Easy Recipes to Make With Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey (or chicken)
- Lauren Alonso
- 6 days ago
- 8 min read
The weekend after Thanksgiving has its own kind of quiet — the calm after the storm, the fridge full of leftovers, and everyone asking, “What’s for dinner?” long before you’re ready to cook again. That’s exactly why I love these quick, cozy meals that start with leftover turkey or chicken. They’re warm, comforting, and unbelievably simple… the kind of recipes that make you grateful for leftovers in the first place.
Viral Instant Pot Crack Chicken Soup
This cozy crack chicken soup is a creamy, comforting bowl of pure happiness — and it's even better with leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Packed with bacon, cheddar, ranch seasoning, and tender shredded turkey or chicken, it’s an easy weeknight meal that comes together fast. The Instant Pot makes it nearly effortless, and every spoonful feels like a warm hug. A guaranteed family favorite during the busy holiday season.
8-10 servings
10 minute prep time
25 minute cook time
Ingredients:
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or my Simply Seasoned Roasted Chicken or leftover turkey
5 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
1 small sweet onion diced
3 minced garlic cloves
8 oz uncooked pasta of your choice
1- 10.5 oz. can cream of chicken soup
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
8 oz. cream cheese cubed into 8 pieces
1/2 cup carrots, cut into cubes or julienned
2 Tbsp ranch seasoning mix
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
After or while cooking bacon, turn Instant Pot on sauté setting and add in garlic and onions once hot. Cook until onions are translucent.
Place all remaining ingredients in the pot. Mix gently with a rubber spatula until everything is incorporated.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot, turn the steam release handle to the sealing position and set the Instant Pot to Soup for 8 minutes.
When the Instant Pot is done cooking, leave it to natural release for 5 minutes.
Remove the lid after handle to vent position and finish with a quick release.
Serve and enjoy!
Do yourself a favor and double this recipe- trust me! You can always freeze it- if it lasts!
Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
This easy chicken and dumplings recipe is the ultimate warm-you-up holiday season dish. Swap in leftover turkey and it becomes an effortless post-Thanksgiving meal that tastes homemade and nostalgic. With tender dumplings and rich broth, it’s a comforting dinner your whole family will love. A simple, soothing staple for fall and winter nights.
I'm going to let you in on a secret- I didn't plan this one- I dumped everything in and hoped for the best- and it didn't disappoint! My husband had requests for the recipe from everyone at work!
6-8 servings
10 minute prep time
10 minute cook time
Ingredients:
1.5 lb shredded rotisserie chicken or my Simply Seasoned Roasted Chicken or leftover turkey
½ chopped medium yellow onion
2 minced garlic cloves
1- 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken soup
2 cups Chicken broth
1 can of evaporated milk
16 oz bag of frozen peas and carrots
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
8 refrigerated can biscuits cut into 6 pieces
Instructions:
Turn Instant Pot on sauté setting and add in garlic and onions once hot. Cook until onions are translucent.
Place all remaining ingredients in the pot, except biscuits. Mix gently with a rubber spatula until everything is incorporated.
Add the biscuit dough pieces to the pot, spreading them out as evenly and incorporate gently.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot, turn the steam release handle to the sealing position and set the Instant Pot to Soup for 5 minutes.
When the Instant Pot is done cooking, leave it to natural release for 5 minutes.
Remove the lid after handle to vent position and finish with a quick release.
Serve and enjoy!
Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Creamy, hearty, and filled with pillowy gnocchi, this chicken (or turkey) gnocchi soup uses leftovers in the most delicious way. It tastes like your favorite café version but comes together quickly in the Instant Pot or stovetop. Warm, rich, and irresistible, it's the perfect post-holiday comfort meal. Your family will request this one all winter long.
6-8 servings
5 min prep time
30 min cook time
Ingredients:
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or my Simply Seasoned Roasted Chicken or leftover turkey
3 Tbsp butter
1 small sweet onion
1 cup carrots, cut into cubes or julienned
2 ⅓ cup chicken broth
3 cups half-and-half, slightly warmed
1 Tbsp dried thyme or 1 drop thyme vitality oil
2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1-16 oz potato gnocchi
2 cups chopped fresh spinach
½ cup grated parmesean cheese
Instructions:
Heat Instant Pot using sauté setting. Add butter to melt. Add in onions until onions are translucent and then carrots.
