Turkey Apple Chili (Crockpot + Stovetop!)

My easy turkey apple cili hits that perfect savory-sweet flavor combo with ground turkey and sweet apples. Easily made in the slow cooker or stovetop, it’s a fun twist on chili you’ve gotta try.

The Coziest Turkey Apple Recipe for Dinner Tonight!

There is just something about the combo of sweet apples and ground turkey that just works. Add those flavors to a warm pot of 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. 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. And if you’re in the mood for more easy + cozy recipes, you gotta try my ground turkey pumpkin chili next. Yum!

4.89 stars (9 ratings)

Turkey Apple Chili (Crockpot + Stovetop!)

Developed and tested by Robyn Conley Downs

Servings: 5

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 25 minutes mins

Total: 30 minutes mins

My easy turkey apple cili hits that perfect savory-sweet flavor combo with ground turkey and sweet apples. Easily made in the slow cooker or stovetop, it's a fun twist on chili you've gotta try.

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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
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional, see notes)
• 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 medium apples, any kind, cored and chopped

Add at the End

• Juice of 1 lime

Equipment

• Slow Cooker optional

Instructions 

Crockpot 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 powder, remaining salt, tomato sauce, beans, chicken broth, apple cider, and apples 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.

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 powder, stirring to combine. Cook 1-2 minutes, stirring often.
• Add the tomato sauce, beans, 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

• Chipotle powder: Adds a nice smokiness to the chili, but skip it if you prefer things less spicy or don’t have it on hand.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1 (of 5), Calories: 342kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 35g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 134mg, Sodium: 616mg, Potassium: 537mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 387IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 66mg, Iron: 3mg

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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