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Lunch/ Tex Mex

Leftover Turkey Tacos

November 3, 2019 (Last Updated: December 10, 2019) by Chris Collins

These shredded turkey tacos are the perfect way to use up leftover turkey. Plus, they’re outrageously delicious and beyond easy to make!

closeup of turkey taco with ingredients blurred in background

Leftover Turkey Tacos

I mean are these the most authentic tacos you’ll ever make? No. BUT, are the they a tasty way to spruce up your leftover turkey. Erm, hells to the yes.

Tacos are an awesome way to use up your turkey the next day because they’re really low maintenance. You’ll probably have had enough of cooking from the day before, so slaving over the stove probably isn’t what you’re looking for. These tacos are quick, easy and really adaptable. Just use whatever taco toppings you’ve got on hand!

How to make Shredded Turkey Tacos (quick summary)

  1. Add turkey to a bowl.
  2. Coat with seasoning.
  3. Shred with two forks.
  4. Add to a pan with oil.
  5. Stir to coat.
  6. Stir in tomato puree.
  7. Add chicken stock, honey and lime juice.
  8. Simmer to reduce.

How to make leftover turkey tacos - 8 step by step photos

Honey – The honey is there to balance out the acidity of the lime juice, saltiness of the seasoning/stock and spice from the seasoning. You can sub sugar if you don’t have honey, just work to preference.

Can I sub chicken?

Yup! This works perfectly with leftover chicken too. With both the turkey and chicken, I recommend using breast if you have it.

What toppings to use?

Like I said, go with your preference and/or what you have on hand. Here’s my faves:

  • Lettuce
  • Cheese
  • Tomatoes
  • Avocado
  • Sour Cream
Top Tip – For this recipe I use soft tortilla wraps, if you want hard tortilla shells check out my homemade tortilla shell recipe!

overhead shot of taco set up with ingredients spread around

And there we have it! Homemade turkey tacos, using leftover turkey. Absolute bliss. 

Hey, whilst you’re here why not check out my other recipes?

Easy Leftover Recipes

Easy Tex Mex Recipes

Alrighty, let’s tuck into this leftover turkey taco recipe shall we?!

overhead shot of holding tacos up

How to make Turkey Tacos (Full Recipe & Video)

closeup of turkey taco with ingredients blurred in background

Leftover Turkey Tacos

These shredded turkey tacos are the perfect way to use up leftover turkey. Plus, they're outrageously delicious and beyond easy to make! Makes 4 big tacos - 5 medium - 6 small.
5 from 7 votes
Print Pin Rate
Servings (click & slide): 5
Course: Brunch / Leftovers / Lunch
Cuisine: Tex Mex
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 230kcal
Cost per serving: £2 / $2.50

Equipment:

  • Frying Pan & Wooden Spoon
  • Bowl & 2 Forks (for shredding)
  • Jug or Cup (for stock)

Ingredients (check list):

  • 9oz - 10.5oz / 250g - 300g Leftover Turkey
  • 4 - 6 Tortilla Wraps, warmed
  • 1/2 cup / 125ml Chicken Stock
  • 1.5 tbsp Taco Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Puree (Tomato Paste in US)
  • 1 tsp Honey
  • squeeze of Lime Juice
  • Olive Oil, as needed

Toppings

  • Lettuce, shredded
  • Cheese, grated
  • Tomatoes, diced
  • Avocado, diced
  • Sour Cream
  • Extra Lime Juice (optional)

Instructions:

  • Add leftover turkey to a bowl and sprinkle over 1.5 tbsp taco seasoning. Shred the turkey with two forks until evenly coated with the seasoning.
  • Heat up a drizzle of oil in a frying pan over medium heat and add the turkey. Fry for no longer than 1 minute (just to lock in the seasoning), then stir in your 1 tbsp tomato puree/paste.
  • Pour in 1/2cup/125ml chicken stock, then add 1 tsp honey and a squeeze of lime juice. Allow the liquid to reduce.
  • Divide turkey between tortilla wraps and load up with the toppings!

