Leftovers get a bad rap, but they’re actually your ticket to cutting food waste and saving cash. Plus, who doesn’t love getting the most out of a meal? Whether you’ve roasted a whole chicken and need leftover ideas or are looking for turkey leftovers recipes after a holiday celebration, they are your culinary goldmine. Let’s explore ways to turn yesterday’s dinner into today’s masterpiece—and keep your kitchen zero-waste and full of flavor.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases as well as commission via other affiliate links in this post. This is at no extra cost to you! Read the full disclosure here.
Why Leftover Turkey and Chicken are a Culinary Goldmine
Think of turkey and chicken leftovers as your kitchen’s most versatile VIPs. They’re budget-friendly, packed with protein, and play well with everything from soups to casseroles. Generally speaking, grabbing a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store is a cost-effective option that can be transformed into meals for weeks. It can be soup, tacos, or even a hearty pot pie. Leftovers save you time, money, and another trip to the store. Using them instead of tossing them means saving money while cutting down on food waste—a practical choice that benefits you and the environment.
The Basics: Storing and Preparing Leftover Turkey & Chicken
Keeping leftovers fresh is as simple as following a few golden rules:
- Cool them down quickly. Store cooked poultry in the fridge within two hours of cooking.
- Invest in airtight containers. They lock in flavor and prevent fridge smells from invading your bird.
- Freeze with purpose. Label containers with the date and portion size, so you’re not stuck guessing in three weeks. Once you’re ready to cook, reheat leftovers to 165°F to make sure they’re safe and tasty. Pro tip: Adding a little broth or sauce can keep the meat moist and flavorful!
Using What You Have: Simple Tips for Zero-Waste Cooking
The beauty of leftover turkey and chicken is that they’re flexible—you can swap them in almost any recipe calling for cooked poultry. But what if a recipe calls for an ingredient you don’t have? No need to make a grocery run! Instead, get creative with what’s already in your kitchen. Here are some simple swaps and tips to make it work:
- Broth or Stock: No chicken broth? Use vegetable broth, water with a bouillon cube, or even the liquid from canned vegetables.
- Cream or Milk: Substitute with unsweetened plant-based milk, plain yogurt, or watered-down sour cream.
- Vegetables: Got carrots, celery, or onions? Great! But if not, frozen mixed vegetables, canned green beans, or even leftover roasted veggies can step in.
- Herbs and Spices: Don’t have thyme or sage? Use Italian seasoning, dried parsley, or a pinch of garlic powder.
- Pasta or Grains: Out of rice or noodles? Try quinoa, couscous, or even diced potatoes.
And here’s the best part: turkey and chicken can be used interchangeably in any recipe. Whether it’s enchiladas, soup, or stir-fry, they bring the same hearty, satisfying flavor to the dish.
Related: Zero-Waste Cooking Made Easy – Creative Leftovers Recipes
Quick Pantry Swaps for Chicken and Turkey Leftovers Recipes
If your recipe calls for these staples, try these alternatives:
- Breadcrumbs: Crushed crackers, pretzels, or oats.
- Butter: Olive oil or coconut oil.
- Cheese: Nutritional yeast, cream cheese, or omit it altogether for a lighter dish.
- Flour (for thickening): Cornstarch or instant mashed potato flakes.
Using what you already have not only saves money but also reduces waste and makes cooking a lot more fun. Think of it as an opportunity to experiment—who knows, your improvisation might just become the new family favorite!

Comforting Casseroles and Bakes

This creamy, comforting pasta dish combines chicken (or turkey) and broccoli with a rich Alfredo sauce for a satisfying meal. Perfect for using up leftovers, it’s a quick and delicious way to create a hearty dinner everyone will love.
How to Incorporate Leftovers: Use leftover chicken in this creamy Alfredo dish. It’s an easy way to make zero-waste cooking delicious and effortless.
How to Make It a Complete Meal: Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a balanced and satisfying dinner.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses pantry staples like pasta and frozen broccoli, reducing the need for extra groceries.
Meal-Prep Ready: Prep the sauce in advance and combine with freshly cooked pasta for quick assembly.

