Leftover turkey fricassee is one of my favorite ways to breathe new life into post-holiday turkey. If you’re searching for an easy, delicious recipe to make over leftovers, this is the answer.
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Leftover Turkey Fricassee Recipe
Leftover Turkey Fricassee is a cozy, classic dish featuring tender turkey pieces simmered in a velvety, savory sauce. I love how simple it is. It’s a perfect recipe for using up what’s in the fridge after a holiday meal.
This fricassee is all about making the most out of cooked turkey. The meat gets gently warmed in a luscious blend of stock, cream, and sautéed vegetables. The sauce picks up richness from the turkey and a fragrant twist from thyme and parsley.
The dish can be enjoyed with different sides. For a classic approach, it pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or al dente pasta. Buttery noodles or pillowy gnocchi offer a satisfying base, too.
It goes well with roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or celeriac. Steamed green beans, sautéed spinach, or crisp garden salad also work well. For special gatherings, fricassee works nicely next to crusty artisan bread or homemade dinner rolls.
Hosting a brunch or casual lunch? The fricassee is delicious with quiche, frittata, or as a savory pie filling. Leftovers are easily reheated and served with scrambled eggs for a quick breakfast, or piled atop crisp crackers for an unexpected appetizer.
For drinks, you can enjoy the fricassee with a chilled glass of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or sparkling cider. A light-bodied Pinot Noir or a craft pale ale is also a great choice.
Here’s how to make the leftover turkey fricassee:
Leftover Turkey Fricassee
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 3 cups leftover cooked turkey cubed or shredded
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken or turkey stock
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half for creamier texture
- ½ tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and mushrooms. Cook 6–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables. Stir well and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in stock, followed by milk. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in cooked turkey. Simmer gently 5–7 minutes until heated through.
- Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Substitute chicken if no turkey is available.
- To lighten it up, use low-fat milk and less butter.
- To make gluten-free, replace flour with cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water).
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
Here are some popular versions of the Turkey Fricassee. No matter which version you try, leftover turkey fricassee is flexible, comforting, and a pure joy to make and eat.
- Herbed Vegetable Fricassee adds diced carrots, celery, and peas along with fresh dill or tarragon for a brighter, garden-inspired version.
- Cheesy Turkey Fricassee melts in shredded Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan to enrich the sauce for added creaminess and tang.
- Smoky Fricassee uses smoked paprika and roasted garlic for a subtle, smoky depth that complements the turkey’s flavor.
- Lemon & Herb Fricassee stirs in lemon zest and juice for a zippy twist; fresh chives or parsley finish the dish with freshness.
- Gluten-Free Fricassee replaces flour with cornstarch or arrowroot for a silky sauce suited for gluten-sensitive diners.
- Mushroom-Free Fricassee skips mushrooms entirely, focusing on onions and herbs as the aromatic base—ideal for picky eaters or family allergies.
- Spicy Fricassee turns up the heat with chili flakes, hot sauce, or a dash of cayenne, creating a warming, robust alternative.
- Vegetable-Heavy Fricassee bulks up with squash, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients, making it a complete one-pot meal.