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Packed with flavor without being too spicy, this slow cooker BBQ turkey chili is like a cross between southwest-style chili and sloppy joes. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready with minimal effort.
I love that this recipe uses convenient, no-prep ingredients—you don’t even have to chop an onion! That makes it a great option when I am feeling short on time (or motivation) but still want a satisfying home-cooked meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- WW friendly – each serving is lower in calories and Points but still filling and flavorful.
- Minimal prep – no chopping required, just a few cans and pantry staples.
- Hearty and comforting – tastes like a cross between chili and sloppy joes, perfect for fall and winter.
- Family approved – the smoky-sweet barbecue flavor is a crowd pleaser.
- Leftover friendly – tastes even better the next day for lunch.
Recipe Ingredients
- Uncooked ground turkey or chicken sausage – Ground turkey is a lean protein that helps keep the chili lower in calories and fat compared to traditional beef. Chicken or turkey sausage can be another great lean option, adding flavor with fewer Points.
- Taco seasoning – This pre-mixed blend of spices usually includes chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. It adds a deep, flavorful kick to your chili without too many Points. If you’re watching sodium, you could choose a low-sodium version or make your own.
- Canned cushed tomatoes – add a rich, tangy base to the chili. Crushed tomatoes are low in calories and WW Points, and their acidity balances out the sweetness from the barbecue sauce (affiliate link) and corn. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
- Canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained – an excellent source of fiber and protein, which make the chili more filling without adding many Points. They also bring a slightly creamy texture. Substitute canned pinto beans or chickpeas if you prefer.
- Barbecue sauce (affiliate link) – A key ingredient for flavor! While some barbecue sauces can be high in sugar, opting for a sugar-free or low-sugar BBQ sauce helps keep the WW Points low while still adding that sweet and smoky flavor.
- Canned corn, drained – a good source of fiber and nutrients, the corn also adds a touch of sweetness, color and crunch to this chili. You could use frozen or fresh corn if you prefer.
How Many Calories and WW Points in Slow Cooker BBQ Turkey Chili?
According to my calculations, each serving has about :
- Calories: 288
- WW Points: 6
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on your smartphone or tablet.) - Old WW Points: 7 PointsPlus
How To Make Slow Cooker BBQ Turkey Chili
Step 1: Prep the meat
If using sausage links, remove the casings. In a skillet over medium heat, cook turkey or sausage with taco seasoning, breaking it up with a spoon until browned, about 7 minutes.
Step 2: Load the slow cooker
Transfer the cooked meat to your slow cooker. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, barbecue sauce, and corn.
Step 3: Slow cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, until the flavors have melded together and the turkey is tender.
Step 4: Finish and serve
Skim off any excess fat from the surface. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with your favorite chili garnishes.
Variations
- Sauce swap – try honey BBQ or spicy BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Different protein – swap ground turkey for lean chicken or ground beef.
- Vegetarian – skip the meat and double the beans, or use meatless crumbles.
- Spicier – add cayenne, chipotle chili powder, or diced jalapeños.
- Beans – pinto beans, black beans, or chickpeas all work well.
Serving Suggestions
This BBQ turkey chili is hearty enough to serve as a main course, but it pairs well with:
- Corn muffins or cornbread
- A crisp green salad
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Classic chili garnishes like shredded cheese, chopped green onions, cilantro, or a dollop of Greek yogurt
Leftovers reheat beautifully and can also be spooned over baked potatoes for a quick meal.
If you’ve made this Crock Pot BBQ Turkey Chili, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked turkey or chicken sausage
- 1/2 packet (1-ounce) taco seasoning
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 to 15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 can (14 to 15 ounces) corn, drained
Instructions
- Ideal slow cooker size: 4-Quart.
- If you have sausage links, cut open the casings to remove the sausage and discard the casings.
- In a large skillet (affiliate link) set over medium heat add the turkey sausage and taco seasoning. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until sausage browns and is no longer pink, about 7 minutes.
- Transfer cooked meat to your slow cooker.
- Add the tomatoes, beans, barbecue sauce and corn.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, until the turkey sausage is tender.
- Using a large spoon, skim off any excess fat that has accumulated on the surface of the chili.
- Stir and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve with your favorite chili garnishes.
Notes
(You most be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 7 PointsPlus (Old plan) I made a few changes to the original recipe. It called for ground turkey, but turkey sausage was on special the day I shopped, so I used it instead. And I cut the recipe in half, which still made 7 generous cups. Served with corn muffins and a few of our favorite chili garnishes, this easy slow cooker BBQ turkey chili made a satisfying supper we both really enjoyed. And the leftovers make a great quick and easy lunch. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe Source: Adapted from Slow Cooker Revolution Volume 2 (affiliate link) by America’s Test Kitchen.
More Easy Healthy Chili Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this BBQ turkey chili, you might also like some of my other WW-friendly chili recipes:
- My Slow Cooker 3-Bean Turkey Sausage Chili is hearty, flavorful, and freezer-friendly — perfect for busy weeks.
- For a lighter twist, my Slow Cooker Turkey Green Chile Chowder brings a creamy, mildly spicy Southwest flair.
- If you’re craving something fun, try my Skinny Pepperoni Pizza Chili, which tastes like pizza in a bowl.
- Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best — these 3-Ingredient Sloppy Joes make weeknight dinners effortless.
- For a vegetarian option, my WW Slow Cooker Lentil Chili is full of protein, fiber, and flavor.
And here’s My Easy WW Dinner Ideas Meal Plan featuring this Easy CrockPot BBQ Turkey Chili
Discover More WW-Friendly Recipes
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This is delicious! I made some of the WW Cornbread and the combination is so satisfying.
Great Recipe!! I did Add a onion and pepper too!!
My husband loves tacos so this was a big hit in our house.
It’s worth dicing half an onion, a bell pepper, and a couple cloves of garlic and sauteing them after you cook the meat.
Improves the taste and adds fresh veggies, which the original recipe lacks. Always aim for fresh veggies with every meal!!
Cannot wait to try this! Thanks for sharing such great looking recipes.
We really like it Mary. Hope you do too!!