A classic pot pie loaded with tender chicken (or turkey), veggies, and a buttery crust—perfect for transforming leftovers into comfort food. Warm and hearty, this dish brings a homemade touch to the table while making the most of what’s already in your kitchen.
How to Incorporate Leftovers: Perfect for using up chicken leftovers and other veggies hanging out in your fridge. Zero-waste made tasty!
How to Make It a Complete Meal: Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh green bean salad.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly: This recipe extends the life of leftovers and uses inexpensive ingredients like potatoes and pastry.
Meal-Prep Ready: Absolutely. Make and freeze individual pies for future dinners.

This comforting shepherd’s pie starts with tender turkey—perfect for using up leftovers—and is a satisfying, one-dish dinner that makes the most of your turkey leftovers. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection, it’s a crowd-pleasing way to turn leftovers into a hearty meal.
How to Incorporate Leftovers: This is a classic way to transform turkey leftovers into a comforting dish with a zero-waste approach.
How to Make It a Complete Meal: Add a side of buttered peas or crunchy coleslaw for extra veggies.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly: It makes the most of what’s already in your kitchen, reducing grocery expenses.
Meal-Prep Ready: Yes. Assemble in advance and bake when ready. It also freezes well.

A rich and hearty pasta sauce that transforms turkey leftovers into a flavorful Italian-inspired meal.
How to Incorporate Leftovers: This turkey bolognese turns your turkey leftovers into a versatile sauce for pasta or zoodles, embracing a zero-waste mindset.
How to Make It a Complete Meal: Top with grated Parmesan and serve alongside crusty bread or roasted vegetables.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Made with turkey leftovers and affordable canned tomatoes, this dish stretches your ingredients.
Meal-Prep Ready: Definitely. The sauce keeps well in the fridge and can be frozen for easy reheating

A comforting casserole that combines broccoli, chicken (or turkey), and rice in a creamy, cheesy base. It’s an easy way to turn leftovers into a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that bakes up golden and bubbly. With minimal prep and everyday ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
How to Incorporate Leftovers: Uses chicken leftovers for a hearty, zero-waste casserole.
How to Make It a Complete Meal: Serve with a light soup or a refreshing fruit salad.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Combines leftovers with simple ingredients like rice and cream of mushroom soup, keeping costs low.
Meal-Prep Ready: Yes. Assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake when needed.
Hearty Soup

A warm and wholesome soup featuring turkey, wild rice, and fresh vegetables for a comforting meal that uses up holiday leftovers.
How to Incorporate Leftovers: This recipe is ideal for leftover turkey, pairing it with wild rice and veggies to create a comforting soup. It’s a zero-waste winner for post-holiday meals.
How to Make It a Complete Meal: Add crusty bread or a side of roasted asparagus for extra heartiness.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry-friendly ingredients like broth, rice, and vegetables, minimizing grocery trips.
Meal-Prep Ready: Yes. Prepare in advance and store in the fridge or freezer for easy reheating.

A nutritious and hearty soup combining turkey, lentils, and aromatic spices for a protein-packed meal. Perfect for using up leftovers, this flavorful soup is both comforting and budget-friendly, making it an ideal option for chilly days.
How to Incorporate Leftovers: Transform leftover turkey into a protein-packed lentil soup that’s perfect for a zero-waste kitchen.
How to Make It a Complete Meal: Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a nutritious touch.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Affordable lentils and turkey leftovers keep costs low, while the soup stretches for multiple meals.
Meal-Prep Ready: Definitely. This soup reheats well and freezes beautifully, making it perfect for batch cooking.
Savory Pies & Bread

A high-protein, low-carb bread that’s perfect for fitness enthusiasts and a creative way to repurpose chicken or turkey leftovers. This versatile bread is great for sandwiches, snacks, or even as a side, combining nutrition with zero-waste cooking.
How to Incorporate Leftovers: Uses leftover chicken for a high-protein, zero-waste bread perfect for post-workout meals.
How to Make It a Complete Meal: Serve slices with avocado, eggs, or a light salad for a balanced dish.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Maximizes leftover turkey and uses common kitchen staples like egg whites and cottage cheese.
Meal-Prep Ready: Yes! For easy grab-and-go meals, bake, slice, and refrigerate or freeze.

