.
5. Confirm that the turkey is completely cooked and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Stir well before serving and enjoy with gluten free honey cornbread.

Optional Browning Method

For a finer, more evenly crumbled texture, brown the ground turkey in a skillet before adding it to the Crockpot. Once browned, combine it with the remaining ingredients and cook on high until the chili is hot and the flavors have blended.

Stovetop Instructions

1. Place the ground turkey in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook the turkey, breaking it into small crumbles, until no pink remains and it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Add the packet of gluten free chili seasoning and stir to coat the turkey.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce.
5. Add the undrained chili beans.
6. Stir until all the ingredients are combined.
7. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Serve warm with your favorite gluten free toppings and cornbread.

Notes

• Do not drain the chili beans. The seasoned sauce contributes flavor and moisture.
• My favorite chili beans are Bush’s pinto and black varieties.
• Pioneer, McCormick, Simply Organic, and Nature’s Promise are some of my favorite chili-seasoning options. Always verify that the specific packet is labeled gluten free.
• Ingredient formulas can change. Check every package each time you purchase it if you need to avoid gluten.
• Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary according to the brands and toppings used.

Nutrition Information

The following estimated nutrition information is based on four servings and does not include cornbread or toppings:

• Calories: Approximately 297
• Carbohydrates: 24.5 grams
• Protein: 28.7 grams
• Fat: 9.3 grams
• Fiber: 7.2 grams

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put raw ground turkey in the Crockpot?

Ground turkey can be cooked in a slow cooker as long as it is cooked thoroughly and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Browning it first is recommended when you want a finer, crumbled texture and more control over how evenly it cooks.

Can I use taco seasoning instead of chili seasoning?

You can, but taco seasoning will change the flavor of the recipe. Chili seasoning provides the classic savory flavor intended for this dish.

Are chili beans and regular beans the same?

No. Chili beans are packaged in a seasoned chili sauce, while plain canned beans are usually packed in water. If you substitute regular beans, drain and rinse them and expect to add more seasoning and liquid.

Is this turkey chili dairy free?

The basic chili ingredients are dairy free when you choose products that meet your dietary requirements. Avoid cheese, sour cream, and dairy-containing cornbread if you need the entire meal to be dairy free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Double each ingredient and use a slow cooker large enough to hold everything without filling it beyond the manufacturer’s recommended capacity. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly.