New Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers

Featured Recipes

Turkey & Squash Soup

This Southwestern-inspired turkey-and-squash soup gets a little kick from crushed red pepper and some zing from fresh lime juice. You can use leftover turkey or chicken (instead of the cutlets); dice it and add a few minutes before serving. Serve with cornbread.

» Turkey & Squash Soup

Asian Chicken Salad

Crunchy vegetables and tender chicken breasts tossed in a tangy vinaigrette make a refreshing main-dish salad. If you poach the chicken yourself, reserve 3/4 cup of the cooking liquid to make the dressing.

» Asian Chicken Salad

Chicken Potpie

This chicken potpie is studded with peas, mushrooms, carrots and onions and topped with tender whole-wheat biscuits. The savory sauce gets a rich taste from reduced-fat sour cream, but with less fat and calories. And it ends up just as delicious and comforting as you expect.

» Chicken Potpie

Cheesy Chicken Pasta

This ooey-gooey pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike—think rich and creamy macaroni-and-cheese tossed with cauliflower and chicken. Serve with a spinach salad.

» Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Crispy Turkey Tostadas

Shredded leftover turkey tops homemade tostadas in this Tex-Mex favorite. Making your own tostada shells from fresh corn tortillas is easier than you might think—crisp them up in the oven while you prepare the toppings. Choose either regular petite diced tomatoes or those with added jalapeños, depending on your inclination for spicy food. Serve with black beans, rice and extra salsa or hot sauce on the side.

» Crispy Turkey Tostadas

Warm Winter Salad

Sautéed radicchio, fennel and carrots are topped with chicken, walnuts and Gorgonzola in this warm and hearty main-dish salad. Serve with crusty whole-grain baguette.

» Warm Winter Salad

Chopped Greek Salad with Chicken

Chicken turns this Greek-inspired salad into a substantial main course. Feel free to substitute other chopped fresh vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, for the tomatoes or cucumber. Use leftover chicken, store-roasted chicken or quickly poach a couple boneless, skinless chicken breasts while you prepare the rest of the salad. Serve with pita bread and hummus.

» Chopped Greek Salad with Chicken

If you are lucky enough to have leftovers after Thanksgiving, here are some simple recipes to put your turkey to good use.

With all the effort that goes into holiday cooking, make sure you have enough for leftovers. These delicious recipes are perfect for your extra turkey and chicken and stretch dollars after all that holiday spending. Consider cooking a bigger turkey than you need or add an extra chicken to the roasting pan since they both lend themselves especially well to day-after-the-party meals. With only about 144 calories and less than 2 grams of saturated fat per 3-ounce serving, roasted turkey or chicken is healthy as well. Plus, cooked poultry is endlessly versatile. Try these easy, healthy recipes featuring cooked turkey or chicken—they’re all easy on the cook and easy on the budget.