Why Make This Recipe
Leftover Turkey Soup is a fantastic way to use up any turkey you have after a holiday meal or a simple rotisserie chicken. It’s comforting, hearty, and full of flavor. This soup not only helps reduce food waste, but it also warms you up on a chilly day. Plus, it’s an easy and quick dish to make!
How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup
Ingredients:
- Leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken
- Onions
- Celery
- Carrots
- Bay leaves
- Parsley
- Salt
- Pepper
- Broth or water
Directions:
- In a large pot, sauté the chopped onions, celery, and carrots until they are softened.
- Add the leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken and stir for a few minutes.
- Pour in the broth or water and add bay leaves to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaves and stir in the chopped parsley before serving.
How to Serve Leftover Turkey Soup
Serve the turkey soup hot. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with some crusty bread for a complete meal. Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor.
How to Store Leftover Turkey Soup
If you have leftovers, let the soup cool down completely. Then, transfer it to airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. Just make sure to leave some space in the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
Tips to Make Leftover Turkey Soup
- Use any leftover veggies from your holiday meal for extra flavor.
- For a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream or milk before serving.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add herbs or spices that you enjoy, like thyme or garlic, for a different taste.
Variation
You can make this soup with different ingredients too. Try adding pasta or rice for a more filling meal. If you’re looking for a lighter option, add some leafy greens like spinach or kale.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand.
How long does the soup last in the fridge?
The soup can last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days when stored correctly.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can use vegetable broth and skip the meat, adding more vegetables and beans for protein instead.

Leftover Turkey Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 2 stalks Celery, chopped
- 2 medium Carrots, chopped
- 2 leaves Bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon Parsley, chopped For garnishing
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 4 cups Broth or water
Method
Preparation
- In a large pot, sauté the chopped onions, celery, and carrots until they are softened.
- Add the leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken and stir for a few minutes.
- Pour in the broth or water and add bay leaves to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaves and stir in the chopped parsley before serving.