Quick 1 min demo!

Notes:

a) Serving Size - You'll get 4 large tacos from the amount of turkey stated in the recipe. If you've got super small taco tortillas then you'll be able to make 6.
b) Can I sub Chicken? - Yup! This works perfectly with leftover chicken too. In both cases I recommend using leftover breast if you've got it.
c) Homemade Taco Seasoning - I use my Homemade Taco Seasoning and just divide the measurements in half.
d) Honey - Feel free to sub for sugar, just work to preference. A little sweetness helps balance out the acidity of the lime juice and spice of the taco seasoning.
e) Calories - based on 5 tacos, using 1 tsp olive oil, 10.5oz/300g turkey breast and without toppings. Calories per taco.

Your Private Notes:

Nutrition:

Nutrition Facts
Leftover Turkey Tacos
Amount Per Serving
Calories 230 Calories from Fat 48
% Daily Value*
Fat 5.37g8%
Saturated Fat 1.063g5%
Trans Fat 0.032g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.014g
Monounsaturated Fat 2.669g
Cholesterol 30mg10%
Sodium 1102mg46%
Potassium 383mg11%
Carbohydrates 29.97g10%
Fiber 1.6g6%
Sugar 5.64g6%
Protein 14.26g29%
Vitamin A 117IU2%
Vitamin C 3mg4%
Calcium 66mg7%
Iron 2.05mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition is based on the absence of salt unless stated as a measurement in the ingredients. Cost is worked out based on ingredients bought from UK supermarkets, then divided by the number of servings. In both instances these values are just for guidance. Please check out my FAQ Page for more info.
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Looking for more?You'll find plenty more delicious comfort food like this in my Debut Cookbook 'Comfy'

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Recipe Rating




14 Comments

  • Reply
    Anne Elliot
    November 28, 2021 at 1:16 am

    5 stars
    Fantastic way to enjoy leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Better than the original in fact! Added sautéed onions and bell peppers along with just a touch of cilantro. Will most definitely make this again!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      November 28, 2021 at 1:06 pm

      Great to hear, Anne! Thanks so much for popping back for a review 🙂 C. x

  • Reply
    jess
    October 10, 2021 at 11:12 pm

    5 stars
    I just made these and they were amazing. I also put in some strips of red pepper before adding the chicken to the pan. I recommend. Fam loved em

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      October 14, 2021 at 2:20 pm

      Great to hear, Jess! Thanks so much for the review 🙂

  • Reply
    Pam Greer
    November 3, 2019 at 7:55 pm

    5 stars
    Bookmarking and pinning this! Last year I made leftover turkey enchiladas and they were a fair amount of work, I love the sound of these tacos much better!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      November 4, 2019 at 10:43 am

      Enjoy!! 🙂

  • Reply
    Jamie
    November 3, 2019 at 7:44 pm

    5 stars
    Such a great idea for using leftover turkey! I’ll be thinking of this recipe when I have a ton of leftovers!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      November 4, 2019 at 10:42 am

      Hope you love it 🙂

  • Reply
    Aimee Mars
    November 3, 2019 at 6:19 pm

    5 stars
    Yas! Turkey Tacos are a brilliant idea for leftover turkey. I love a good Thanksgiving dinner, but the day after I’m always looking for something entirely different and this recipe is perfect.

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      November 4, 2019 at 10:42 am

      It’s a total winner!!

  • Reply
    Andrea Metlika
    November 3, 2019 at 6:17 pm

    5 stars
    I totally love this use of leftover Turkey. It’s perfect!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      November 4, 2019 at 10:42 am

      Thanks, Andrea 🙂

  • Reply
    Michelle
    November 3, 2019 at 5:06 pm

    5 stars
    This might be my absolute favorite idea for Thanksgiving leftovers

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      November 4, 2019 at 10:42 am

      Thanks, Michelle!

    5 KNOCKOUT

    DINNERS

    YOU'LL NEVER STOP MAKING!

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