Chicken & Turkey

Smoked Turkey Chowder

Name: Smoked Turkey Chowder
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) smoked turkey, diced; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 cup (250ml) chicken broth; 1 cup (120g) frozen corn kernels; 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

By Clara Holloway · June 19, 2026 · Chicken & Turkey

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves6

As a former competitive rower, I've always been drawn to hearty, protein-forward meals that can fuel my body after a long day of training. One of my favorite dishes to make is Smoked Turkey Chowder, a creamy and comforting soup that's perfect for a chilly evening.

I remember the first time I made this recipe, I was blown away by how flavorful and satisfying it was. The combination of smoked turkey, tender potatoes, and sweet corn is a match made in heaven. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, even for a beginner cook.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make a delicious Smoked Turkey Chowder from scratch. We'll cover everything from preparing the ingredients to cooking the soup to perfection. So, let's get started!

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that's packed with protein and flavor. Whether you're a busy athlete or just looking for a delicious dinner option, Smoked Turkey Chowder is sure to become a new favorite.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a main course, or as a side dish for a larger meal. You can also customize it to your taste by adding your favorite spices or ingredients. So, feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The soup is packed with protein and flavor, making it a great option for a satisfying meal.
The use of smoked turkey gives the soup a deep and savory flavor that's hard to resist.
The recipe is versatile and can be customized to your taste by adding your favorite spices or ingredients.
The soup is perfect for a chilly evening or as a comforting meal after a long day.
The recipe makes a large batch of soup, so you can enjoy it for several meals or freeze it for later.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making a great Smoked Turkey Chowder is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the soup slowly and carefully. This allows the flavors to meld together and the turkey to become tender and juicy.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of a roux to thicken the soup. A roux is a mixture of flour and fat that's cooked together until it's lightly browned and has a nutty flavor. This adds a rich and creamy texture to the soup that's hard to resist.

Finally, the use of smoked turkey gives the soup a deep and savory flavor that's perfect for a comforting meal. You can use either store-bought or homemade smoked turkey, depending on your preference.

By following these tips and using high-quality ingredients, you'll be able to make a delicious Smoked Turkey Chowder that's sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few key ingredients, including smoked turkey, potatoes, onions, and corn. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as flour, butter, and chicken broth.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality items that are fresh and flavorful. This will help to ensure that your soup turns out delicious and satisfying.

1 lb (450g) smoked turkey, dicedYou can use either store-bought or homemade smoked turkey for this recipe. If using store-bought, look for a brand that's low in sodium and added preservatives.
2 tablespoons butterButter adds a rich and creamy texture to the soup, but you can also use olive oil or another neutral-tasting oil if you prefer.
1 medium onion, dicedOnions add a sweet and savory flavor to the soup, but you can also use shallots or leeks if you prefer.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the soup, but you can reduce the amount or omit it if you're not a fan.
2 medium potatoes, peeled and dicedPotatoes add a hearty and comforting texture to the soup, but you can also use sweet potatoes or other root vegetables if you prefer.
1 cup (250ml) chicken brothChicken broth adds a rich and savory flavor to the soup, but you can also use vegetable broth or another type of broth if you prefer.
1 cup (120g) frozen corn kernelsCorn adds a sweet and creamy texture to the soup, but you can also use fresh or canned corn if you prefer.
1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flourFlour is used to thicken the soup and create a roux, but you can also use cornstarch or another type of thickener if you prefer.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavor of the soup, but you can adjust the amount to taste.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperPepper adds a subtle flavor to the soup, but you can adjust the amount to taste.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyParsley adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the soup, but you can also use other herbs such as thyme or rosemary if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Smoked Turkey Chowder

1
In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Add the diced onion and cook until it's softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
Add the diced smoked turkey and cook until it's lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and frozen corn kernels. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and a splash of the chicken broth until smooth. This will help to thicken the soup and create a roux.
7
Stir the flour mixture into the soup and continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the soup has thickened to your liking.
8
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
9
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey, which should reach 165 F (74 C) for food safety.
10
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
11
Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken further.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the potatoes, as they can become mushy and unappetizing.
Adjust the amount of garlic and onion to your taste, as they can be quite pungent.
Use a variety of herbs and spices to add depth and complexity to the soup.
Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken further.
Consider making a large batch of the soup and freezing it for later, as it reheats well and can be a convenient meal option.
Experiment with different types of protein, such as chicken or sausage, to add variety to the soup.
Add some heat to the soup by incorporating diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the turkey to a safe internal temperature, which can lead to foodborne illness.
Overcooking the potatoes, which can make them mushy and unappetizing.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a bland and unflavorful soup.
Not letting the soup rest before serving, which can cause it to be too thin and watery.
Not stirring the flour mixture into the soup properly, which can result in a lumpy and unappetizing texture.
Not seasoning the soup to taste, which can result in a bland and unflavorful final product.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or carrots to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of protein, such as chicken or sausage, to add variety to the soup.
Incorporate some heat into the soup by adding diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
Use a variety of herbs and spices to add depth and complexity to the soup.
Add some cream or coconut milk to the soup to give it a rich and creamy texture.
Experiment with different types of broth, such as vegetable or beef broth, to change up the flavor of the soup.
Add some diced ham or bacon to the soup for added smokiness and flavor.

What to Serve With Smoked Turkey Chowder

This Smoked Turkey Chowder is perfect for serving as a main course, accompanied by some crusty bread or a side salad. You can also serve it as a side dish, paired with some roasted vegetables or a hearty grain.

Consider serving the soup in a bread bowl, which can add a fun and rustic touch to the presentation. You can also garnish the soup with some chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika to add a pop of color and flavor.

Serve the soup with some crusty bread or a side saladPair the soup with some roasted vegetables or a hearty grainGarnish the soup with some chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprikaServe the soup in a bread bowl for a fun and rustic presentationAdd some diced ham or bacon to the soup for added smokiness and flavorExperiment with different types of protein, such as chicken or sausage, to add variety to the soup

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Smoked Turkey Chowder can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat the soup, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

When freezing the soup, be sure to use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn and keep the soup fresh. You can also portion out the soup into individual servings and freeze them in ice cube trays for a quick and easy meal option.

To reheat the soup, you can also use the microwave or a thermos. Simply heat the soup in 30-second increments, stirring between each heating, until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat the soup, as it can become too hot and burn your tongue.

When reheating the soup, you can also add some extra ingredients to give it a boost of flavor. Consider adding some diced vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, or some cooked rice or noodles to add some extra texture and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of turkey should I use for this recipe?

You can use either store-bought or homemade smoked turkey for this recipe. If using store-bought, look for a brand that's low in sodium and added preservatives.

Can I use frozen turkey?

Yes, you can use frozen turkey for this recipe. Simply thaw the turkey overnight in the fridge and pat it dry with paper towels before using.

What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?

You can use either Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for this recipe. Russet potatoes will give the soup a lighter and fluffier texture, while Yukon Gold potatoes will give it a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.

Can I add other ingredients to the soup?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the soup to give it more flavor and nutrition. Consider adding some diced vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, or some cooked rice or noodles to add some extra texture and nutrition.

How do I store the soup?

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply brown the turkey and cook the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the soup and let it cool, then refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to serve. Reheat the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

What type of broth should I use for this recipe?

You can use either chicken or vegetable broth for this recipe. Chicken broth will give the soup a richer and more savory flavor, while vegetable broth will give it a lighter and more delicate flavor.

The Full Recipe

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