After Thanksgiving, leftover turkey often gets overlooked in the fridge. But instead of the same reheated turkey meals, why not reinvent your leftovers in creative and flavorful ways? These recipes, originally made with chicken, work just as beautifully with shredded turkey. From casseroles to sandwiches and soups, you can turn your turkey leftovers into dishes so tasty no one will guess you swapped it for chicken.
Reinventing your leftover turkey in these recipes will keep your post-Thanksgiving meals exciting and delicious. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something creative, these dishes are proof that turkey can do it all. Try one (or all) of these ideas to make the most of your holiday leftovers!
Easy Recipes to Swap Shredded Chicken for Turkey
1. Turkey Stuffing Casserole
This comforting casserole combines shredded poultry with stuffing for the ultimate post-Thanksgiving dish. Mix your leftover chicken or turkey with a savory stuffing base and creamy sauce, and bake it to golden perfection. It’s the ideal way to bring your holiday leftovers to life.
Need a quick 30-minute dinner idea? You’ll love this stuffing casserole bake recipe with creamy mushroom sauce and savory stovetop stuffing.
2. Crockpot Honey Mustard Turkey
Swap chicken for shredded turkey in this easy crockpot honey mustard recipe. The sweet and tangy flavors pair wonderfully with turkey, creating a meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over rice or with roasted veggies for a wholesome dinner.
Make dinner easy with this recipe. Enjoy the flavors of mustard, honey, and garlic with minimal prep and cleanup.
3. Turkey Club Sandwich
Upgrade your sandwiches with a club-style twist. Layer leftover shredded turkey or chicken with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and your favorite cheese on toasted bread. Add a touch of mayo or honey mustard for an easy and tasty lunch or dinner.
This club sandwich is the perfect combination of deli meat and fresh veggies. Make this classic chicken sandwich recipe for lunch today!
4. Buffalo Turkey Bombs
These buffalo bombs are a delicious way to use turkey in place of chicken. Wrap shredded poultry mixed with buffalo sauce and cheese inside dough, then bake until golden and gooey. These are great for game day or an easy appetizer.
Crispy and cheesy, these buffalo biscuit bombs are a quick and easy 5-ingredient dinner perfect for busy weeknights or after-school snacks.
5. Turkey Tater Tot Casserole
Turn shredded turkey into a hearty tater tot casserole. Combine shredded poultry with a creamy base, top it with crispy tater tots, and bake until bubbly. This dish is comforting, simple, and perfect for using up those holiday leftovers.
Hearty and comforting, this casserole is a perfect way to use up leftovers from Thanksgiving for a delicious family meal.
6. Shredded BBQ Turkey Sliders
Toss your turkey in BBQ sauce and serve it on slider buns with coleslaw for a flavorful twist on BBQ chicken sliders. These sliders make a great snack, appetizer, or easy dinner option.
BBQ sliders slathered in homemade sauce are the best summer meal ever! Use your leftover turkey to make them easily.
7. Street Tacos with Turkey
Turkey makes a delicious substitute for chicken in these street tacos. Sauté shredded poultry with your favorite taco spices, then serve it on warm tortillas with fresh toppings like cilantro, onion, and lime. It’s a fun way to reinvent your leftovers.
Street tacos are easy to make for a 30-minute dinner any night of the week! Give your leftover poultry new life with this street taco recipe!
8. Bisquick Turkey Pot Pie
Transform shredded turkey into a comforting pot pie using Bisquick for an easy crust. We mix the shredded poultry with a creamy filling of veggies and sauce, then top it with an Bisquick batter for a quick weeknight meal.
Bisquick pot pie is a quick, easy, and delicious comfort food. Perfect for leftovers from Thanksgiving.
9. Buffalo Turkey Wontons
For a fun appetizer, stuff wonton wrappers with shredded turkey mixed with buffalo sauce and cream cheese. Baked until crispy, and served with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, this is an appetizer or easy dinner everyone will love!
These buffalo wonton cups are super easy to make and the perfect mix of crispy, spicy, and cheesy that everyone will love!
Tips on How to Use Leftover Turkey
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
Using shredded turkey in recipes:
- Flavor Boost: Turkey can have a slightly different texture and flavor than chicken, so consider adding extra seasoning or sauces for balance.
- Moisture Matters: If your poultry feels dry, toss it in a bit of broth, sauce, or butter before adding it to the recipe.
- Cut to Fit: If the poultry pieces are too large, chop or shred them finer to mimic the texture of chicken.
10. Instant Pot Turkey Tortilla Soup
Shredded turkey works perfectly in this tortilla soup. The poultry soaks up the flavorful broth, spices, and toppings like avocado, cheese, and crispy tortilla strips, creating a warm and comforting soup.
Craving a comforting soup? This easy tortilla soup recipe is loaded with vegetables and leftover turkey. Perfect for a cozy night in!
11. Turkey Fried Rice
Use your turkey to create a quick and delicious fried rice dish on the Blackstone or stovetop. Toss shredded the meat with rice, veggies, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a flavorful twist on classic fried rice.
Enjoy your favorite Teppanyaki-style fried rice made hot and fresh right at home! This Blackstone griddle fried rice recipe cooks tender, leftover turkey, veggies, and yummy scrambled eggs all on one flat-top grill.
12. Turkey Hashbrown Casserole
Shredded turkey is a wonderful addition to hashbrown casserole. Combine shredded poultry, hashbrowns, a creamy sauce, and cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden. It’s an easy and hearty dinner option!
Rich and creamy, this casserole dish is the best comfort food meal. Make this yummy hash brown casserole with leftover turkey!
13. Creamy Turkey Enchiladas
Make creamy enchiladas (with a low-carb option) by using turkey in place of chicken. Fill low-carb tortillas with the meat and cheese, top with a creamy green chili sauce, and bake until warm and cheesy.
These creamy enchiladas are delish! Just mix turkey, roll up the tortillas, and cover with a creamy sauce for a simple, easy dinner.
14. Turkey-Stuffed Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls
Stuff shredded turkey into pull-apart dinner rolls for a fun appetizer or snack. Combine the meat with a creamy and cheesy filling, stuff it into rolls, and bake until golden and warm.
Stuffed Pull-Apart Rolls
Transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a tasty treat! These stuffed pull-apart rolls, filled with Thanksgiving favorites, packed with holiday flavors, are delicious in every bite!
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