Slow Cooker Turkey Chowder
59 CommentsUpdated Mar 04, 2026
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Want to change up that leftover turkey? This turkey chowder is the ticket! Creamy and flavorful and a welcome change for leftovers.
Featured Comment
I made this last year after Thanksgiving and it’s one of the most well received crockpot recipe recipes I’ve ever made. Highly recommend anyone try if they’re interested.
– ROWLAND
If you are like me, you like to use up all the leftover turkey. Roasted turkey is such a nice change from the rest of the year’s meals and I always want to make as many meals as possible with it.
We often make turkey noodle soup, but this year I went in a different direction. I made creamy decadent turkey chowder that has chopped leftover turkey and small diced vegetables. This chowder is as good as any fancy restaurant!
We love a good chowder recipe, this turkey chowder is unique, but also try my easy clam chowder!
Key Ingredients
Leftover turkey – Use up that extra turkey. I don’t use turkey more than 3 days old—by then it can taste stale.
Vegetables – Carrots, celery, onion, red potatoes
Corn – One can of cream-style corn and one can of drained kernel corn.
Broth – I make slow cooker turkey stock from the leftover turkey bones (or you can use chicken broth).
Cornstarch – This will give the soup a thick chowder like consistency. Make a slurry from cold water and cornstarch and add at the end of the cooking time. Cook for 30 more minutes.
Heavy Cream – Adds flavor and helps to thicken the soup more.
How to Make Turkey Chowder
- Load the slow cooker with turkey, veggies, broth, and seasonings.
- Slow cook until everything is tender and the flavors come together.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cream, cook a little longer, and let it thicken into chowder.
Sarah’s Tip & Variations
Cornstarch Swap: Instead of a cornstarch slurry, you can whisk 1/4 cup flour into the heavy cream.
Chicken Chowder: You can swap in raw or leftover chicken, and the cook time stays the same since the vegetables need the full time to soften.
Add Bacon: Stir in crispy bacon at the end for extra flavor.
Heat It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy twist.
How to Store Turkey Chowder
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days – remember this already has leftovers in it, it won’t last long in the fridge. Also, this does not freeze well, anything with cream or potatoes changes not in a good way in the freezer.
Slow Cooker Turkey Chowder
How to Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups cubed leftover turkey
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion, (or diced leeks)
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 2 cups red potatoes
- 15 oz. can cream-style corn
- 15 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 tsp. basil
- 1/4 tsp. thyme
- 2 tsp. dried parsley
- 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 cup cornstarch, (WAIT TO ADD)
- 1/4 cup cold water, (WAIT TO ADD)
- 1 cup heavy cream, (WAIT TO ADD)
Instructions
Slow Cooker Method
- Add the turkey, veggies, seasonings, and broth to the slow cooker (WAIT TO ADD THE CORNSTARCH, WATER AND HEAVY CREAM).
- Stir.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook for 4 hours on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW.
- When the cooking time is up, whisk together the cold water and corn starch, stir into the chowder. Stir in the heavy cream.
- Cook on HIGH for 30 minutes longer or until soup thickens.
- Serve and enjoy!
Stovetop Method
- Add the turkey, veggies, seasonings, and broth to a large pot and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let everything cook until the potatoes and carrots are nice and tender. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and heavy cream, simmer a few more minutes until it thickens, and you’re good to go. You may need to add a little extra broth if it cooks down too much.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
Recipe adapted from Just a Pinch – Turkey Soup Continental
More turkey soups to make in your crockpot
Turkey and Gravy and Turkey and Dumplings are delicious ways to turn leftover turkey into comforting, homemade meals.
Turkey and Rice Soup are perfect when you want something warm, cozy, and budget-friendly. If you’re craving bold flavor, Cajun 15 Bean Soup with Turkey is a hearty, spicy option that never disappoints.
What size of crock pot
Hi, in the recipe card you will find that information. 6 quart or larger.
This is delicious. Made it tonight with our leftover turkey.
Made this tonight and it was delicious! We will definitely be making it again! Thanks for sharing!
What would you suggest instead of cream for dairy free
If you are used to dairy free cooking you would have better idea than me. You could leave it out and it would still be good though.
If I don’t have potatoes, what can I put instead ?
I used about 1/2 cup of uncooked Aborio Rice (Rice I use to make Risotto). I added it about 1/2 hour before the slurry and heavy cream. It was delish!
such a great idea. It’s a great base recipe. Would be good with dumplings or over biscuits too!
Is a slow Coker the same as a crock pot?j
Yes, crock-pot is a brand of slow cooker.
Hi,
If I chose to substitute the turkey, about how much raw chicken would this recipe require?
Thanks!
Hi! I’d do 2-3 breasts or about 1.5 lbs.
Hi Sarah, what’s cormstarch, not sure they have that in Ireland.
I believe in Ireland it’s called cornflour? Is that what you use to thicken soups and gravys when you aren’t using wheat flour?
Yes
Hi Sarah,
Can in freeze the Turkey chowder afterwards?
Hi Tim, I did not try freezing this. I gave some away to my mom and grandpa. I’ve never had luck freezing dairy or potato soups.
Hi there. Just wanted to let you know that you can freeze this. I always make large batches of cream soups and freeze them and they keep well for a couple months. To thaw , I put the container in a bowl or sink with some warm water.. Keep checking that you have warm water by changing the water and you only need enough water to cover half the container.. You are only thawing it enough to loosen the soup, so it will slide out of the container, into a pot. Then turn stove on low to continue thawing, while stirring frequently. The only thing I do after it’s thawed, is to add a little more milk or cream because I find it thins out some from being frozen and the creamy taste isn’t as strong. So by adding a little more dairy of your choice, brings back the thicker creamy taste . Hope this helps
I love your recipes
Thank you Mary! Glad to have you here as a viewer.