Easy Turkey Broth

Turkey broth in two containers with spoon.

Learn the easiest way to turn leftover roasted turkey into turkey broth for use as a nutritious base for soups, stews, chilis, and more.

Turkey broth in glass jar with lid.

Turkey Broth

Every Thanksgiving after we roast our turkey, I look forward to the future bowls of Turkey Noodle Soup and White Turkey Chili. This method for making the bone broth base is super easy, very straightforward, and great to store. Use it in place of store-bought broth or stock in any recipe you like.

I love this as a way to make the most of ingredients you already have on hand and to get my money’s worth from an expensive turkey.

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Ingredients You Need

To make this homemade broth, you need the bones from a turkey. If you roast a turkey for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another meal or holiday, that is a great time to plan to make broth.

Then you’ll add water and you’re set.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at the process involved in making this recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full information, including the amounts and timing.

  1. Gather the carcass or bones from a fully cooked turkey, turkey breast, or tenderloin, or parts you have with the bones.
  2. Add to a large pot and fill with water.
  3. Place over medium heat and simmer for at least an hour and up to 3 hours.
  4. Let cool. Strain and store the broth.
turkey bones in water with herbs.

How to Store

Once cooled, you can store the turkey broth in a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Or, you can freeze the broth in a freezer tray or freezer container to use in future recipes.

Recipes to Use Turkey Broth

Here are some of the recipes I use with this turkey broth.

Turkey Noodle Soup

With a quick cooking time and a most comforting texture and flavor, this Turkey Noodle Soup is an all-time favorite way to use leftover turkey. It’s soothing when illness strikes and makes for a fast and yummy meal whenever you need it.

Get the recipe
Turkey noodle soup in two bowls.
Easy White Turkey Chili

Use this recipe to make the most of any leftover turkey or to just enjoy a bowl of comforting White Turkey Chili. This is versatile, nutritious, and perfect to share with the kids.

Get the recipe
White turkey chili in two bowls with toppings.
Quick Pastina Soup

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can make this cozy Pastina Soup to share with the kids in under 30 minutes. Look for little star “pastina” pasta in the pasta aisle.

Get the recipe
Pastina soup in numerous bowls with spoons and sides.
Favorite Alphabet Soup

You can use ABC pasta, orzo, pastina, or ditalini—or any other very small pasta shape in this Alphabet Soup recipe. And you can start with fresh or frozen veggies. See below for options.

Get the recipe
alphabet-soup-in-blue-bowl
Creamy Carrot Soup

This creamy Carrot Soup is easy and comforting, and it’s a great vegetarian soup to share with the kids. Add some crackers or pita alongside to round out this meal.

Get the recipe
Carrot soup in various bowls and pan.
Turkey broth in two containers with spoon.

Best Tips for Success

  • Use the bones left from the roasted turkey, at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another meal or holiday.
  • Remove the skin before adding to the pot.
  • Cool before storing.
  • Store in the fridge or the freezer to use in future soup, stew, and chili recipes.

Related Recipes


I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!

Turkey broth in glass jar with lid.
  • Add the turkey carcass to a large pot and cover with at least 2 inches of water.

  • Add any optional ingredients.

  • Bring the pot to a simmer over medium heat, then simmer on medium-low for at least an hour or up to 4 hours. (The longer it simmers, the more intense the flavor and color. And also the less you wind up with at the end.)

  • Remove from heat and let cool. Strain and store in containers.

    • Once cooled, you can store the turkey broth in a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Or, you can freeze the broth in a freezer tray or freezer container to use in future recipes.
    • Use the bones left from the roasted turkey at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another meal or holiday.
    • Remove the skin before adding to the pot.
    • Store in the fridge or the freezer to use in future soup, stew, and chili recipes.

Calories: 6kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 0.2g, Fat: 0.02g, Saturated Fat: 0.01g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.004g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.004g, Cholesterol: 0.1mg, Sodium: 1mg, Potassium: 20mg, Fiber: 0.2g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 0.3IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 3mg, Iron: 0.03mg



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