Turkey Instead of Chicken: Easy Recipe Swaps
Simple Budget-Friendly Substitutions That Work
Have you ever wondered if you can use turkey instead of chicken in some of your favorite recipes? The answer is absolutely, yes, you can!
Whether you have leftover turkey from a whole bird, a tender and juicy turkey breast, or a flavorful turkey tenderloin, you can use leftovers for any of the recipes below. I love how easy it is to make the swap!
Why Swap Chicken for Turkey?
Swapping chicken for turkey is one of the easiest ways to stretch your grocery budget after the holidays. After all, if you’re like my family, you probably have a bunch of leftover turkey.
And you can only eat so many turkey sandwiches before growing tired of it. The best part of this easy swap is that chicken and turkey are so similar that you can switch with just a few simple tweaks.
Turkey can be just as tender and juicy as chicken if it’s cooked properly. Keep in mind that turkey is typically leaner than chicken, so it cooks faster.
Leftover Cooked Turkey
I intentionally cook more turkey than I know we’ll eat during a holiday meal. Then, after we finish, I divide what’s left.
The turkey that I know we’ll consume within a couple of days goes on a platter covered in plastic wrap. I divide what remains and put it into ziplock bags that I label and put in the freezer.
Chicken-to-Turkey Soup and Stew Recipes
Chicken-to-Turkey Taco Soup – Your family will love this taco soup loaded with tender turkey, beans, corn, tomatoes, and bold Tex-Mex spices. A quick, comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy nights and cozy family dinners.
Crockpot Ranch Chicken Dinner – Swap out the chicken for turkey in this easy but delicious recipe, and no one will know the difference. That is, unless you tell them.
White Chicken Chili – With all of the white chili spices you enjoy, you’ll relish the slight difference of using turkey instead of chicken in this delightful recipe.
Chicken Rice Soup – One of my family’s favorite comfort foods is chicken rice soup. However, with leftover turkey, you’ll be able to save money by using that instead of the normal chicken.
Chicken-to-Turkey Casseroles
Mexican Chicken Rice Casserole for Two – This dish is perfect for those nights when we’re craving south-of-the-border flavors but want to stay home. Using turkey instead of chicken gives this recipe just enough variation to make it just a little bit different.
Chicken Pot Pie – I make this recipe without the standard crust to keep it gluten-free. It’s super easy to turkey instead of chicken, and it tastes just as good. If you’re making it for more than 2 people, simply double or triple the recipe.
Chicken Noodle Casserole – Yes, please. Use either regular or gluten-free pasta and swap out the chicken for turkey. This is a delightfully comforting way to use leftover turkey.
Italian Chicken Zucchini Casserole – You’ll love how all of the flavors meld in this yummy Italian dish with turkey instead of chicken.
Chicken Rice Casserole – This is a super make-ahead dish that you can put in the fridge in the morning and transfer it to the oven when you’re ready. I like to use turkey in this dish to keep meals simple after a labor-intensive holiday meal.
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole – One of the best ways to get the family to eat their vegetables is to make this tasty dish. Use turkey instead of chicken for the same wonderful flavors!
More Chicken-to-Turkey Swaps
Fruit and Chicken Salad – Fruity and flavorful, this chicken salad delivers a delightful blend of savory and sweet! It’s perfect for luncheons with friends or after church with the family.
Chicken Quesadillas – Use turkey instead of chicken when stuffing the tortillas, and you’re sure to get plenty of smiles. This is super easy and oh-so satisfying!
Island Chicken Salad – Take your taste buds on a tropical vacation with this yummy island chicken salad. Don’t be surprised if talk around the table turns to your next family vacation.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip – Need something to dip chips, crackers, or vegetables? Cut up some leftover turkey and use that instead of chicken. It’s so delicious!
Classic Chicken Salad – When you’re in the mood for something traditional, make this wonderful salad using turkey in place of chicken. I like to serve it on a bed of lettuce with a side of crackers.
Easy but Delicious Switch from Chicken to Turkey
Swapping out turkey for chicken is an easy way to save money, add a slightly different flavor to dishes, and reduce wasting leftovers.
Give some of these budget-friendly swaps a try. And then experiment with some of your own favorite chicken recipes. Leave a comment and let us know what your favorite swaps are!
