When the weather starts getting crisp, honestly, nothing beats a big, steamy bowl of ultimate comfort food. Forget fussy new recipes for a minute—we need something hearty that tastes like a hug, right? That’s where my quick-fix secret weapon comes in: the Cozy Turkey & Chicken Soup. This recipe is an absolute champion for making sure those perfectly good leftovers, be they slightly dry turkey or half a chicken carcass, turn into something deeply satisfying.
I’m Hanna, and I specialize here at Recipes by Betty in adapting things to work better, faster, and tastier. Believe me when I say that adapting mixed-protein soups like this is my absolute favorite because they’re so forgiving and the flavor profile just deepens beautifully. It’s practical, protein-packed, and ready before you know it!
Why This Cozy Turkey & Chicken Soup is Your New Favorite Fall Dinner Recipes Staple
When I look at the calendar and see fallen leaves, I immediately start thinking about big, simple meals. This soup is just that! It’s fantastic because it turns meat you’d be putting away into a powerhouse of protein ready in under an hour. Seriously, this is one of my go-to Fall Dinner Recipes because it feels so substantial and truly hits the spot as a wonderful Comfort Soup.
It’s the height of practicality, which I absolutely adore. Why make a whole new meal when you have already cooked protein sitting there? We’re maximizing flavor while minimizing effort, which is always the goal in my kitchen.
Quick Prep for Your Cozy Turkey & Chicken Soup
You won’t believe how fast this comes together. We are talking about only 10 minutes of actual prep time! Most of that is just chopping the carrots and celery—the real heavy lifting (cooking the meat) is already done. That speed is why this is perfect for a Tuesday night when everyone is tired but hungry for something warm. If you need another fast, delicious soup idea, check out my thoughts on Lemon Chicken Soup—it’s great for when the cold really sets in!
Essential Ingredients for Cozy Turkey & Chicken Soup
The real beauty of this recipe is that it starts with ingredients you already have hanging around after a big roast or holiday meal. That’s why it’s such a lifesaver! We aren’t going out for fancy things; we are building flavor from what we salvaged. I love keeping a bag of frozen, chopped carrots and celery on hand for speed, but if you have them fresh, even better! This is a super flexible formula, but you absolutely need the broth and the protein to get that rich foundation.
If you’re looking for other ways to utilize your leftovers, I have a wonderful Turkey Noodle Soup recipe that’s perfect for a slightly different vibe. For general chicken soup inspiration, you can look over these great ideas from Country Living too: Chicken Soup Recipes.
For the Soup Base
- 2 cups Cooked turkey, shredded or cubed (Leftover)
- 2 cups Cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (Leftover)
- 8 cups Chicken or turkey broth
- 2 Carrots, chopped
- 2 Celery stalks, chopped
Optional Additions for Your Cozy Turkey & Chicken Soup
- 1 cup Egg noodles or rice (Cooked separately or added during the last 10 minutes of simmering)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cozy Turkey & Chicken Soup
This is where the magic happens, and honestly, it’s laughably easy. We’re taking all those wonderful cooked bits and turning them into a steaming bowl of restorative goodness. The best part about this method is how it allows the broth to really soak into everything, creating that deep, warm flavor we crave when it gets chilly outside.
If you want some inspiration for a richer version, maybe something that leans toward my favorite creamy chicken noodle soup, stick around for the tips section later! For now, let’s get this base simmering. If you’re looking for more cooking ideas while this simmers, check out some classic chicken soup recipes on Betty Crocker.
Combining Ingredients and Initial Simmer
First thing’s first—grab your big pot! Toss in all your leftover turkey and chicken. Don’t worry about shredding it too finely; chunks are good! Next, you’ll add your chopped carrots and celery right on top of the meat. Now, pour in all 8 cups of your broth. Set the heat to high and bring the whole thing up to a rolling boil. I always watch this part closely just so I know it’s really heating up evenly before I turn the temperature down.
Finishing Touches for the Comfort Soup
Once it hits that good boil, immediately reduce your heat way down low—we want a gentle simmer, not a crazy bubble bath! Cover the pot loosely and let it just cook away for 35 minutes. This is crucial; it lets the vegetables soften just right and lets those mixed meats truly infuse the liquid. If you’re adding noodles or rice—and I highly recommend it for extra heartiness—toss those in during the final 10 minutes of that simmer time. Trust me, 35 minutes is the sweet spot for developing the ultimate Comfort Soup flavor!
Tips for the Best Cozy Turkey & Chicken Soup Experience
This Cozy Turkey & Chicken Soup recipe shines because it asks for what you have, but there are definitely ways to push it over the top into legendary status. That’s why I love adapting recipes—we can make them work for us! While the basic version is hearty and perfect as is, I sometimes want that extra velvety mouthfeel, especially if I’m serving it on a chilly night.
As I mentioned before, I truly enjoy adapting mixed-protein soups like this because they’re so forgiving; you can toss in almost any leftover veggie and it just works. For ideas on using store-bought cooked chicken, check out my tips for Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup—it’s an easy shortcut!
Making Your Cozy Turkey & Chicken Soup Creamy
If you’re aiming for that perfect bowl of Creamy Chicken Soup texture, this is your secret weapon: heavy cream! Don’t add it too early, or it can sometimes separate, but we’re stirring it in right at the very end. Just take about 1/2 cup of heavy cream—or half-and-half if you prefer slightly lighter—and stir it in during the last five minutes of cooking. Turn the heat way down while you do this.
