Quick Turkey Chowder
A comforting and hearty turkey chowder packed with vegetables, creamy broth, and tender turkey, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. cut up cooked turkey ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 c. margarine or butter ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 c. milk
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 16 oz. can tiny whole potatoes, diced ⓘ
- 16 oz. can cream-style corn ⓘ
- 10 oz. pkg. frozen green peas, thawed ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped pimentos ⓘ
- chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook celery and onion in margarine in a large saucepan until tender.
- Remove from heat; blend in flour.
- Cook over low heat, stirring until mixture is bubbly.
- Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.
- Boil and stir for 1 minute.
- Stir in turkey, corn, potatoes, peas, pimento, and pepper; heat through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after cooking the celery and onion. If you don't have turkey, leftover chicken works just as well. You can also substitute frozen mixed vegetables for the peas and pimentos for a quick variation. To thicken the chowder further, add a little more flour or some instant potato flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside a dish like Baked Chicken Or Turkey Salad, which complements the chowder well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chowder on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Turkey Chowder contains roughly 1566 calories, with 61g protein, 222g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (124% of the Daily Value), protein (123% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 883mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh celery, onion, and peas will add great texture and flavor. Just make sure to cook the fresh vegetables until tender before adding them to the chowder to ensure they are properly cooked.
Can I freeze the chowder?
Yes, you can freeze the chowder, but keep in mind that the texture of the milk may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove over low heat.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter option or use homemade turkey stock if you have it. Both alternatives will still provide a nice base for the chowder while keeping it flavorful.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).