Add in chicken, broth, half-and-half, thyme, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Add in gnocchi, spinach and parmesan cheese.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot, turn the steam release handle to the sealing position and set the Instant Pot to Soup for 8 minutes.
When the Instant Pot is done cooking, leave it to natural release for 5 minutes.
Remove the lid after handle to vent position and finish with a quick release.
Serve and enjoy!
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie
This cheddar bay chicken pot pie takes classic comfort food and turns it into something unforgettable with tender biscuits and a creamy filling. Use leftover turkey or chicken to keep it quick and budget-friendly. The cheesy, buttery biscuit topping makes it taste like you worked all day — even though it takes very little effort. The perfect cozy dish for the chilly days after Thanksgiving.
6-8 servings
5 min prep time
30 min cook time
Ingredients:
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or my Simply Seasoned Roasted Chicken or leftover turkey
1 Tbsp of butter (+ ¼ cup for biscuits)
½ small yellow onion diced
1 - 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
1 ¼ cups milk
½ tsp dried thyme
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables of your liking (carrots, green beans, corn, peas)
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (prepare according to box)
½ cup cheddar cheese for biscuits
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Heat butter and onions over medium until they are translucent in a 10-inch ovenproof skillet.
Stir in the soup, milk, thyme, vegetables and chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Heat over medium-high heat to a boil, stirring often.
Mix biscuits according to package. Using a cookie scoop, place the biscuits on top.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and done. Top with herb butter from mix.
These recipes are everything I love about cooking at home — simple, nourishing, and made to gather around. Whether you’re chasing toddlers, juggling dinner time, or just craving something warm and homemade, these are for you.
💛 If you loved these recipes, be sure to check out more cozy favorites in my Living Cookbook — filled with family-approved meals for every season!
📦 Shop my favorite kitchen tools and pantry staples on my Amazon page — where you’ll find everything I use to make these quick weeknight dinners happen.
And... in case you missed it... I launched my first ever virtual cookbook.
The Living Cookbook
A Virtual Recipe Collection
From my table to yours — recipes for gathering, comfort, and joy.
What if mealtime wasn’t just another box to check?
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Families who value gathering around the table
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✔️ Holiday Traditions
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I created this to inspire you, equip you, and empower you to create moments of connection and comfort — no matter the season.
Peek Inside:
Here are some of the recipes you'll find inside-
Berry Compote
Rum Peach French Toast
Sausage Breakfast Gravy
Cinnamon Sugar Bread
Berry French Toast Bake
Apple Walnut Bread
Apple Fritter Donuts
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Creamy Tuna Casserole
Crack Chicken Soup
Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi
Chicken Parm
Homemade Marinara
Nashville Hot Chicken
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Simply Seasoned Roasted Chicken
Roasted Chicken Ciabatta Melt
Thyme Lemon Roasted Chicken
Mexican Salsa
Pineapple Mango Salsa
Cranberry Cream Cheese Ball
Sloppy Joes
Fall off the Bone Pork Ribs
Perfect Tempura
Panko Crusted Chicken Bites
Chicken Tostadas
Bang Bang Chicken
Chicken and Biscuit Pot Pie
Cajun Shrimp Carbonara
Shredded Beef Enchiladas
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Greek Pasta SaladBaked Beans
Chili Dogs
Whipped Cream
Lemon Blueberry Bars
No Bake Eclair
Chocolate Ganache
Pecan Pie
Peach Cobbler
Banana Walnut Cake
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sugar Cookies
Molasses Cookies
Oatmeal Crème Pies
Love Bugs
Please note: Due to the digital nature of this product, all sales are final. This is a pre-launch offer, and the price reflects the ongoing additions and updates.
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Grab your copy here of my virtual cookbook today and start enjoying simple, southern recipes that your whole family will love.
Thank you for spending a few moments of your day here in my kitchen.
I hope you leave inspired to try something new — a recipe that brings your family together, fills your home with comfort, and reminds you that joy is found in the little things (and sometimes, in the perfect bite).
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Your support means the world — it allows me to create, share, and raise my little ones from home, which is truly our family’s dream. Thank you for being here and for making this space such a joy to pour into.
With Joy and gratitude,
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