Easy Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes (Sliders, Chili & Sandwiches!)

Craving something different after days of Thanksgiving dinner but don't want to waste all that leftover turkey? You're in the right place! Making amazing new meals from Thanksgiving leftovers is easier than you think, and it's a fun way to transform yesterday's feast into completely new dishes your family will love. Whether you're a fan of crispy sandwiches or hearty chili, these recipes will help you use up every last bit of turkey without any food waste.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

We've rounded up these amazing leftover turkey recipes so nothing goes to waste from Thanksgiving dinner! From air fryer sandwiches to homemade broth and crowd-pleasing sliders, each recipe uses simple ingredients you already have in your fridge. Save money, avoid food waste, and enjoy delicious comfort food all week long!

Why You'll Love These Recipes

These leftover turkey recipes are perfect for anyone who wants to avoid eating the same meal for days on end! Most recipes use simple ingredients like leftover turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce that you already have from your Thanksgiving feast. You'll love how these recipes transform familiar ingredients into completely new dishes - the turkey chili tastes nothing like Thanksgiving dinner! Making these recipes at home means zero food waste and maximum flavor. Plus, once you have your leftovers properly stored, you can make multiple meals throughout the week for zero additional grocery cost! These recipes give you restaurant-quality results without leaving your house, and they're surprisingly easy to master. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, these leftover recipes deliver delicious comfort food every time.

1. Turkey Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

These crowd-pleasing turkey sliders are hands-down one of the best ways to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey! They're quick, easy, and the entire family will love them. What makes these sliders so special is the combination of cream cheese and cranberry sauce spread on those sweet Hawaiian rolls, topped with turkey and a buttery garlic-onion mixture.

Ingredients you'll need:

• Hawaiian rolls (12-count package)
• Cream cheese
• Cranberry sauce
• Leftover turkey (sliced)
• Butter
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Worcestershire sauce

Get the full recipe for Turkey Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls →

2. Turkey and Black Bean Chili

This hearty chili is one of my absolute favorite ways to transform leftover turkey! It's packed with flavor, comes together quickly, and makes excellent use of that extra turkey meat. The beauty of this chili is how the turkey really absorbs all the spices - chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika - creating a rich, hearty dish that tastes nothing like yesterday's Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients you'll need:

• Leftover shredded turkey (about 3 cups)
• Black beans
• Bell peppers (red and green)
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Onion and garlic
• Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika
• Beer (for deglazing)
• Tomato paste
• Olive oil

Get the full recipe for Turkey and Black Bean Chili →

3. Homemade Turkey Broth from Turkey Neck and Carcass

Don't throw away that turkey carcass! This homemade turkey broth recipe is the ultimate way to squeeze every bit of flavor and nutrition from your Thanksgiving turkey. Making turkey broth from scratch is easier than you might think - roast the turkey parts with vegetables for extra depth, then simmer everything with fresh herbs for about 3 hours. The result is a rich, flavorful broth that's perfect for soups, stuffing, gravy, or sipping on its own.

Ingredients you'll need:

• Turkey carcass and neck (raw turkey parts)
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onions
• Fresh herbs (parsley, sage, thyme)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Water

Get the full recipe for Homemade Turkey Broth →

4. Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich in the Air Fryer

This air fryer sandwich is a game-changer! It takes all your favorite Thanksgiving leftovers and transforms them into a hot, crispy, perfectly toasted sandwich that might just be better than the original meal. What makes this sandwich so special is the air fryer magic - it toasts the brioche buns to a beautiful golden-brown with a slight crunch while keeping them soft inside. Meanwhile, the cheese melts perfectly over the turkey!

Ingredients you'll need:

• Brioche buns
• Leftover turkey (sliced)
• Swiss cheese
• Leftover stuffing (warmed)
• Cranberry sauce
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Lettuce

Get the full recipe for Air Fryer Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich →

5. Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

Sometimes simple is best! This classic cold turkey sandwich celebrates all the best flavors from your Thanksgiving meal in an easy, hand-held form. Layer sliced turkey with cranberry sauce, your favorite cheese, fresh lettuce, and any other toppings you love. It's perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner when you don't want to spend time in the kitchen. You can enjoy it cold or grill it like a panini for melted cheese perfection!

Ingredients you'll need:

• Hearty bread (your choice)
• Leftover turkey (sliced)
• Cranberry sauce
• Cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Red onion
• Mayonnaise or cream cheese

Get the full recipe for Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sandwich →

Tips for Making the Most of Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

Storage Essentials

Before you start making your favorite leftover recipes, proper storage makes all the difference!

• Airtight containers - Essential for keeping leftovers fresh for 3-4 days
• Mason jars - Perfect for storing turkey broth (stores up to 2 weeks!)
• Freezer bags - Great for freezing turkey for 1-3 months
• Labels and dates - Keep track of what needs to be used first
• Separate containers - Store turkey, stuffing, and sides separately for maximum freshness

Work Quickly and Safely

Strip all meat from the carcass within 2 hours of dinner to ensure food safety. This also makes it easier to portion out for different recipes throughout the week.

Save That Carcass!

Don't throw away the turkey bones! Making homemade turkey broth is easier than you think and gives you a flavorful base for soups, gravy, and cooking grains. It's the ultimate zero-waste solution and tastes so much better than store-bought broth!

Get Creative with Combinations

The beauty of making leftovers at home is customization! The air fryer sandwich works great with different types of bread, the chili can be topped with your favorite additions, and the sliders are perfect for experimentation. Start with the recipe as written, then adjust to suit your taste!

Freeze for Later

Turkey freezes beautifully for 1-3 months! Portion it out in freezer bags so you can enjoy these recipes even weeks after Thanksgiving. Consider making coffee ice cubes with your turkey broth so it doesn't get watered down when reheating!

Use Fresh, Quality Leftovers

Your leftover recipes will only be as good as the original ingredients! Make sure your turkey was properly cooked and stored from the start for the best-tasting results.

More Creative Ways to Use Turkey Leftovers

Beyond these specific recipes, leftover turkey is incredibly versatile! Here are some quick ideas to inspire you:

• Turkey Soup: Use your homemade turkey broth with leftover turkey meat, vegetables, and noodles for ultimate comfort food
• Turkey Salad: Mix shredded turkey with mayo, celery, grapes, and pecans for a refreshing lunch
• Turkey Enchiladas: Roll turkey with cheese in tortillas and top with enchilada sauce for a Mexican-inspired meal
• Turkey Fried Rice: A great way to use up any leftover vegetables too - quick and delicious!
• Turkey Shepherd's Pie: Top turkey and veggies with creamy mashed potatoes and bake until golden
• Turkey Pot Pie: Classic comfort food perfect for leftover turkey and vegetables
• Turkey Quesadillas: Quick, easy, and kid-friendly!
• Turkey Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta, cream sauce, and vegetables

Final Thoughts

Making the most of Thanksgiving leftovers is a rewarding experience that saves you money, reduces food waste, and lets you enjoy delicious new meals all week long. These 5 recipes cover everything from crispy air fryer sandwiches to hearty chili and nourishing homemade broth. Once you master these basics, you'll find it easy to experiment and create your own custom combinations!

The best part? You can enjoy restaurant-quality meals without leaving your kitchen or spending extra money on groceries. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch solution or a cozy dinner that feels completely different from Thanksgiving, these recipes have you covered.

So grab those leftover containers, fire up that air fryer (or your stove!), and get ready to transform yesterday's feast into today's favorites! Which recipe will you try first?

Happy Cooking! 🦃