Everyone knows that one of the best parts of Thanksgiving is the leftovers! Leftover turkey is particularly versatile, and can easily be transformed into new, exciting meals that taste nothing like yesterday’s dinner. Turkey works well as a substitute for chicken in nearly any recipe, opening up a world of dishes you might not have considered for leftovers (hello, chicken pot pie!). Read on for five creative ways to make the most of your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers using easy, delicious Jow recipes.
1. Pastas & Pasta Bakes
Add turkey to pastas and pasta bakes for an extra punch of protein. Swap out rotisserie chicken for leftover turkey in dishes like Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese and Chicken Parm Stuffed Shells for a quick, comforting meal.
2. Sandwiches & Wraps
Homemade roast turkey is just a tastier version of deli sliced turkey, a classic filling for sandwiches and wraps. Slice up the roast turkey and add it to your favorite Jow sandwich and wrap recipes. And, of course, don’t forget to make a Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich the day after the big meal!
3. Chili
Transform your leftover turkey into a warm, hearty chili! Simply shred the roast turkey and use it in place of ground meat in your favorite chili recipe. Since the turkey just needs to warm through, stir it in at the end of cooking the chili to prevent it from overcooking and drying out. Top your chili with sour cream, shredded cheese, and thinly sliced green onions for a cozy meal that’s perfect for chilly days.
4. Pot pies
Pot pie is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food, and roast turkey is a delicious addition to any pot pie filling. Try it by replacing chicken with turkey in this Chicken Pot Pie Casserole or adding some turkey to this Leek & Mushroom Pot Pie.
5. Soups
Roast turkey can be stirred into any soup – as a substitute for chicken, or in any soup that could benefit from a boost of protein. Simply shred the turkey or slice it into bite-sized pieces, add it to the soup, and let it warm through.