Name: Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium carrots (peeled and sliced); 2 celery ribs (sliced); 1 medium onion (diced); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 2 Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and diced); 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 bay leaf; ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 3 cups shredded turkey meat

There’s something really cozy about a bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s a simple yet flavorful Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe. This soup transforms your turkey scraps into a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Let me share how I make mine so it turns out just right every time.

A light grey bowl holds a clear soup with layers of shredded chicken, bright orange carrot slices, light green celery pieces, and pale yellow potato chunks, all floating in a golden broth. The soup is sprinkled with small dark green herb bits on top. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, partially covered by a black and white checkered cloth and a white napkin, with a wooden bowl of seeds and fresh green herbs nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This is one of those recipes that feels like magic in a pot. Using leftover turkey means you’re not just saving food but turning it into an easy, wholesome dinner. I love how it’s both quick and packed with cozy flavors that remind me of home.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your kitchen, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
Quick to Make: This soup is ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for when you want something nourishing without a long cook time.
Versatile: Feel free to swap veggies or add your favorite herbs to make it just how you like it.
Comfort in a Bowl: It’s soothing and hearty, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you want a little soul food.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a role in building layers of flavor while keeping the soup fresh and inviting. Simple, classic veggies combined with herbs and tender turkey create a balance that’s both hearty and light.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, three peeled and sliced medium carrots, two sliced celery ribs, one medium diced onion, three peeled whole garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl with kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, two peeled and diced Yukon gold potatoes, two fresh thyme sprigs, one fresh bay leaf, a small white ceramic bowl of low-sodium chicken broth, a small pile of shredded natural turkey meat, and a small white ceramic bowl with roughly chopped fresh parsley all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra virgin olive oil: The base for sautéeing veggies, adds richness and helps develop flavor.
Carrots: They bring a subtle sweetness that mellows as they cook.
Celery: Adds a little crunch and classic soup aroma.
Onion: A flavor powerhouse that sweetens when cooked gently.
Garlic: Just a bit gives warmth and depth; don’t skip it!
Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance everything.
Yukon gold potatoes: Creamy texture and gentle flavor that soak up broth like a sponge.
Fresh thyme: Earthy herb that complements poultry perfectly.
Bay leaf: Another gentle herbal note that rounds out the broth’s taste.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the soup flavorful without overpowering the turkey.
Shredded turkey meat: The star ingredient — lean protein that’s tender and satisfying.
Fresh parsley: Brightens up the soup at the end with a fresh, herbaceous kick.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve played around with this leftover turkey soup recipe quite a bit, and I encourage you to tweak it according to what’s in your fridge or what flavors you prefer. That’s the beauty of soup — it’s forgiving and flexible.

Variation: I sometimes add a splash of cream or coconut milk for a richer broth that feels extra cozy during winter.
Veggie swap: Feel free to add green beans, corn, or peas to mix up textures and flavors.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika can add warmth and a little kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

A white pot on a white marbled surface holds a mixture of soup ingredients. At the bottom, small chopped pieces of onion and celery are lightly cooked and translucent. Above these, bright orange round carrot slices and green curved celery pieces add color, scattered all around. In the middle, a cluster of pale yellow potato cubes sits on top of the vegetables. Resting on the potato cubes is a green bay leaf and a few sprigs of fresh thyme with small green leaves. On the right side, light golden broth is being poured gently from a measuring cup into the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables with Love

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat — patience here really pays off. Add the sliced carrots, celery, and diced onion. Stir often for about 4 to 5 minutes until the veggies start to soften and the onions become translucent but not browned. Toss in the minced garlic with salt and pepper and cook for just about a minute more until fragrant. This layering of flavors is what makes the soup taste homemade and soulful.

Step 2: Build the Broth with Potatoes and Herbs

Next, add the diced Yukon gold potatoes, fresh thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Crank the heat up until the broth reaches a gentle boil, then lower the flame. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes give just a little when you poke them with a fork. This step softens everything and lets those herbal notes soak into the broth.

Step 3: Warm Up the Turkey

Add your shredded leftover turkey into the pot and stir to combine. Simmer for just 1 to 2 minutes until the turkey’s warmed through but not overcooked — you want to keep it juicy and tender. Then, fish out the thyme sprigs and bay leaf to avoid any bitter bites later.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Serve

To finish, stir in roughly chopped fresh parsley. It adds a bright, fresh pop that balances the earthy broth. Feel free to sprinkle a little extra parsley and freshly ground black pepper on top just before serving. This simple step brings the whole bowl to life.

Top Tip

From my experience, the secret to making this leftover turkey soup recipe truly standout lies in the timing and layering of flavors. Here are some hard-earned tips that save time and boost taste every time I cook it.

Don’t Overcook the Turkey: Adding turkey too early or simmering too long makes it dry. Just heat through at the end.
Fresh Herbs Matter: I always use fresh thyme and parsley—it lifts the soup’s flavor more than dried herbs ever could.
Sauté Veggies Properly: Make sure to soften onions and carrots well first; this develops a rich base that makes a huge difference.
Potatoes Are Key: Yukon golds hold their shape but still become tender, adding comforting texture without turning mushy.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

Leftover Turkey Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish my soup with a handful of fresh parsley—sometimes cilantro if I’m feeling adventurous. A quick grind of black pepper on top just before serving gives it a nice little spice kick, without overwhelming the delicate broth. If you want, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice also brightens things up wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping. On days when I have a bit more time, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the warm soup’s heartiness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, especially around holidays or family dinners, I serve the soup in rustic bread bowls. It makes the meal feel extra special and less like leftover cleanup. I’ve also layered in a bit of grated cheese and baked small open-faced turkey melts on the side—they complement the soup like a little extra cheer on the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover turkey soup in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps well for about 3 to 4 days. Before sealing, I always let it cool to room temperature to avoid condensation that can water down the soup when reheated.

Freezing

This soup freezes like a dream! I portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top for expansion. When I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, the flavors are just as fresh as day one. Just a heads-up—potatoes can get slightly softer after freezing, but I find the taste is still fantastic.

Reheating

Reheat gently over medium-low heat so the soup warms evenly without drying out the turkey. Stir occasionally, and if it feels too thick, add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the perfect consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of leftover poultry in this soup?

Absolutely! Leftover chicken or even duck can be swapped in for turkey. Just adjust cooking times if needed to avoid overcooking your meat.

Can I make this soup vegan or vegetarian?

Since leftover turkey is key here, the base flavor comes from poultry broth and turkey meat. However, you can make a vegan version by using vegetable broth, substituting the turkey with hearty mushrooms or tofu, and boosting the seasoning to achieve a rich flavor.

What can I do if I don’t have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme works fine—use about one-third the amount of fresh, since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, you can use rosemary or sage for a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.

Is it better to shred the turkey or cube it?

I personally prefer shredded turkey because it blends into the soup nicely, giving you tender bites throughout. Cubes work fine too and add a bit more texture, so it’s really up to your preference.

Final Thoughts

Turning leftover turkey into a steaming bowl of soup is one of my favorite easy comforts. It’s nourishing, waste-not-want-not cooking at its best, and a reliably delicious way to feed your family or yourself. I hope this Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe becomes your go-to when you want something warm, tasty, and effortless. Give it a try—you might just fall in love with soup all over again!