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Comfort Food Dinners That Make the Most of Leftover Poultry

ByEunice Published on Updated on

Leftover poultry doesn’t have to mean another boring reheated meal. With a little creativity, you can turn those chicken or turkey leftovers into easy, comforting dinners that feel brand new.

Whether it’s a creamy pasta, hearty soup, or flavorful casserole, using what’s already in your fridge can save time and reduce food waste. These dishes are perfect for busy nights when you want something warm and filling without starting from scratch.

So before you think about tossing those leftovers, give them a second life. A few simple tweaks can turn yesterday’s meal into tonight’s comfort food favorite.

Ingredients for a turkey salad.
Leftover Turkey Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Leftover Turkey Salad

This easy leftover turkey salad combines tender turkey chunks with crisp vegetables and a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a light main dish on its own. Great for using up holiday leftovers without feeling repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Salad

A person is using a spatula to serve a portion of baked mashed potato casserole from a metal baking dish. The casserole is topped with melted cheese and sprinkled with herbs.
Texas French Toast Casserole with Leftover Turkey. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Texas French Toast Casserole with Leftover Turkey

This Texas French toast casserole adds a savory twist by layering leftover turkey between custardy bread and cheese. It’s a hearty breakfast or brunch option after a big feast. Simple to prepare, it turns leftovers into something new and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Texas French Toast Casserole with Leftover Turkey

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Vegetable scraps for broth with text overlay.
Homemade Vegetable Broth. Photo credit: Little Frugal Homestead.

Homemade Vegetable Broth

Making homemade vegetable broth is an excellent way to use kitchen scraps while reducing waste. The flavor is rich and versatile, perfect for soups, stews, or sauces. Store it in jars or freeze for later use in your favorite recipes.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Vegetable Broth

A spoonful of creamy chicken and stuffing casserole garnished with herbs.
Slow Cooker Turkey Pot Pie. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Turkey Pot Pie

This slow cooker turkey pot pie brings comfort with minimal effort. It features a creamy turkey filling topped with a flaky crust or biscuit layer. Ideal for cozy weeknights or when you want an easy slow-cooked meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Pot Pie

A chicken pot pie in a skillet with a silver spoon rests inside.
Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

This chicken pot pie stands out with a flavorful tarragon gravy that adds freshness to the dish. The flaky crust holds a creamy filling of chicken and vegetables. It’s a homestyle favorite that feels both familiar and special.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

A jar of broth.
Homemade Turkey Broth. Photo credit: Little Frugal Homestead.

Homemade Turkey Broth

Homemade turkey broth is the best way to use leftover bones and scraps after a roast. Slow simmering brings out deep, savory flavors that store-bought versions can’t match. Perfect as a base for soups, sauces, or risotto.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Turkey Broth

A slice of lasagna on a white plate, garnished with basil leaves, and a fork beside it.
Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli

This chicken lasagna with broccoli layers creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese. It’s a wholesome, balanced dish that’s both filling and family-friendly. A great make-ahead option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli

A plate with pot pie on it and a fork.
Turkey Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Turkey Pot Pie

Turkey pot pie is the ultimate comfort food after the holidays. The buttery crust pairs perfectly with a creamy turkey and vegetable filling. It’s a simple way to give your leftovers a warm, homemade touch.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie

A bowl of creamy chicken and rice soup garnished with fresh parsley. The slow cooker recipe contains chunks of chicken, sliced carrots, celery, rice, and is in a rich, creamy broth. The dish sits on a rustic wooden table.
Slow Cooker Turkey and Rice Soup. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Slow Cooker Turkey and Rice Soup

This slow cooker turkey and rice soup is hearty and comforting. It’s packed with tender turkey, rice, and vegetables simmered to perfection. Just set it in the morning and come home to a warm, ready meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey and Rice Soup

Two individual chicken pot pies.
Chicken Pot Pies. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Chicken Pot Pies

Individual chicken pot pies are a fun and easy dinner idea. Each serving has flaky crusts and a creamy chicken filling full of veggies. Great for portion control and a cozy dinner night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pies

Stack of chicken quesadilla wedges with cilantro garnish.
Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadillas. Photo credit: Thermocookery.
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Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Chicken sheet pan quesadillas make dinner fast and fuss-free. They’re baked until crisp with melted cheese and seasoned chicken inside. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadillas

A casserole dish filled with vegetables and cheese.
Turkey And Rice Casserole. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Turkey And Rice Casserole

Turkey and rice casserole is an easy way to stretch leftovers into a hearty meal. It combines turkey, rice, and creamy sauce baked until bubbly. Comforting, budget-friendly, and easy to customize.
Get the Recipe: Turkey And Rice Casserole

Image shows a Tamale pot pie on a glass plate with guacamole sitting next to it.
Tamale Pot Pies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tamale Pot Pies

Tamale pot pies bring a fun mix of flavors with a cornbread topping and spiced filling. They’re inspired by classic tamales but easier to make at home. Great for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pot Pies

A bowl of creamy chicken corn chowder with potatoes and garnished with shredded cheese.
Chicken Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Corn Chowder

Chicken corn chowder is creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. Sweet corn pairs beautifully with tender chicken in a rich broth. Serve it with crusty bread for a filling lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Chowder

Golden biscuits on creamy chicken pot pie filling with vegetables in a baking pan, one biscuit being served.
Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

This version of chicken pot pie uses Pillsbury dough for a quick and flaky topping. It’s creamy, hearty, and perfect for busy nights. You’ll get that homemade feel without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

A pan of noodles and turkey.
Turkey Tetrazzini. Photo credit: Little Frugal Homestead.

Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey tetrazzini is a creamy pasta bake loaded with turkey, mushrooms, and cheese. It’s a cozy, family-friendly way to use leftovers. Simple to make and great for freezing or reheating.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini

Overhead shot of chicken tortilla soup in a red bowl on wooden table with tortilla strips on the soup.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup has a rich tomato base with shredded chicken and spices. Top it with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese for extra flavor. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Veggies for chicken broth.
How to Make Chicken Broth. Photo credit: Little Frugal Homestead.

How to Make Chicken Broth

Making chicken broth at home is simple and rewarding. Simmer chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs for a few hours for a deep, savory flavor. Use it in soups, sauces, or as a base for other recipes.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Chicken Broth

A spatula holds a thanksgiving slider pastry topped with sauce and poppy seeds. The layers feature golden-brown bread, turkey, stuffing, melted cheese, and cranberry sauce, reminiscent of a Thanksgiving treat.
Thanksgiving Sliders. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Thanksgiving Sliders

Thanksgiving sliders combine turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce in soft rolls. They’re great for parties or quick lunches after the holiday. Easy to assemble and packed with seasonal flavor.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Sliders

Image shows an overhead shot of chicken taco wraps cut into pinwheels and on a wooden skewer.
Chicken Taco Wraps. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken Taco Wraps

Chicken taco wraps are a fresh, quick meal option. Filled with seasoned chicken, lettuce, cheese, and sauce, they’re perfect for lunch or dinner. You can customize them with your favorite toppings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps

A spoon in a cheesy casserole.
Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

Spinach artichoke chicken casserole blends creamy spinach dip flavors with tender chicken. It’s cheesy, rich, and easy to bake for a crowd. Serve it with rice, pasta, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

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