Once that cream hits the flavorful broth, it instantly transforms the entire soup into something incredibly rich and satisfying. It smooths out all the edges and just makes it feel luxurious, even though we started with leftovers!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Cozy Turkey & Chicken Soup
One of the best things about making a big pot of soup like this is having leftovers for lunch the next day! This Cozy Turkey & Chicken Soup tastes even better the second day once all those lovely flavors have had a chance to really meld together overnight. It’s perfect for those busy days when you need something truly restorative!
To store it, you absolutely must let it cool down on the counter for maybe 20 or 30 minutes first—don’t put a huge pot of boiling hot liquid straight into the fridge, we don’t want to warm up everything else in there! Then, transfer the soup into an airtight container. You can easily keep it tucked away in the refrigerator for about four days. If you need longer, this soup freezes like a dream!
When it comes time to reheat, I always prefer the stovetop method. Place your portion in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it occasionally as it warms up. If you try to rush it in the microwave, sometimes the liquid heats unevenly, and you end up with cold spots, which is just disappointing when you want a hot Winter Soup.
If you notice the soup has thickened up too much after refrigeration—especially if you added noodles—don’t panic! Just add a splash more broth or even some water right into the pot while it heats. This keeps the consistency perfect. If you’re looking for more great freezer-friendly meal ideas, you should check out my tips for Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup—it’s another amazing make-ahead meal!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Winter Soup
It’s completely normal to have questions when you’re adapting a recipe, especially one you want to be perfect for a chilly evening. This Winter Soup is so easy, but sometimes little tweaks make all the difference! I’ve gathered up the ones I hear most often about making this the ultimate Fall Soup.
Can I use raw meat instead of cooked leftovers in this Cozy Turkey & Chicken Soup?
Oh, good question! Yes, you absolutely can, but you have to change the approach slightly since we aren’t starting with pre-cooked meat. If you use raw chicken pieces or turkey chunks, you have to sauté the chopped carrots and celery first until they soften up a bit. Then, you add the raw meat and brown it slightly before adding the broth. You will definitely need to simmer it longer—probably closer to an hour—until that raw meat is totally tender and cooked through before you can call it done!
What vegetables work best in this Comfort Soup?
This is where you can really get creative and empty out the crisper drawer! Since we are aiming for a really substantial Comfort Soup, I love adding vegetables that hold up well to simmering. Diced small potatoes are wonderful because they break down slightly and thicken the broth just a tiny bit. Frozen corn is always a winner, added right near the end. Peas are great too, but toss those in during the absolute last five minutes so they keep their bright color!
If you’re looking for even more ways to use up those odds and ends in your fridge, you might want to check out my recipe for Healthy Crockpot Lasagna Soup—it’s another great way to make a heavy meal feel light!
Estimated Nutritional Snapshot for Cozy Turkey & Chicken Soup
Okay, so we know this Cozy Turkey & Chicken Soup is packed with flavor and it’s fantastic for using up leftovers, but I wanted to give you a quick heads-up on what’s going into your bowl nutrient-wise. Since this recipe is so flexible—you might add cream, you might skip the noodles—please remember that these numbers are just a general estimate. They are based on making the basic soup recipe and dividing it evenly among the 6 servings we planned for.
When I look at this snapshot, I absolutely love that huge protein number! Since we’re using both turkey and chicken, you are getting a serious dose of muscle-building goodness in every spoonful. That’s the upside of prioritizing those leftovers!
If you’re interested in other meals that are high in protein but maybe less focused on soup, you definitely need to try my Avocado Chickpea Bowl—it’s fresh and filling!
Here is the general breakdown per serving estimate:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
Since this uses broth, the sodium is something to keep an eye on. If you are watching your salt intake or using store-bought broth, just be sure to check the labels or maybe go half broth and half water!
Share Your Perfect Cozy Turkey & Chicken Soup Creations
Now that you have the secrets to turning your leftovers into the most satisfying bowl of Cozy Turkey & Chicken Soup, I genuinely want to see what you come up with! Did you stick to the classic broth, or did you sneak in that extra dash of cream I mentioned? I’m always curious about how you all adapt these comforting meals for your own families.
Please, please give this recipe a star rating if it brought some warmth to your table—it really helps me know I’m sharing the best tips! If you made changes or brilliant additions, snap a photo and share it on social media. You can tag us or just send a note through the contact page right here so I can see your efforts!
About the Author: Hanna Foster
By Hanna Foster, Adaptation Specialist at Recipes by Betty.
Cozy Turkey & Chicken Soup
Equipment
- large pot
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 cups Cooked turkey, shredded or cubed Leftover
- 2 cups Cooked chicken, shredded or cubed Leftover
- 8 cups Chicken or turkey broth
- 2 Carrots, chopped
- 2 Celery stalks, chopped
Optional Additions
- 1 cup Egg noodles or rice Cooked separately or added during the last 10 minutes of simmering
Instructions
- Combine the leftover turkey and chicken in a large pot.
- Add the chopped vegetables and the broth to the pot with the meat.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 35 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- If you want a thicker soup, add cooked noodles or rice during the last 10 minutes of simmering.