A creamy and savory pot pie that makes leftover turkey shine under a golden, flaky crust. It’s a favorite recipe that turns leftovers into a comforting all-in-one meal.
How to Incorporate Leftovers: A delicious way to use turkey leftovers, this pot pie ensures nothing goes to waste.
How to Make It a Complete Meal: It’s already a hearty dish, but pairing it with a light spinach salad adds a fresh contrast.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Stretches leftovers with affordable ingredients like frozen vegetables and ready-made pie crusts.
Meal-Prep Ready: Absolutely. Assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake when needed. It also freezes well

These flaky individual pies are filled with chicken (or turkey), ham, and veggies for a cozy, handheld meal. Perfect for repurposing leftovers, they’re a convenient and delicious option for lunches, dinners, or on-the-go snacks.
How to Incorporate Leftovers: Use turkey and ham leftovers for these flaky, zero-waste individual pies. They’re perfect for transforming odds and ends into something special.
How to Make It a Complete Meal: Pair with a side of roasted root vegetables or a warm soup for a cozy meal.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Homemade pastry and repurposed leftovers make this a cost-effective comfort food.
Meal-Prep Ready: Yes. Freeze unbaked pies and cook as needed for quick, freshly baked portions.
Tacos, Flatbreads, and Sliders

A fun, handheld twist on leftovers, these tacos combine turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce in soft tortillas.
How to Incorporate Leftovers: These tacos turn turkey leftovers into a fun, zero-waste dinner by combining turkey with stuffing and cranberry sauce.
How to Make It a Complete Meal: Serve with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a crunchy coleslaw for added veggies.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Uses multiple holiday leftovers in one dish, minimizing food waste while keeping grocery costs low.
Meal-Prep Ready: Yes. Prepare the turkey filling ahead of time for easy taco assembly during busy evenings.

This smoky BBQ flatbread is an easy, flavorful way to transform chicken or turkey into a quick pizza-style dish. You’ll end up with a delicious handheld meal—perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s super flexible, so don’t be afraid to experiment with whatever you already have in your kitchen!
How to Incorporate Leftovers: Uses leftover chicken for a smoky, zero-waste twist on flatbread pizza.
How to Make It a Complete Meal: Pair with a leafy green salad or a simple tomato soup.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Uses leftover turkey and a store-bought flatbread, cutting costs without sacrificing flavor.
Meal-Prep Ready: Yes. Pre-assemble the flatbreads and bake as needed for quick meals.

Crispy tostadas topped with BBQ chicken or turkey, beans, and fresh veggies for a quick and satisfying meal. They’re a perfect way to make the most of leftover poultry while creating a mouthwatering bite your whole family will love.
How to Incorporate Leftovers: Use leftover chicken to create crispy tostadas bursting with BBQ flavor, perfect for zero-waste cooking.
How to Make It a Complete Meal: Serve with guacamole and a side of Mexican-style rice for a well-rounded dish.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Leftover turkey and pantry staples like beans and tortillas keep costs minimal.
Meal-Prep Ready: Definitely. The turkey mixture can be prepared in advance and stored for quick tostada assembly.

