Smoky Dutch Oven Turkey Chili

Transforming holiday leftovers into something extraordinary is a culinary art, and this **Dutch Oven Smoked Turkey Chili Recipe** stands as a testament to that philosophy. After the festive feasting, the idea of preparing another elaborate meal can be daunting. Thankfully, this recipe offers a delicious and efficient solution, allowing you to repurpose that succulent smoked turkey into a hearty, flavor-packed chili that’s even better the second time around. Forget the post-holiday food fatigue; this chili brings comfort and a unique smoky depth that will become a new tradition.

While smoking meats has long been a cherished culinary technique, I’ve discovered a renewed appreciation for using my pellet grill, specifically the Pit Boss Pro 1100, as a versatile outdoor convection oven. Its ability to maintain consistent temperatures while infusing food with a delicate smoky essence is unparalleled. This means you get all the benefits of slow cooking combined with an irresistible smoky aroma that traditional methods simply can’t replicate. I initially acquired my Pit Boss from Lowe’s, but you can find a wide range of Pit Boss options at Walmart and Amazon, or directly from the Pit Boss website. The true magic happens when you start with already smoked meat; it layers flavor beautifully, as I first experienced with my popular Smoked White Chicken Chili, which truly sets the stage for this incredible turkey version.

Essential Smoked Turkey Chili Ingredients:

Crafting the perfect chili starts with a thoughtful selection of ingredients. For this smoked turkey chili, we lean into a blend of savory and slightly spicy elements, combining various beans for texture and depth. Remember, starting with smoked turkey is key to unlocking the incredible flavor profile that sets this recipe apart.

Butter Beans (Lima Beans): These creamy, mild beans add a wonderful, soft texture to the chili, contrasting nicely with other bean varieties.

Cannellini Beans (White Kidney Beans): Known for their tender texture and slightly nutty flavor, cannellini beans are a staple in many chili recipes, contributing to the chili’s hearty base.

Chicken Broth: The liquid foundation for our chili, chicken broth adds savory depth and helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Cooked Smoked Turkey: The star of the show! Whether you’ve brined, butter-injected, or dry-rubbed your turkey, the smoky flavor will elevate this chili immensely. Feel free to use a combination of white and dark meat for optimal texture and richness.

Cayenne Pepper: For that perfect kick! Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spice.

White Chili Beans: These add another layer of texture and mild flavor, often found in traditional white chicken chili recipes.

Great Northern Beans: Small, white, and creamy, they contribute to the chili’s comforting consistency.

Minced Garlic: The aromatic backbone of any good chili, bringing a pungent, savory punch.

Diced Green Chiles: These provide a mild, earthy heat and a distinctive Southwestern flavor.

Trader Joe’s Set of Six Gourmet Salt & Pepper Set with Built-in Grinder
Ground Cumin Powder | 16 oz
Badia Pepper Cayenne, 16 Ounces

Onion: A fundamental aromatic, providing a sweet and pungent base. You can opt for white, yellow, or red onion based on preference.

Green Onions: Primarily used as a fresh garnish, green onions add a mild, crisp onion flavor and vibrant color.

Cumin: The quintessential chili spice, delivering warm, earthy notes that are unmistakable.

Oregano: Adds a slightly bitter, herbaceous counterpoint to the richer flavors.

Ground Pink Himalayan Salt: For seasoning to taste, providing essential mineral notes.

Ground Black Pepper: A classic seasoning that adds a pungent warmth.

Crafting Your Dutch Oven Smoked Turkey Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of making this smoked turkey chili is surprisingly simple, especially when you start with pre-smoked turkey. The key is to allow the ingredients to meld slowly, absorbing that deep, smoky essence. Here’s how to bring this comforting dish to life:

1. Prepare Your Smoked Turkey: Begin with shredded leftover smoked turkey. The beauty of this recipe truly shines when using a turkey that has already been brined and smoked, such as my acclaimed brined turkey, the bold Jack Daniels Brined Turkey, or a classic dry-rubbed turkey. The smoky base from these preparations will infuse your chili with unparalleled flavor.

