Turkey Chowder
A hearty and comforting turkey chowder with smoky bacon, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for using leftover turkey and satisfying a family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Partially cook bacon in a large saucepan; stir in chopped onion.
- Cook until the onion is tender.
- Stir in water, undrained diced tomatoes, turkey, potatoes, carrots, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and cover.
- Simmer for 30 to 35 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Mash slightly to thicken the chowder.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular. If you don't have leftover turkey, rotisserie chicken works well as a substitute. You can also add other vegetables like corn or green beans for extra nutrition. Adjust the thickness of the chowder by mashing more or fewer potatoes. This dish can be easily customized based on what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the turkey chowder with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Seattle 3 Leaf Salad for a refreshing contrast. Garnish each bowl with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor. This chowder is hearty enough to stand alone, but a light dessert, like fruit or yogurt, can make for a balanced dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover turkey chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, but be sure to stir halfway through to ensure even heating. Avoid freezing, as the ingredients may become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Chowder contains roughly 823 calories, with 16g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), potassium (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 565mg per serving (25% 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 frozen turkey for this chowder?
Yes, you can use frozen turkey. Just ensure it's fully thawed before adding it to the chowder. If using frozen turkey, it may take a little longer to cook, so adjust the simmering time accordingly to ensure the turkey is heated through.
What can I substitute for bacon?
If you're looking for a healthier option or need a vegetarian dish, you can substitute the bacon with olive oil for sautéing the onions. Alternatively, use turkey bacon or pancetta for a similar flavor profile without the extra fat.
Is this chowder gluten-free?
Yes, this turkey chowder is gluten-free as it does not contain any flour or gluten-containing ingredients. Always check your canned products, like the diced tomatoes, to ensure they are labeled gluten-free.
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).