13 leftover turkey recipes to use up that leftover turkey after the big meal. Great recipes to turn leftovers into new, delicious dinners.
A big turkey dinner is special for a reason: it’s generous, comforting, and usually a rare treat. What I love just as much is the challenge — and pleasure — of turning the leftovers into fresh meals. Buying a large bird means you can extend the celebration, but only if you use those leftovers in appealing ways. Nobody wants to eat the same sandwich three nights in a row.
Leftover turkey is versatile and already cooked, which makes it one of the easiest proteins to work with. With a few simple swaps or small additions, turkey can become soups, pastas, sliders, stir-fries and more. Below are 13 of our favourite recipes that take cooked turkey and make it feel new again. Most recipes originally use chicken—just substitute chopped or shredded cooked turkey and skip any step that calls for cooking raw poultry.
13 Leftover Turkey Recipes
Delicious, easy ways to transform leftover turkey into satisfying new meals — from soups and pizzas to salads and sliders.
Chicken Pot Pie
A classic comfort food updated with leftover turkey. A flaky crust and a creamy, vegetable-studded filling make this an ideal way to stretch cooked meat into a hearty dinner.
One Pot Turkey Mushroom Tortellini
Tender cheese tortellini in a silky, garlicky white sauce with mushrooms and shredded turkey. Ready in about 30 minutes and perfect for a busy weeknight.
30 Minute Chicken Noodle Soup
A quick, soothing soup that welcomes shredded turkey as easily as chicken. Bright aromatics, plenty of noodles and a simple stock make it a family favorite.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Turn turkey into a spicy, tangy pizza topping with buffalo sauce, melted cheese and a crisp crust. A fun way to swap out traditional poultry options.
Chicken Corn Chowder
A creamy, veggie-packed chowder that welcomes shredded turkey. Make it on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker for easy hands-off comfort.
Thai Chicken and Vegetable Soup
A bright, aromatic soup with ginger, lime and coconut-inspired flavors. Swap in turkey for a lighter twist and add fresh vegetables for balance.
Creamy One Pot Turkey and Rice
A one-pot supper that combines tender rice, vegetables and shredded turkey in a creamy, comforting sauce—fast to make and easy to customize.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
All the flavors of pot pie in a spoonable form. Thick, savory and satisfying, this soup is an excellent way to use chopped turkey and pantry staples.
Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
A bold, family-friendly soup that blends beans, corn, tomatoes and spices. Add shredded turkey instead of raw poultry for an effortless, flavor-packed meal.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls
Handheld and satisfying, these rolls are stuffed with spicy buffalo sauce, cheese and chopped turkey. Great for game day or a make-ahead lunch.
Greek Pasta Salad
A bright pasta salad with olives, cucumber, tomatoes and feta. Toss in chopped turkey for extra protein and a more substantial side or main dish.
Pesto Chicken Pull Apart Sliders
Soft rolls layered with pesto, melted cheese and shredded turkey make a simple, crowd-pleasing sandwich. Leftovers reheat beautifully for an easy next-day lunch.
Peanut Chicken Stir Fry
A colorful stir fry with crisp vegetables and a tangy homemade peanut sauce. Substitute turkey for chicken to make a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner.