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Home » Chicken

by Traci · Published: 11/27/2021 · Updated: 11/27/2021 · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

40 Leftover Turkey Recipes: What To Do With Leftover Turkey

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40 Leftover Turkey Recipes - Do you know what to do with leftover roast turkey or air fried turkey after your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast is over? Today, we're talking about how to store leftover turkey and what to do with overcooked turkey. We're featuring 40 easy leftover turkey recipes from our food blogging friends so you can put your leftovers to work for you. The recipes include casseroles, soups, sandwiches, sides, and salads. Some are traditional and some are really creative, so there's something for everyone in this post-holiday recipe collection.

4 up image of leftover turkey recipes with title text overlay
Table of Contents hide
1) How to store leftover turkey
2) What to do with overcooked turkey
3) Tips for using leftover turkey in recipes
4) 40 Leftover Turkey Recipes: What To Do With Leftover Turkey

How to store leftover turkey

These are the most common ways we use to store leftover turkey (or cooked chicken) in the refrigerator and freezer:

  1. In glass meal prep containers with locking lids (see image below)
    • refrigerate up to 5 days
    • freeze up to 3 months
  2. In silicone storage bags or zip-top freezer bags
    • refrigerate up to 5 days
    • freeze up to 1 month
  3. In plastic deli rounds or containers
    • refrigerate up to 5 days
    • freeze up to 1 month
  4. In vacuum-sealed storage bags
    • freeze up to 3 months

I swear by these glass meal prep containers and vacuum-sealer methods keep my food fresh to the fullest extent. The only downside is that the glass containers are heavier than the other options, but they tend to last the longest and are the most convenient to wash. A vacuum sealer isn't cheap, but it pays for itself over time with food that can be frozen.

shredded chicken breast or turkey breast in glass meal prep container on grey background
Store cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken in glass meal prep container

What to do with overcooked turkey

You can try to mask the dryness of overcooked turkey by smothering it in gravy (been there), or adding it to a casserole or soup or salad (done that).

But, let's be honest...once turkey is overcooked, it will never make a tasty comeback. Repeat after me..."bye Felicia!"

That's it. I don't try to repurpose it and cover up the dryness. I throw it away or feed it to the neighbor dog, maybe. Nobody wants seconds of super dry turkey and holiday dinner, so why would they try to choke it down otherwise.

Tips for using leftover turkey in recipes

Assuming you are left with a big stash of perfectly cooked turkey, check out these tips that you'll need if you're repurposing it.

Timing is EVERYTHING: If I'm not planning to freeze cooked turkey meat for later use, I'm nothing short of OCD about getting it into a recipe ASAP.

The reason for this...cooked turkey is perishable and needs to be eaten anywhere from 3-6 days from the day it was first cooked. This means I need to get the leftover turkey into the casserole, or soup, or whatever I'm making within 2 days, preferably 1 day, and then eat that item within another 2 days.

Dry turkey: As I mentioned above, if your Thanksgiving turkey was overcooked and you're trying to cover it up by turning it into something else...don't. Cut your losses and pick up a rotisserie chicken from the market, or order takeout.

Substitute rotisserie chicken: You can easily swap storebought rotisserie chicken for cooked turkey in every one of these leftover turkey recipes.

40 Leftover Turkey Recipes: What To Do With Leftover Turkey

Turkey Stock or Broth

How to make turkey stock with leftover turkey bones, vegetables, and herbs. This savory "liquid gold" can be used as turkey broth for soup, gravy, or any recipes requiring turkey stock or broth.

Leftover Turkey Shepherd's Pie [or Chicken]

Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a veggie-loaded turkey casserole. It's made with a creamy, mashed potato topping, which makes it gluten-free and irresistible. Use leftover turkey from a holiday meal or store-bought rotisserie chicken for this easy shepherd's pie recipe!

Photo Credit: fussfreeflavours.com

Leftover Roast Turkey Curry – a Comforting Meal!

This easy Leftover Turkey Curry recipe is simple, delicious and the perfect way to use up leftover turkey. This fuss-free British curry uses no special ingredients and can be on the table in less than half an hour.  Adaptable and easy to pack with vegetables for a healthy boost. 

Photo Credit: www.ketocookingwins.com

Mexican Turkey Soup Recipe

This Mexican Turkey Soup Recipe is a genius use of leftover turkey, and with big, bold, and bright flavors, you can double it and freeze some for later!

One Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice

Here's a 30-minute stovetop meal made with rotisserie chicken breast or leftover turkey, fresh broccoli, white rice, and a few pantry ingredients. It’s family-friendly and a great way to make a meal out of rotisserie chicken breast, right in one skillet!

Photo Credit: www.queensleeappetit.com

Cranberry BBQ Turkey Pizza ~ Recipe

Cranberry BBQ Turkey Pizza — Thick homemade pizza crust topped with sweet homemade cranberry bbq sauce, roasted turkey, red onions, bacon, cilantro and two different cheeses! This is the perfect use for all that leftover Thanksgiving turkey!

Photo Credit: littlesunnykitchen.com

Turkey Sliders

Warm and cheesy turkey sliders made from leftover turkey meat. They’re bursting with flavor and so easy to make to feed a crowd!

Photo Credit: www.fabfood4all.co.uk

Sumptuous Turkey Pie

This Sumptuous Turkey Pie will use up your leftover turkey, Bacon and cream. Added to those are leeks, mushrooms and puff pastry, pies don't get better than this!

Photo Credit: www.beyondthechickencoop.com

Turkey Tortilla Soup

Turkey tortilla soup is a delicious soup made with leftover turkey, black beans and corn.

Photo Credit: savoringtoday.com

Skillet Turkey Pot Pie with Buttermilk Biscuits

Skillet Turkey Pot Pie with Buttermilk Biscuits is an easy, one-pot dinner to use up rotisserie chicken or turkey leftovers. Bake up fresh whole wheat buttermilk biscuits while the creamy turkey pot pie filling simmers on the stove.

Photo Credit: stripedspatula.com

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini

This Turkey Tetrazzini with a rich Parmesan cream sauce is an easy way to turn leftover turkey into a cozy comfort food dinner.

Photo Credit: thetoastykitchen.com

Leftover Turkey Alfredo Skillet Meal

Leftover Turkey Alfredo Skillet Meal is the answer for your Post-Thanksgiving leftovers. Turkey, bacon, peas, and penne pasta are coated in a creamy alfredo sauce. Made in a single pan and ready in 30 minutes.

Photo Credit: www.earthfoodandfire.com

Leftover Turkey & Wild Rice Soup

The easiest way to use up leftover turkey meat, this simple soup is hearty, healthy, and best of all delicious!

Photo Credit: www.carolinescooking.com

Thai red curry (perfect for leftovers)

This delicious Thai red curry is made with a quick homemade paste from scratch for a fantastic bold flavor. Plus it’s a great way to use leftover meat.

Photo Credit: girlheartfood.com

Turkey Pasta Bake {delicious leftover turkey idea!}

Made in one pot using leftover turkey, this turkey pasta bake is easy, cheesy and delicious.

Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Soup is made with rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey, pesto, gnocchi, fresh spinach, and chicken broth. It relies on prepared ingredients and requires minimal cooking skills. Add this soup to your collection of rotisserie chicken recipes for easy weeknight dinners!

Photo Credit: www.therusticfoodie.com

Turkey Stew

This Turkey Stew recipe is made from scratch with potatoes and vegetables. It’s hearty and a great way to use up leftover turkey. Rustic and comforting!

Photo Credit: lowcarbyum.com

Leftover Turkey Stew in the Slow Cooker Crock Pot

A simple and easy to whip up Leftover Turkey Stew that’s done in a slow cooker! It’s low carb and gluten-free.

Photo Credit: anitalianinmykitchen.com

Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

This homemade Turkey Pot Pie can even be made with leftover turkey or chicken. A creamy delicious filling topped with puff pastry. Pot Pie never tasted so good!

Photo Credit: www.babaganosh.org

Leftover Turkey Quesadillas with Black Beans

Put that leftover turkey to good use and make these Leftover Turkey Quesadillas with Black Beans. If you've never added black beans to a quesadilla, you've GOT to try this recipe, it's so good!

Photo Credit: cheesecurdinparadise.com

Cheesy Broccoli, Turkey, and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli, Turkey, and Rice Casserole is a simple way to use holiday leftovers! Creamy and rich this casserole is packed with fresh broccoli, chopped turkey, and brown rice. A new post-holiday family favorite!

Photo Credit: www.healthy-delicious.com

Cajun Turkey Casserole (Low Carb + Gluten-Free)

Low carb turkey casserole, made with cauliflower rice, green beans, and cheddar cheese can be on the table in under 45 minutes. It’s the PERFECT way to use up your leftover holiday, but you can easily make it with rotisserie chicken any time of year.

