Easy One-Dish Turkey & Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Leftovers
Every year, after a big holiday feast like Thanksgiving or Christmas, we’re often left with an abundance of delicious leftovers. While turkey sandwiches are a classic, they can get a bit monotonous after a few days. This year, my Thanksgiving turkey was a triumph – an 18-pound bird roasted to perfection, a significant achievement considering my past attempts! But after the celebratory meal was over, I found myself with a substantial amount of cooked turkey meat and the familiar question: what to do with all these leftovers?
The quest to transform excess holiday turkey into something new and exciting led me down a familiar path. My family loves comfort food, and a casserole seemed like the perfect solution. I decided to dive into recipe hunting, hoping to find a simple, yet satisfying, one-dish meal that would breathe new life into our leftover turkey. This quest, however, wasn’t without its detours and culinary adventures, proving that sometimes, the best recipes are the ones you already know and trust.
Initially, I stumbled upon a turkey casserole recipe in the newspaper that promised a wonderful, easy solution. With all the ingredients on hand and an eager spirit, I whipped it up, optimistic about its potential. Unfortunately, the outcome was far from wonderful. It was, in fact, a serious culinary fail! My kids, usually enthusiastic eaters, wouldn’t even touch it. We ended up with even more leftover turkey (and a failed casserole) still in the fridge, and my family’s skepticism about “new” leftover recipes grew.
With a sigh, I turned to a tried-and-true classic: my mom’s old-fashioned, stand-by turkey casserole recipe. It had been a while since I’d made it, but I knew its comforting embrace couldn’t disappoint. My boys were understandably wary after the previous disaster, but they bravely gave it a try. The result? An enthusiastic two thumbs up! The smiles on their faces and the empty plates were all the confirmation I needed. This easy, hearty casserole was a resounding success, proving that sometimes, you just can’t beat a classic.
This amazing one-dish turkey casserole isn’t just a hit because it tastes great; it’s a true lifesaver in the kitchen. Here are just a few reasons why this recipe has become a family favorite, especially when you’re looking for quick and easy weeknight dinners or creative ways to use up those post-holiday leftovers:
- **Effortless Preparation:** Forget piles of dirty dishes! This recipe comes together directly in one 8×8 pan, eliminating the need for extra mixing bowls. It’s perfect for busy evenings or when you simply don’t want a big cleanup.
- **Ultimate Versatility:** Whether you have leftover roasted turkey from Thanksgiving, a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, or even some pre-cooked chicken breasts, this casserole welcomes it all. It’s designed to be flexible, making it ideal for whatever cooked poultry you have on hand.
- **Smart Leftover Utilization:** This dish is a genius way to use up not just your leftover turkey or chicken, but also that extra bread stuffing! Instead of letting delicious stuffing go to waste, it becomes a flavorful, textural topping that perfectly complements the creamy base.
- **Kid-Approved Flavor:** The simple yet rich flavors appeal to even the pickiest eaters. It’s pure comfort food that consistently gets high marks from children and adults alike, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
- **Customizable to Your Taste:** While the basic recipe is fantastic, it also serves as a wonderful canvas for your family’s preferences. Want to add more vegetables? Go for it! Prefer a different herb blend? Adjust as you please. This casserole adapts beautifully to your culinary whims.
Since this is such a basic and adaptable turkey (or chicken) casserole recipe, you can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes and what you have available. If you don’t have leftover stuffing like I often do, no problem! Simply whip up a fresh batch of Stove Top stuffing or any other boxed stuffing mix, and use that as your savory topping. I make this casserole year-round, not just after holidays, and my kids absolutely adore it every single time. It’s a testament to its simple ingredients and comforting flavor profile.
Beyond the stuffing, feel free to get creative with other additions. A handful of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella are great choices) can be mixed into the turkey layer for extra creaminess and flavor. A dash of garlic powder or a pinch of poultry seasoning can elevate the savory notes. For those who love a bit more texture, consider adding finely chopped celery or carrots to the turkey mixture. This truly is a versatile one-dish wonder that solves the leftover dilemma with delicious ease.
This casserole is a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create a truly memorable meal. It’s warm, hearty, and satisfying, making it the perfect family dinner on a chilly evening. The convenience of baking it all in one pan means less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying precious moments with your loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and guaranteed to impress with its rich flavors and comforting aroma.
Don’t let those holiday leftovers languish in the fridge. Transform them into this incredible, easy one-dish turkey or chicken casserole. It’s a quick dinner solution, a budget-friendly meal, and most importantly, a dish that will bring smiles to everyone at your table.
Easy One Dish Turkey (or Chicken!) Casserole
Print
Pin
Rate
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked diced turkey or chicken
- 1 can low fat cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 Tbsp. dried onion flakes
- 2 Tbsp. fresh chopped parsley or 1 tsp. dried
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup frozen peas
- bread dressing leftovers or make a quick a box of Stove Top
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
-
Mix all ingredients except bread dressing in an 8×8 pan, stirring until combined. Spread bread dressing over top. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
-
Bake for 20-30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. Take off foil and let the top brown a bit. Serve warm and enjoy!
I genuinely hope you and your family enjoy this simple, flavorful, and incredibly easy one-dish turkey or chicken casserole as much as we do. It’s a fantastic way to stretch your ingredients, minimize kitchen cleanup, and serve up a heartwarming meal that truly satisfies. Whether you’re dealing with holiday leftovers or just craving a delicious and straightforward weeknight dinner, this recipe has got you covered.
If you liked this recipe, you might like these too:
Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole