How Long Does Turkey Chili Last in the Fridge? Your Guide to Proper Storage

How long does chili last in the fridge? If you are unsure about how to store leftover chili or whether your batch is still fresh, read on!

It’s chili season, everyone! Or wait, I believe that this is one of those cold-weather dishes that is “in season” all year long. Which means that I am asking myself year-round whether or not my chili has expired or whether it is ok to eat.

Inside this post, let’s answer the question: How long does chili last in the fridge?! I occasionally find myself opening the container and wondering if I should heat up a bowl or not.

Read on for my best tips about the lifespan of a batch of chili, how to tell if it has reached its expiration date and when you should (sadly) send it into your garbage disposal.

Turkey chili is a delicious, protein-packed meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Like any perishable food, however, it requires proper storage to maximize its shelf life and avoid spoilage. So how long does turkey chili last in the fridge?

The Shelf Life of Turkey Chili in the Fridge

When stored properly in the refrigerator, turkey chili will generally last 3-4 days. Here are some guidelines for fridge storage

Cooked ground turkey chili will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Turkey chili made with whole cuts of turkey rather than ground turkey may last only 1-2 days. This is because whole cuts have more surface area exposed to air, allowing bacteria to grow faster.
Don’t let turkey chili sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours before refrigerating.
Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Split into shallow containers so the chili cools faster.
Check for signs of spoilage after 3-4 days. Discard if you see mold, off-smells, or an unappetizing appearance.
Don’t rely on taste alone to check for spoilage. Even spoiled turkey chili may retain good flavor. Check the sight and smell as well.

Maximizing Fridge Life of Turkey Chili

Follow these tips to get the most fridge life out of your precious turkey chili:

Let the chili cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Covering it accelerates the cooling process.
Store turkey chili in airtight glass or plastic containers. Never use metal containers, which can cause off-flavors.
Put the date on the container so you know when 4 days have passed.
Avoid overcrowding the fridge, as this slows cooling and compromises food safety.
Keep the fridge between 34-40°F. A thermometer can help monitor the temperature.
Don’t open the fridge more than necessary. Limit exposure to warm air.
Use leftover turkey chili within 3-4 days of refrigerating. Don’t try to push it beyond that.

Freezing Turkey Chili for Long-Term Storage

Freezing is ideal for storing turkey chili for more than 4 days safely. Here are some freezer storage guidelines:

Let turkey chili cool completely before freezing. Freeze in portion-sized airtight containers.
Avoid freezing more than a 4-6 inch thickness, as very thick portions freeze too slowly, allowing bacteria growth.
Leave 1/2 inch headspace in containers, as liquids expand when frozen.
Label containers with the date and contents. Use oldest batches first when thawing.
Store frozen turkey chili at 0°F or below. Use a deep freezer rather than a fridge freezer if possible.
Frozen turkey chili keeps indefinitely, but its quality declines after 3-4 months due to moisture loss and freezer burn.
Thaw frozen turkey chili overnight in the fridge. Don’t thaw at room temperature or in hot water.
Don’t refreeze thawed turkey chili. Refreezing leads to texture and flavor changes.

Reheating and Using Leftover Turkey Chili

To safely enjoy leftover turkey chili to the last drop:

Only reheat as much turkey chili as you plan to eat. Don’t keep reheating the full batch.
Reheat turkey chili to 165°F. Bring it a rolling boil on the stovetop.
You can add a bit of water to thin out the chili if needed when reheating.
Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching on the bottom.
For extra flavor, mix in fresh chopped onion, peppers, cheese or other toppers when reheating.
Refrigerate reheated leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. Don’t reheat more than once.
Get creative with leftover turkey chili! Use it for nachos, baked potatoes, burritos, omelets and more.

Signs Your Turkey Chili Has Spoiled

Watch for these signs that your turkey chili has gone bad and needs to be discarded:

Mold growth – this could look fuzzy or slimy and indicates spoilage bacteria
Unpleasant odors – spoiled turkey chili smells rancid, rotten or sour
Change in color – it may appear more dull, grayish or brownish
Unnatural texture – could be extra slimy or crispy on the edges
Odd bubbles – bubbles or froth on the surface can mean fermentation

Don’t rely on taste or appearance alone to determine safety. When in doubt, remember the old adage – “When in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t risk food poisoning.

