A creamy, simple, hearty turkey chowder that doubles as a great way to use up leftover turkey.
I am very easily motivated and appeased by food.
I’ve never worked a job where I received a large Christmas bonus or lavish gift for the holidays, but each year before Thanksgiving I do get a gigantic frozen turkey to take home. A bonus, I’m sure, would be very lovely, but a turkey is a very tangible thing and I feel a little extra pleased with myself each year, cradling it on my hip to my car (I carry it like a big frozen turkey baby — it freezes both my hip and the crook of my arm but is somehow less awkward and less difficult than carrying it by the strap on the long walk) and carefully burying it in the freezer.
It always seems enormous, taking up more space in the freezer than I really have to spare, and can fill a house with leftovers for days.
But after a few days, one can get pretty tired of eating just plain turkey…
In preparation for this year’s turkey and the bountiful leftovers sure to persist long after Thanksgiving, I’ve been working on perfecting recipes to use up said leftover turkey. This one is by far my favorite.
As I’ve been beginning to find myself writing these posts under a thicker and thicker pile of blankets each night, I thought it might be about time to share a savory dish that’ll warm you from the inside out (It also might be time for me to begin the extensive debate with Zach over when is the right time to turn on the heat — he seems to think January).
Soup seemed to be the right call, made with a creamy broth whisked from a simple roux, heartening, warming and guaranteed to take the chill away.
I like my soups a little rich, definitely creamy, and nice & hearty, so of course that’s exactly how this turkey chowder was constructed.
Chunks of potatoes and carrots, shredded leftover turkey and a hearty pour of heavy cream makes the best soup I’ve ever had. I went back and forth about adding chilies to the soup as well because I wanted that subtly spicy dimension of flavor, and I’m so glad I ultimately included them in the recipe. You can omit if you’d like, but they’re not terribly spicy; they add just enough of a subtle kick for a great flavor.
Enjoy, and stay warm!
Turkey Chowder
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons (55 g) butter
- 1 large onion
- 3 large cloves garlic
- 6 Tbsp (50 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 3 cups (465 g) white potatoes diced smaller than ½ inch
- 1 cup (115 g) sliced carrots about 1 large carrot
- 3 cups (375 g) cooked, shredded turkey
- 2 ½ cups (350 g) frozen sweet corn
- 1 ½ cups (355 ml) heavy cream
- 4 oz (113 g) canned mild or medium chili peppers
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot (preferably a cast iron dutch oven), melt butter over medium-high heat.4 Tablespoons (55 g) butter
- Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.1 large onion
- Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant (about 30 seconds).3 large cloves garlic
- Sprinkle the contents of the pot with the flour and stir until smooth, about 1 minute.6 Tbsp (50 g) all-purpose flour
- Add chicken stock, potatoes, and carrots, and bring to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pan.4 cups chicken stock, 3 cups (465 g) white potatoes, 1 cup (115 g) sliced carrots
- Add remaining ingredients, return to boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.3 cups (375 g) cooked, shredded turkey, 2 ½ cups (350 g) frozen sweet corn, 1 ½ cups (355 ml) heavy cream, 4 oz (113 g) canned mild or medium chili peppers, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes.
- Serve.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
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ELIZABETH
Easy and tasty.
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Elizabeth! 🙂
Lauren
This was a hit. My 9 year old even asked for the leftovers the next day. I have not had a bad recipe from this site. You need more savory recipes 🙂
Sam
Thank you so much, Lauren! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Ashley W
This soup was delicious! I used cooked noodles instead of potatoes, milk instead of heavy cream and slightly thickened it with cornstarch- yum! Will definitely make again.
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that you enjoyed the turkey chowder, Ashley. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
Cynthia
Yum! Used canned turkey we had canned over the summer. Love! Made wheat rolls to go with it! Delish!
Julia Bencze
Love this recipe! Instead of turkey I used to chicken . I decided not to use noodles. I went ahead and put it in gnocchi. It was like chicken and dumplings! Perfect recipe for Winter thank you!
Sam
I am so glad you enjoyed it Julia! 🙂
Davania
This could possibly be the best thing I’ve ever made. It is off the charts! Thank you SugarSpunSam!
Sam
Thank you so much, Davania! I am so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Amy
Do you think I could use a crockpot for this recipe?
Sam
I think that would work. ☺️
Helen Long Black
Can you say AWESOME?
Sam
Thank you so much, Helen! ☺️
Jan
This is the chowder I’ve been looking for! I love the idea of adding a little zing. I’m going to try it with a freshly minced jalapeno instead of the canned chili pepper. I’ve made a similar version of this soup recipe with shrimp instead of turkey, but shrimp doesn’t reheat very well. Turkey is the way to go.
Also, if you want to leave out the corn starch and flower, a great way to make the soup creamy is to take about a cup or cup and a half out near the end and put it in the blender until completely broken down. Then add it back in to the soup.
Sam
I hope you LOVE it, Jan!!! Good tip on blending the soup, I actually use this trick in my Summer Corn Chowder recipe and it really works SO well!!! 🙂
pat
Yum but noodles in place of taters for me. Tell Zac hugs are warmer than blankets. BIG (HUG) Pat
the Sensational Sam can cook w/o sugar. 🙂
Sam
Oh I bet it would be delicious with noodles, too! And yes, every now and then I can put away the sugar 😉
Thanks so much, Pat! <3
Sues
A turkey is definitely my idea of an awesome bonus… And this chowder looks perfectly delicious and best for enjoying under a nice thick blanket 🙂
Sam
Thank you, Sues! 🙂