Basil Chicken Tetrazzini is a scrumptious, veggie loaded entree that puts your leftover chicken or turkey to good use. This entree is gluten-free and utterly delicious!

Photo Credit: cookingchatfood.com

Orzo with Leftover Turkey and Sweet Potatoes #SundaySupper

Sweet potatoes combined with savory turkey and cheese in a delicious orzo pasta dish. A wonderfully delicious way to use that leftover turkey

Photo Credit: www.supergoldenbakes.com

One-pot Leftover Turkey Orzo Pasta | Slimming Friendly - Supergolden Bakes

This creamy one-pot orzo pasta recipe is great for using up leftover Thanksgiving/ Christmas turkey. It is quick, easy, delicious AND slimming friendly too!

Photo Credit: foodmeanderings.com

Weight Watchers Turkey Reuben Sandwich

This Turkey Reuben Panini is Weight Watchers friendly at only 6 WW freestyle smart points (blue plan) and can be made with leftover turkey or deli turkey meat

Photo Credit: simplysohealthy.com

Low-Carb Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe

This recipe for Leftover Turkey Casserole transforms turkey into pure comfort food!

Photo Credit: www.simplystacie.net

Turkey Thai Curry

Turkey Thai Curry - A brilliant way to use up your Christmas leftovers! Get dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes.

Photo Credit: blessherheartyall.com

Thanksgiving Leftovers Turkey Nachos

Thanksgiving leftovers are so quick and easy to put together and serve while watching all those football games and during all of the family activities this Thanksgiving weekend.  These turkey nachos turn your leftover turkey stash into a cheesy, crunchy, spicy, gluten-free party food that will be scooped up in seconds!

Photo Credit: www.foodabovegold.com

Leftover Turkey Skillet Pot Pie

This slightly creamy leftover turkey pot pie recipe is made in a cast iron pan to keep things simple. Bursting with gourmet flavors and crisp vegetables, this pot pie recipe is ultimate comfort food.

Photo Credit: www.sprinklesandsprouts.com

Turkey Ramen - Using Leftovers

If you are searching for what to do with thanksgiving leftovers then search no further, this turkey ramen is the ultimate leftover turkey soup! The turkey is poached in a delicious and easy stock, which with a few additions turns into the wonderful broth for this simple homemade ramen. You can up the chili and make it spicy and even use two minute instant noodles. A great alternative to chicken ramen and just perfect for holiday leftovers.

Photo Credit: theadventurebite.com

Creamy Turkey & Dumplings (With The Best Dumplings Ever)

Turkey and dumplings is the perfect winter supper and the perfect use for leftover turkey. We tested and tested to find the best dumplings ever!  1 hour weeknight simple recipe for a warm cozy dinner.

Photo Credit: www.goodlifeeats.com

Green Chile Turkey Tetrazzini

Green Chile Turkey Tetrazzini takes this traditional turkey leftover recipe to the next level. This turkey casserole is loaded with flavor thanks to the addition of green chiles, poblano peppers, and spicy pepper jack cheese.

Photo Credit: www.savorynothings.com

Instant Pot Turkey and Rice Soup

This is one of my favorite ways to use up leftovers from a big dinner - a quick and easy soup full of healthy ingredients! It turns out wonderfully creamy and comforting.

Photo Credit: berrymaple.com

Leftover turkey soup

Rich flavorful turkey leftover soup from carcass. With homemade shredded turkey, vegetables and noodles, this soup is healthy and will feed your whole family!

Photo Credit: freshaprilflours.com

Baked Turkey & Cheese Sliders

Easy turkey and cheese sliders baked in a honey mustard glaze. The simplicity in this recipe is that once your glaze is together, you just layer your slider bottoms, mayo, turkey, cheese, and slider tops in a casserole dish and cover everything with the glaze. Bake and boom, dinner is ready in less than 30 minutes!

Photo Credit: hearthandvine.com

Leftover Turkey Casserole With Fresh Peas & Mushrooms

This leftover turkey casserole recipe is the perfect way to use up your holiday extras with a few fresh partners mixed in.

Photo Credit: www.savorywithsoul.com

Turkey Salad Recipe with Cranberries

This turkey salad recipe is so flavorful, colorful, and delicious! And it makes great use of your leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or any other occasion.