The Takeaway – Enjoy Turkey Chili Safely

With proper refrigeration and freezing, turkey chili can be safely enjoyed for up to 3-4 days after cooking. For long term storage, freeze turkey chili in airtight containers for up to 4-6 months. Thaw frozen chili carefully in the refrigerator before reheating and consuming. Avoid leaving turkey chili out more than 2 hours or reheating it multiple times. Follow these guidelines and your leftover turkey chili will remain delicious and safe to eat!

how long does turkey chili last in the fridge

What To Serve With Chili

Cornbread is a great option to serve alongside this comfort food. Dinner rolls and chopped salad are perfect options, as well!

Extend Shelf Life of Chili

Freeze it! Once you have let the food cool, transfer to freezer-safe bags and store in the freezer to extend the shelf life. Within 6 months, thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the microwave.
Refrigerate it! The best way to store chili is by first allowing it to cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container, ensuring the lids are secured tightly. Store in the fridge at all times for best quality.
Keep at the same temp! Moisture can collect inside the sealed container when temperature change occurs. It is a good idea to keep the temp of the entire container as consistent as possible to avoid early spoilage.
Go glass! Using a covered glass storage container instead of a plastic container is a great way to keep cooked chili as fresh as possible.
Avoid cross contamination! It is super important that you use clean utensils when scooping this soup into bowls in order to avoid cross-contamination and bacteria growth.

Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?

FAQ

Can you eat turkey chili after 5 days?

Can You Eat Chili After 5 Days? Meatless chili and opened canned chili stay safe to eat for up to 7 days in the fridge. Meat-based homemade chilis kept in the fridge only last for 3-4 days. If your chili contains meat and it’s been in the fridge for 5 days, you should discard it, even if it looks good.

Can you eat 7 day old chili?

In conclusion, while your neighbor may feel confident eating week-old chili, food safety guidelines recommend that chili be consumed within three to four days of refrigeration for maximum safety and freshness. Stretching this to ten days significantly increases the risk of foodborne illness.

How long is cooked ground turkey chili good for?

Storing & freezing tips. In the refrigerator: this healthy turkey chili will stay good in your fridge for about 1 week. Once your chili is completely cooled, just place it in an airtight container (or multiple, if you’d like to meal prep it) without the additional toppings and place it in the fridge.

How to tell if chili has gone bad?

You can see if your chili has gone bad by checking its appearance, smell and taste. If you notice that your chili has a slightly off texture or color, it has probably gone bad. Also, if you notice any signs of mold, throw it out! Also, if you notice any unusual oder that smells off, I would get rid of it.

How long does Turkey chili last in the fridge?

Properly stored turkey chili can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. To store it correctly, simply let it cool until it reaches room temperature, then pour it into a well-sealed glass container and place it in the fridge. Turkey chili can be frozen for up to 3 months.

How long does leftover chili last?

To store leftover chili, it is easiest to place it in the fridge. It can last between 3 and 4 days in the fridge without any harm. After this, you would be advised to discard it as bacteria may have accumulated to a level that is potentially harmful. Canned chili is made with preservation in mind, which means it has preservatives in it.

How long does Chili last in the fridge?

Here’s what you need to know. Chili can last for up to four days in the fridge. Always refrigerate leftover chili within two hours to prevent bacterial growth. Check chili’s texture, smell, and taste before eating it to ensure it hasn’t gone bad. Generally speaking, cooked and uncooked chili can last up to 4 days in the fridge.

Can you freeze Turkey chili?

Can I Freeze Turkey Chili? Yes, turkey chili with beans freezes incredibly well. To freeze this chili, let it cool to room temperature before ladling it into freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready to eat the frozen chili, either reheat it on the stove or place it in the fridge overnight to thaw.