Easy to throw together, Slow Cooker Turkey Apple Chili is made with ground turkey, spicy chipotle peppers, sweet apples and with no beans.

A naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, Whole30 and delicious one-pot recipe!

There is just something about the combo of sweet apples and spicy chipotle that just works.

Add those flavors to a warm pot of slow cooker turkey apple chili and you’ve got yourself a winner of a dinner.

I love the versatility of this recipe because it can be made in a crockpot or on the stovetop for quick weeknight cooking. 

There are no beans in this hearty chili, making it a great option for people following a paleo or whole30 diet, but if you love beans, go ahead and add ’em.

I used homemade chicken stock for this recipe but feel free to use storebought chicken or vegetable stock.

I love this chili on a cold fall or winter evening, with some homemade muffins on the side and a generous squeeze of lime juice.

I hope you’ll make this one soon.

Now, let’s make some slow cooker turkey apple chili in the slow cooker!

RECIPE & KID-FRIENDLY ADAPTATIONS

1 | Skip the chipotle if you prefer things less spicy.

2 | Serve with One-Bowl Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins or One-Bowl Apple Cornmeal Muffins.

3 | Love beans? Add 2 cans of drained and rinsed white beans for an even heartier option.

THIS RECIPE IS . . .

4.91 stars (10 ratings)

Slow Cooker Paleo Turkey Apple Chili (+ 30-Minute Stovetop Option)

Sweet, spicy, and easy to throw together, Slow Cooker Paleo Turkey Apple Chili is perfect for fall or anytime of year. With a 30-Minute stovetop option you can make this one anytime.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 2 pounds 93% lean dark meat ground turkey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon mild chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 1 15-oz can tomato sauce
  • 8- oz chicken broth
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 medium apples, any kind, cored and chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Chopped scallion and cilantro for serving, optional

Instructions 

Slow Cooker Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often until soft, about 8-10 minutes. Add the turkey, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt, and cook until browned, stirring often, about 5-8 minutes.
  • Add the cooked onion and turkey, along with the, garlic, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, chipotle peppers, remaining salt, tomato sauce, chicken broth, apple cider, apples, and bay leaf to a 6-quart slow cooker, stirring until well combined.
  • Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7, or until the onions and apples are very soft.
  • Uncover and add the lime juice. Taste and add additional salt or lime juice if desired. Serve with scallion and cilantro if you like.

Stovetop Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often until soft, about 8-10 minutes. Add the turkey, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt, and cook until browned, stirring often, about 5-8 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, and chipotle pepper, stirring to combine. Cook 1-2 minutes, stirring often.
  • Add the tomato sauce, chicken broth, apple cider, apples, and bay leaf, stirring to combine.
  • Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the apples have softened. Remove the lid and simmer to thicken, if desired.
  • Uncover and add the lime juice. Taste and add additional salt or lime juice if desired. Serve with scallion and cilantro if you like.

Notes

Skip the chipotle if you prefer things less spicy.
Serve with One-Bowl Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins or One-Bowl Apple Cornmeal Muffins.
Love beans? Add 2 cans of drained and rinsed white beans for an even heartier option.

Nutrition Information:

Nutrition disclaimer
Did you make this recipe?If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!

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