2. Preheat Your Smoker: Get your smoker ready to impart its magic. For my Pit Boss Pro 1100, I recommend setting it to a smoke setting of P7. To maximize the smoky flavor retention within the cooking chamber, I also close the chimney stack slightly. This time, I chose mesquite pellets for their robust and distinctive smoky profile, which complements turkey and chili spices wonderfully.

Money and Time-Saving Tip from the Old Lady: If you’re stocking up on pellets, consider ordering online from Walmart. Orders over $35 often qualify for free doorstep delivery! Their everyday prices on Pit Boss pellets are excellent, and the Expert Grill brand also offers a great value alternative (check them out here).

3. Prepare Your Dutch Oven: If you’re utilizing a pre-seasoned cast iron Dutch oven, give it a quick wipe down with a little oil. This ensures a non-stick surface and helps maintain the seasoning. My own trusted Dutch oven was a fantastic $5 find, and it has served countless delicious meals! While an enameled cast iron Dutch oven would also work, be aware that the smoke might cause a slight discoloration to its enamel finish. If you’re using cast iron, ensure you know how to properly season and care for it to ensure longevity and optimal cooking performance.

4. Combine the Beans: Using a strainer, drain your butter beans, cannellini beans, white chili beans, and great northern beans. Add all the strained beans directly into your prepared Dutch oven. (If any of your canned beans come in a flavorful sauce, you can add that sauce in as well to boost the chili’s richness.)

5. Add Turkey and Aromatics: Next, carefully place your shredded smoked turkey into the Dutch oven with the beans. Then, chop your chosen onion – whether it’s a sweet yellow, pungent white, or mild red onion – and add it to the mixture. Follow with the minced garlic and diced green chiles.

6. Season to Perfection: Now comes the flavor building! Generously season the mixture with cumin, oregano, pink Himalayan salt, and ground black pepper. Add cayenne pepper according to your desired level of heat. Give everything a good stir to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the ingredients.

7. Add Liquid and Stir: Pour in enough chicken broth and water to fully cover all the ingredients in the Dutch oven. Stir thoroughly one last time, ensuring everything is well combined and submerged in the liquid.

8. Smoke the Chili (Lid Off!): Once your smoker is up to temperature and producing consistent smoke, carefully transfer the Dutch oven to the smoker grates. **Important:** For this recipe, you will NOT be using the Dutch oven lid. Leaving it uncovered allows the smoke to deeply penetrate the chili, imparting that signature smoked flavor we’re aiming for.

9. Slow Smoke to Perfection: I start by smoking the chili on the “smoke” setting for the first half-hour to maximize initial smoke absorption. Then, I increase the smoker temperature to 225 degrees Fahrenheit and allow the chili to slow smoke and cook for an additional 4 hours. This low and slow method tenderizes the ingredients and allows the flavors to truly develop and marry.

10. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chili has finished smoking and is wonderfully fragrant and tender, remove it from the smoker. Give it a final stir, and it’s ready to be served! The deep, complex flavors of this smoked turkey chili are truly a reward.

*Chef’s Tip for Thickening: If you prefer a thicker chili, you have a couple of options. About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together 1/4 cup of cornstarch with 1 cup of hot water in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly stir this slurry into the simmering chili. Alternatively, you can create a simple roux by melting equal parts butter and flour in a saucepan or microwave, then gradually stirring it into the chili until your desired consistency is achieved.

Storing Your Leftover Smoked Turkey Chili for Future Enjoyment

One of the best things about chili is how well it keeps and often tastes even better the next day! Properly storing your leftovers ensures you can savor this delicious smoked turkey chili for days or even months to come.

For immediate consumption, transfer the cooled chili into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. For longer storage, this chili freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and store in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly warm.

To maximize the freshness and flavor of your leftovers, having the right storage tools is essential. My personal preference, whenever possible, is to use a food sealer for an ultimate airtight seal, which is fantastic for freezing. If a food sealer isn’t available, high-quality airtight containers or freezer-specific Ziploc bags are excellent alternatives for both refrigeration and freezing. I also find a food scale incredibly useful for portioning out meals, making future lunches and dinners a breeze.

