Leftover turkey in gravy is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for repurposing your holiday turkey. This dish uses simple ingredients to create a creamy, savory gravy that coats tender pieces of turkey, making it a satisfying meal on its own. Whether you have leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a weekend roast, this recipe turns your leftovers into a new and delicious dinner the whole family will enjoy.

This dish is perfect for serving as a main course and can be paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful gravy. It’s a great way to ensure that your turkey doesn’t go to waste and is enjoyed in a whole new way. The addition of mushrooms and onions enhances the flavor profile, giving the dish depth while the smooth gravy adds richness to every bite. It’s an easy meal that feels like a treat, whether you’re serving it on a cold winter’s evening or as a post-holiday dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Leftover turkey in gravy is an incredibly versatile dish that’s not only quick and easy but also incredibly comforting. The combination of tender turkey, savory gravy, and the umami-rich mushrooms makes this dish satisfying and flavorful. The recipe is straightforward, with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It’s also highly customizable, so if you have extra vegetables or want to adjust the seasonings, you can easily make it your own. With just a few simple steps, you can take leftover turkey and turn it into a whole new meal that feels like a treat.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour works well too)
1 1/2 to 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
4-6 cups leftover turkey meat, torn into bite-sized pieces
1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
1/8 tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
1 Tbsp parsley to garnish, optional

Variations

Vegetable Additions: Add carrots, peas, or green beans to the gravy for added texture and nutrition. These vegetables will also absorb the savory gravy, making them more flavorful.
Herb Variations: Use fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage in place of parsley for a different herb profile that pairs well with turkey.
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour to make the dish gluten-free. You can also substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a fully gluten-free meal.
Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter or oil, and choose a plant-based chicken broth.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown, and the onions soften.

Step 2: Make the Gravy

Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and onions, stirring well to coat the mixture. Continue to cook for about 1-2 minutes to allow the flour to cook and thicken slightly.

Step 3: Add the Chicken Broth

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken. You can adjust the amount of broth depending on how thick or thin you prefer your gravy.

Step 4: Add the Leftover Turkey

Add the leftover turkey to the skillet, stirring to combine. Continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the turkey is heated through and well coated in the gravy.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season the turkey and gravy mixture with sea salt and ground black pepper to taste. Once everything is hot and well-seasoned, remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Thin or Thick Gravy: If the gravy is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, cook it a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
Don’t Overcook the Turkey: Since the turkey is already cooked, just heat it through in the gravy. Overcooking can make the turkey dry.
Use Leftover Turkey Skin: If you have leftover turkey skin, chop it up and add it to the gravy for extra flavor and texture.
Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy gravy, you can add a splash of heavy cream or milk after the turkey has been added.

How to Serve

Leftover turkey in gravy can be served on its own or alongside various side dishes. For a classic comfort meal, serve it with mashed potatoes or over a bed of rice. It also pairs well with buttered noodles or crusty bread for dipping. If you’re looking for something lighter, serve it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the gravy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover turkey in gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it has cooled to room temperature before storing. Reheat the dish on the stove over low heat, adding a little chicken broth if necessary to loosen the gravy.

Freezing

If you have extra leftovers, you can freeze the turkey in gravy for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and be sure to let it cool before freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it on the stove over medium heat.

Reheating

Reheat the turkey and gravy mixture gently over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, you can substitute chicken for turkey in this recipe. It will work just as well, and the gravy will still be delicious.

2. Can I use frozen turkey leftovers?

Yes, you can use frozen turkey meat for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it fully before adding it to the gravy.

3. How can I make the gravy thicker?

If the gravy is too thin, you can cook it a little longer to allow it to reduce. Alternatively, you can add a little more flour or cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce.

4. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or even spinach to the gravy for added nutrition and flavor.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free option such as margarine or olive oil, and use a dairy-free chicken broth.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Just reheat it gently before serving.

7. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour and make sure the chicken broth is gluten-free. This will make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

8. How do I store leftover turkey in gravy?

Store leftover turkey in gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

9. How long does it take to cook the turkey in gravy?

Once the gravy has thickened, it only takes about 5-7 minutes to heat the turkey through and coat it in the sauce.

10. Can I make this recipe spicy?

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the gravy to give it a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Leftover turkey in gravy is a wonderful way to give new life to your holiday leftovers. The rich, creamy gravy combined with tender turkey creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of year. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can transform your leftovers into a meal that feels fresh and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, or bread, this dish will quickly become a go-to recipe for using up leftover turkey in a delicious way.