Instant Pot Turkey Chili

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This Instant Pot Turkey Chili is just the stuff to warm you up this winter season. Packed with spicy Andouille sausage, chunks of juicy turkey, corn, green chilies and Fritos, this easy turkey chili is the perfect way to use up that leftover turkey!

This recipe was originally published in November 2018. It has been updated for content and photos. 

Chili is literally one of the best winter time comfort foods. Meaty, spicy, and packed with Cajun flavor, this Instant Pot Turkey Chili is also super easy to make. Because the Instant Pot makes meals just so quick and easy.

Don't have an Instant Pot yet? Decide if it's for you in this full Instant Pot Review. If it's not, try this Crockpot Turkey Chili from Live Well Bake Often, or this stovetop Turkey Chili Recipe from Kristine's Kitchen Blog

Have a crap ton of leftover turkey from your Thanksgiving dinner? Make this amazing turkey chili.

No leftovers? That's ok, I promise you still want to make this chili. You can use any kind of turkey (or chicken really) in this turkey chili recipe.

Not only is it incredibly flavorful on it's own, but is just droolworthy with some gooey cheddar cheese, a big spoon of sour cream and a handful of salty, crunchy Fritos. Yes Fritos. It's awesome. The best turkey chili ever. Seriously.

**If chili is your thing, try out this Instant Pot Spicy Beef and Poblano Chili - it's absolutely incredible and perfect for cool weather**

The Ingredients

Turkey, obviously, is the first ingredient. This is an absolutely awesome way to use up some of that leftover turkey from the holidays, but can also be made with store bough diced turkey breast or ground turkey. If you're making it with ground turkey, brown the turkey first.

Andouille sausage is another key ingredient. It adds a spicy, smoky, just mouthwateringly delicious flavor to the chili. Andouille sausage can be found in most grocery stores with the other smoked sausages.

If you can't find Andouille sausage, you can substitute it with any smoked sausage.

The beer is optional in the recipe but highly recommended. It helps to tenderize all the meat so you get that smooth mouth feel when eating the chili.

The recipe call for using turkey stock, but chicken stock can also be substituted. I have also made this with turkey bone broth and it adds a delicious rich component to the chili.

Learn how to make Turkey Bone Broth. I highlight recommend the bone broth if you have it.

For the best results, make your own Cajun seasoning. It has the most incredible flavor!

The other ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery, or you can buy some of them through the below Amazon links to save time (affiliate links):

• Chili beans
• Onions
• Green pepper
• Crushed tomatoes
• Diced green chilies
• Canned corn
• Tomato paste
• Turkey stock
• Beer
• Bay leaves
•  
• Coconut sugar
• Cayenne pepper
• Cinnamon
• Chili powder
• Fritos
• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese

Why This Recipe Works

1. Browning the Andouille sausage adds an extra layer of flavor to the chili;
2. The Fritos add the perfect salty crunch, and the sour cream is nice and tangy;
3. The chili cooks for only a short time in the Instant Pot, making it a perfect quick and easy weeknight meal that everyone is sure to love;
4. Its amazing as leftovers...even better than the first day.

Step By Step Instructions

Turn the Instant Pot to the saute setting and brown the Andouille sausage. Add the remaining ingredients and pressure cook on high for 20 minutes. If you're using ground turkey, brown it with the Andouille sausage.

Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then use the manual release for the remaining pressure.

Serve the chili in bowls with 1-2 tbsp. of sour cream, ¼ cup cheddar cheese, ¼ cup Fritos and garnish with chives.

This chili is great the first day, but even better the second day. It would be amazing made a day in advance so the flavors really have time to meld and the chili thickens nicely.

Expert Tips

1. Ground turkey can be used in place of diced turkey. If using ground turkey, brown it in the Instant Pot with the Andouille sausage. Then follow the remaining recipe instructions.
2. If you can't find Andouille sausage, you can substitute it with any smoked sausage
3. The beer is optional but highly recommended. It helps to tenderize the meat, giving the chili an amazing smooth mouth texture.
4. The recipe calls for turkey stock, but bone broth can be substituted for an even richer flavor. I love using bone broth if I have it.
5. This chili is best served with healthy amounts of sour cream. Start with a smaller amount (1 tbsp) and work your way up to get the best flavor. Same goes for the cheddar cheese.
6. Add additional cayenne pepper and/or chili powder for a spicier chili. The recipe as-is is not very spicy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Chili Take in the Instant Pot?

Twenty minutes. Yes, that's right. This turkey chili only takes 20 minutes to cook in the Instant Pot.

Storing Options

Store turkey chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove top over medium heat, stirring until warmed through. Add additional stock if the chili is too thick.

Freezing Options

Yes it can. Place the turkey in an airtight container and freeze for up to 6 months. I recommend freezing in individual servings if you plan to eat it for several meals. Thaw it out in the fridge overnight then reheat in the microwave or on the stove top over medium heat, stirring until warmed through.

Is Turkey Chili Healthy?

Turkey chili is healthier than it's beef counterpart due to the lower fat content in turkey. While this turkey chili is packed full of protein, it also has a high sodium content (because salt=deliciousness) and a slightly elevated amount of cholesterol due to the use of Andouille sausage in the recipe. While a healthier alternative to beef chili, this should not be considered a health food.

Serving Options

This Instant Pot turkey chili is amazing by itself, it's also pretty damn good served with some of these side dishes to make a whole meal!

Cheesy Sausage Hush Puppies from Went Here 8 This
Skillet Jalapeno Cornbread from the Chunky Chef
Perfect Homemade Biscuits from Mom on Timeout
Favorite Green Salad from Cookie and Kate
Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Salad from Pinch of Yum
Crunchy Beet Carrot Slaw from A Spicy Perspective
Crispy Baked Parmesan Crusted Squash from Went Here 8 This

Tools Used

- 9-in-1 6 Quart Instant Pot
- Wooden spoons
- Ladle

More Ideas for Thanksgiving Leftovers

• Turkey and Dumplings;
• Stuffing Balls;
• Turkey Pot Pie;
• Mashed Potato Dumplings;
• Bechamel Lasagna with Turkey;
• Turkey Crescent Rolls.

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Did you make this Instant Pot Turkey Chili? Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out!