Leftover Turkey Skillet
Ingredients
Directions / Instructions
Why You'll Love This Leftover Turkey Skillet
This Leftover Turkey Skillet is the perfect way to turn leftover cooked turkey into a completely new and satisfying meal. Tender turkey is combined with golden potatoes, colorful vegetables, garlic, herbs, and a creamy savory sauce for a comforting dinner that comes together in one skillet.
It's especially useful after Thanksgiving or other holiday meals when you have extra turkey in the refrigerator. Instead of reheating the same leftovers again, transform them into a flavorful one-pan dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked leftover turkey, shredded or chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups cooked potatoes, diced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Chop or shred the cooked turkey into bite-sized pieces. Dice the cooked potatoes and vegetables so everything is ready before you begin cooking.
2. Brown the Potatoes
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and crisp around the edges.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion and carrots to the skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle the thyme, parsley, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables and potatoes. Stir well to distribute the seasonings.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the heavy cream and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
6. Add the Turkey and Peas
Stir in the leftover turkey and frozen peas. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is heated through and the peas are tender.
7. Add Cheese
If using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top. Cover the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes, or place it under the broiler briefly until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot. Add freshly cracked black pepper or extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Expert Tips
Use fully cooked leftover turkey and add it toward the end of cooking so it doesn't become dry. Cooked potatoes work especially well because they brown quickly and make the skillet hearty. If your leftover turkey is already seasoned, taste the skillet before adding additional salt. For the creamiest sauce, add the cream over medium-low heat and avoid boiling it aggressively.
Storage
Store leftover turkey skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet or microwave until steaming hot. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating if the sauce has thickened. For food safety, refrigerate leftover turkey promptly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this turkey skillet with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, biscuits, or leftover stuffing. A spoonful of gravy or cranberry sauce on the side makes it especially delicious after Thanksgiving.
Recipe Variations
Use leftover mashed potatoes instead of diced potatoes for a creamy skillet topping, add mushrooms, corn, green beans, spinach, or Brussels sprouts, or replace cheddar with Parmesan or mozzarella. For a lighter version, use milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add cooked bacon for extra smoky flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
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