Small, flavorful sliders packed with chicken (or turkey), crispy bacon, and ranch dressing for a crowd-pleasing dish. It’s a quick way to turn leftover poultry into a mouthwatering meal, and the contrast of salty bacon with cool ranch makes each bite truly satisfying. Add in some fresh lettuce or tomato for extra crunch and color, and you’ve got a fun, snack-sized meal that both kids and adults can enjoy.
How to Incorporate Leftovers: Use leftover chicken to craft these flavorful zero-waste sliders.
How to Make It a Complete Meal: Pair with baked sweet potato fries or a side of steamed broccoli for a balanced plate.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Sliders stretch leftover turkey and use everyday ingredients like cheese and ranch dressing.
Meal-Prep Ready: Yes. Assemble sliders in advance, then bake fresh before serving.
Salads

A creamy and refreshing salad featuring chicken (or turkey), avocado, and lime for a simple yet satisfying dish. It’s a light and flavorful way to repurpose leftovers into a meal that’s perfect for lunches, picnics, or quick weeknight dinners.
How to Incorporate Leftovers: Uses leftover chicken to create a creamy, protein-packed salad, perfect for embracing a zero-waste mindset.
How to Make It a Complete Meal: Serve in lettuce wraps, on whole-grain toast, or alongside a light soup for a satisfying meal.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Uses leftover chicken and simple ingredients like lime, keeping costs minimal while maximizing nutrition.
Meal-Prep Ready: Yes. Prepare the salad in advance and store in the fridge for up to 3 days for quick meals.

A bold and spicy salad that combines chicken (or turkey) with classic buffalo flavors for a flavorful, easy meal. The tangy heat of buffalo sauce pairs perfectly with cool dressings or crisp veggies, creating a satisfying contrast you’ll crave. It’s also a fantastic way to put a fresh spin on any leftover poultry you have in the fridge.
How to Incorporate Leftovers: Transform leftover chicken into a spicy buffalo-style salad, a bold way to avoid food waste.
How to Make It a Complete Meal: Serve on a bed of greens, stuffed into a wrap, or with celery sticks for a snackable option.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Leftover turkey and pantry staples like hot sauce and yogurt keep this recipe cost-effective.
Meal-Prep Ready: Absolutely. Make ahead and refrigerate for an easy meal option throughout the week.
Perfect Party Starters

Crispy, golden flautas filled with chicken or turkey, perfect for air fryer enthusiasts and quick dinners. These handheld delights are an easy way to transform leftovers into a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal in no time.
How to Incorporate Leftovers: Use leftover chicken for a crispy, zero-waste flauta filling that’s perfect for quick meals.
How to Make It a Complete Meal: Pair with a side of black beans, Mexican rice, and fresh pico de gallo for a satisfying spread.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Combines chicken leftovers with pantry staples like tortillas and cheese, stretching ingredients affordably.
Meal-Prep Ready: Yes. Prepare the flauta filling ahead of time and assemble when ready to air fry.

A creamy, spicy dip made with chicken or turkey that’s perfect for parties or snack platters. This crowd-pleaser is an easy way to repurpose leftovers into a flavorful appetizer that pairs perfectly with chips, crackers, or veggie sticks.
How to Incorporate Leftovers: Turn leftover turkey into a creamy, spicy buffalo dip that’s a crowd-pleaser and a zero-waste snack solution.
How to Make It a Complete Meal: Serve alongside veggie sticks, pita chips, or baked potato wedges for a fun and sharable meal option.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Relies on leftover turkey and cost-effective ingredients like cream cheese and hot sauce, making it easy on the wallet.
Meal-Prep Ready: Definitely. Prepare in the slow cooker ahead of time and reheat for parties or gatherings.
Related: Quick Meals with Ham, Pulled Pork and More
Final Thoughts: Get Creative with Turkey Leftovers Recipes for a Zero-Waste Lifestyle
Sure, cooking with leftovers is practical—but it’s also the cornerstone of a zero-waste kitchen. By reimagining your turkey and chicken into new dishes, you’ll save time, money, and resources. Plus, you’ll impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to share your table). So the next time you eye those leftovers, think of them as the start of something delicious, not the end of a meal. With a little imagination, yesterday’s poultry can become today’s savory sliders or tomorrow’s bold Buffalo salad, all while saving money. It’s a simple way to keep meals exciting and do your part for a more sustainable kitchen.
Discover more from Budgeting on a Dime
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.