More Chicken Recipes

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  • Instant Pot Whole Chicken
  • Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili
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Comments

  1. Jane says

    November 27, 2020 at 4:48 pm

    What a wonderful collection of recipes Traci, everyone would love every one of them!! Thanks for including my Basil Tetrazzini, one of our favorite spins on the classic!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      November 27, 2020 at 9:07 pm

      Thanks, Jane! So happy to include yours! It sounds delish 🙂

  2. Dedra | Queenslee Appétit says

    December 28, 2019 at 2:34 pm

    Thanks for the helpful tips, and for including me in the list! All of these recipes look amazing!

    Reply
    • Traci Antonovich says

      December 28, 2019 at 7:58 pm

      Thanks, Dedra...you're so welcome! Thanks for contributing 😉

  3. Patti says

    December 28, 2019 at 11:19 am

    What a great list. There’s something here for everyone. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Traci Antonovich says

      December 28, 2019 at 7:59 pm

      Thanks, Patti...exactly my thoughts too 🙂

  4. Caroline says

    December 28, 2019 at 9:38 am

    What a delicious looking collection of ideas - it makes you almost want more leftovers! Thanks for including my Thai red curry 🙂

    Reply
    • Traci Antonovich says

      December 28, 2019 at 11:18 am

      You're so welcome, Caroline 🙂 Cheers!

  5. CAMILLA HAWKINS says

    December 28, 2019 at 9:35 am

    What a delicious mix of turkey recipes, have to try some of these! Thanks for including my pie:-)

    Reply
    • Traci Antonovich says

      December 28, 2019 at 11:18 am

      You're so welcome, Camilla 🙂 Cheers!

  6. Nora from Savory Nothings says

    December 28, 2019 at 8:38 am

    Such great ideas! And thank you for including my soup

    Reply
    • Traci Antonovich says

      December 28, 2019 at 8:41 am

      You're so welcome...looks delish! Thanks for contributing your recipe 🙂

  7. Annissa says

    December 28, 2019 at 8:21 am

    What a wonderful selection of recipes for leftover turkey! Great ideas to transform that bird into entirely different meals! Pinning for later!

    Reply
    • Traci Antonovich says

      December 28, 2019 at 8:25 am

      Thanks, Annissa. Glad to have you contribute your recipe too 🙂

  8. Judy says

    December 28, 2019 at 7:18 am

    Love all the helpful tips you include! What a great line up of recipes!

    Reply
    • Traci Antonovich says

      December 28, 2019 at 7:24 am

      Thanks Judy! Yours looks delish! 🙂

  9. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

    December 28, 2019 at 6:46 am

    I love turkey leftovers just as much (or more) than the original meal so I'm totally swooning over all these delicious recipes, Traci!! So many different options and I want to try 'em all! Thanks a million for including my pasta bake 🙂 Much appreciated!

    Reply
    • Traci Antonovich says

      December 28, 2019 at 6:59 am

      You're SO welcome, Dawn...that pasta bake is gorgeous! 🙂

  10. Terri says

    December 28, 2019 at 6:46 am

    So many great ideas here!!! Thanks for sharing my Turkey Reuben!

    Reply
    • Traci Antonovich says

      December 28, 2019 at 6:58 am

      You're so welcome...I WANT that sandwich!

  11. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says

    December 28, 2019 at 6:45 am

    This is a great collection of recipes! I always make a huge turkey and then try to find ways to use it up. My family won't get tired of turkey leftovers this year! 🙂

    Reply
    • Traci Antonovich says

      December 28, 2019 at 6:58 am

      Thanks Kathy! Haha yep, no shortage of great ideas here 🙂 Thanks for contributing!

  12. Lynn @ Fresh April Flours says

    December 28, 2019 at 6:41 am

    Great tips and great ideas! Thanks for including mine!

    Reply
    • Traci Antonovich says

      December 28, 2019 at 6:43 am

      You're so welcome! I want every one of these dishes LOL 🙂

    • Michelle says

      December 28, 2019 at 6:51 am

      This is a goooood list! Yummm!

    • Traci Antonovich says

      December 28, 2019 at 7:00 am

      Thanks Michelle...your sliders are gorgeous! 🙂

  13. Jenn says

    December 28, 2019 at 6:40 am

    What a great looking collection of recipes! Now I want to roast some turkey just to have leftovers to make some of these!

    Reply
    • Traci Antonovich says

      December 28, 2019 at 6:43 am

      Oh I am right there with you, Jenn! Cravvvvvving turkey 🙂

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