What to Serve with Smoked Turkey Chili: Toppings and Sides

A bowl of hearty smoked turkey chili is fantastic on its own, but it truly comes alive with the right toppings and accompaniments. These additions add texture, flavor, and a personalized touch to every serving.

• Crispy Tortilla Chips: Perfect for dipping and adding a satisfying crunch.
• Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: A classic chili topping that melts into creamy perfection.
• Saltine Crackers: A simple, nostalgic choice for crumbling into your bowl.
• Cool Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a creamy tang that balances the chili’s richness.
• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who crave extra heat, fresh or pickled jalapeños are a great addition.
• Avocado Slices or Guacamole: Creamy avocado provides a rich, cooling contrast.

Exploring Other Flavorful Chili Seasonings

While our recipe features a fantastic blend of spices, chili is incredibly versatile. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these additional seasonings to customize your smoked turkey chili to your palate:

• Chili Powder: The classic chili spice blend, offering a complex mix of heat and earthy notes.
• Turmeric: Adds a warm, slightly bitter, and earthy flavor, along with a beautiful golden hue.
• Sumac: Provides a tangy, lemony zest that brightens up the rich flavors.
• Smoked Paprika: Intensifies the smoky flavor and adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
• Johnny’s Seasoning Salt: A robust all-purpose seasoning for an extra savory kick.
• Liquid Smoke: If you’re not using a smoker, a tiny dash of liquid smoke can mimic that deep, outdoor flavor. Use sparingly!

Perfect Sides to Complement Your Turkey Chili

Beyond toppings, a great chili often calls for a satisfying side dish. Here are some fantastic options, from crusty breads to hearty vegetables, that pair wonderfully with our Dutch oven smoked turkey chili:

Breads: Warm, crusty bread is ideal for soaking up every last drop of chili. Consider Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread, Garlic Parmesan Biscuit Pull Apart Bread, English Muffin Garlic Cheese Bread, Easy Cheesy Monkey Bread, savory Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread, classic Southern Cornbread, or Jiffy Cornbread With Sour Cream.

Sides: A fresh salad or a hearty vegetable side can perfectly balance the richness of the chili. Try Cheese Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms, Smoked Baked Potatoes, a crisp Caesar Salad, Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes, a comforting Classic Smoked Green Bean Casserole, simple Roasted Broccoli, rich Grilled Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes, sweet Grilled Corn On The Cob, or savory Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus.

Discover More Pellet Smoker Recipes

If you’re as enamored with your pellet smoker as I am, there’s a world of flavor waiting to be explored! From tender meats to delectable sides, your smoker is capable of so much more than just classic BBQ. Dive into my comprehensive collection of Smoker Recipes, which covers everything from holiday hams to gourmet macaroni and cheese, and even impressive prime rib. Find your next favorite smoked dish here.

• Dutch Oven Smoker Recipes: Expand your horizons with other dishes perfect for your cast iron.
• Special Occasion and Holiday Smoker Recipes: Impress your guests with unique smoked creations.
• Smoked Side Dishes: Elevate your entire meal with smoky companions.
• Smoked Deli Salads: A surprising twist on classic salads with a hint of smoke.
• Delicious Smoked Chicken Recipes: Explore flavorful chicken dishes from your smoker.

Hearty Soups and Stews to Savor

Whether you prefer the steady simmer of a Dutch oven or the convenience of a slow cooker, soups and stews are the epitome of comfort food. And when you incorporate leftover smoked meat, you infuse them with an extraordinary depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.

• Crockpot Crawfish Chowder: A rich, creamy chowder with a kick.
• White Wine Slow Cooker Clam Chowder: An elegant take on a classic seafood soup.
• Slow Cooker Prime Rib Chili: Luxurious and hearty, perfect for prime rib leftovers.
• Smoked Turkey Dumpling Soup: A comforting and satisfying meal with tender dumplings.
• Slow Cooker Turkey Taco Soup: A zesty and flavorful soup, great for a quick weeknight meal.