If you have some turkey left from a recent feast and want to transform it into a comforting dinner, the Easy Leftover Turkey Enchiladas Recipe is your best friend. This dish combines juicy, marinated turkey, rich cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce wrapped inside soft tortillas for a meal that’s bursting with flavor and warmth. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress family with minimal effort, this recipe turns yesterday’s turkey into today’s star without compromising taste or texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started is a breeze with these straightforward but essential ingredients. Each one plays a special role in building the bold, layered flavors and inviting colors that make these enchiladas so irresistible.
- 1 lb leftover cooked turkey or cooked chicken: The heart of this dish, providing tender, protein-packed goodness.
- 1/2 cup honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness that balances out the tangy and spicy notes.
- 1/2 cup lime juice: Brings fresh acidity to brighten the marinade and lift the overall flavor.
- 1 Tbsp chili powder: Infuses a mild smoky heat that’s signature to enchilada dishes.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds deep savory undertones without overpowering the dish.
- 8-10 flour tortillas: Soft carriers that wrap all the delicious fillings perfectly.
- 4 cups shredded Monterrey jack cheese or a Mexican blend: Melts beautifully to create an ooey-gooey, cheesy texture.
- 1 cup green enchilada sauce (divided): Adds that authentic tang and savory richness.
- 1 cup salsa verde: Offers bright, herby flavor and slight heat for dimension.
- 1 cup Crema (Mexican cream or substitute heavy cream): Brings a luscious creaminess to the sauce topping.
How to Make Easy Leftover Turkey Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Turkey
Start by whisking together honey, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder to create a zesty marinade. Place your leftover turkey into a plastic storage bag and pour this marinade over the pieces, making sure they get fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but the flavor really deepens if you let it sit for up to 24 hours. This step ensures each bite is juicy and full of vibrant taste.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Once your turkey is infused with flavor, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s nice and hot, perfect for getting those enchiladas golden and bubbly.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour half a cup of the green enchilada sauce onto the bottom of the dish and spread it out evenly. This layer helps prevent sticking and adds extra sauce in every bite.
Step 4: Mix Turkey and Cheese
Drain the turkey from the marinade, reserving any excess for later, and combine the turkey with three cups of the shredded cheese. This mixture will be the melty, flavorful filling inside your tortillas.
Step 5: Assemble the Enchiladas
Place about half a cup of the turkey and cheese mixture in the center of each tortilla and roll it up tightly. Lay the rolled tortillas seam side down in the prepared baking dish. You’ll fit around eight enchiladas snugly in this dish.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce Topping
In a bowl, blend together the remaining green enchilada sauce, salsa verde, crema, and any leftover marinade. This creamy, tangy sauce will pour over your enchiladas and keep them moist and flavorful while baking.
Step 7: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure they’re fully coated. Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheese on top for that irresistible gooey finish.
Step 8: Bake and Serve
Bake the enchiladas at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden. Let the dish rest for about five minutes to set before serving your delicious creation.
How to Serve Easy Leftover Turkey Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes elevates this dish in a flash. Consider bright dollops of sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, or a few rings of fresh jalapeño for some heat. Each garnish complements the rich layers inside the enchiladas and adds a refreshing contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve your enchiladas alongside simple Mexican-inspired sides like cilantro-lime rice, refried beans, or a crisp radish and cucumber salad. These sides keep the meal balanced and help round out the flavor profile without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try stacking individual enchilada servings to create a layered casserole in smaller dishes or individual ramekins. You can also sprinkle different types of cheese on top or mix in black beans and corn with the turkey filling to add extra texture and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Easy Leftover Turkey Enchiladas Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep them covered so the enchiladas stay moist and delicious for the next meal.
Freezing
If you want to save enchiladas for longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil or transfer individual enchiladas into freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes until warm and bubbly. Alternatively, microwave single servings on medium power for 2-3 minutes, but the oven method keeps the texture and cheese melt just right.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with leftover cooked chicken as a tasty alternative to turkey. Just treat it exactly the same way in the marinade and assembly.
What if I don’t have salsa verde?
If you’re missing salsa verde, a mild tomatillo salsa or even your favorite green chili sauce can stand in to keep that bright and tangy flavor in the sauce topping.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas labeled gluten-free, and double-check the enchilada sauce ingredients to keep the dish safe for gluten sensitivities.
How spicy is this enchilada recipe?
The chili powder and salsa verde add gentle warmth without being overwhelming. You can adjust the chili powder amount or add fresh peppers if you want more heat.
Can I prepare this dish without marinating overnight?
Definitely. While marinating overnight enhances flavor, marinating for just 30 minutes still imparts plenty of delicious taste and tenderness to the turkey.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like transforming simple leftovers into a vibrant and cozy dinner with the Easy Leftover Turkey Enchiladas Recipe. It’s comfort food at its finest—cheesy, saucy, and packed with bold, fresh flavors that everyone will love. Next time you have turkey leftover, I promise this recipe will become your go-to for a quick, satisfying meal that feels special every time.
Print
Easy Leftover Turkey Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This easy leftover turkey enchiladas recipe transforms cooked turkey into a delicious Mexican-inspired baked dish. With a tangy honey-lime marinade and a flavorful mix of green enchilada sauce, salsa verde, and crema, these enchiladas are layered with shredded cheese and baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for using up turkey leftovers, this hearty meal is satisfying and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Marinade and Turkey
- 1 lb leftover cooked turkey or cooked chicken, cut into small pieces or shredded (about 3 cups)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Enchiladas
- 8–10 flour tortillas
- 4 cups shredded Monterrey jack cheese or Mexican blend, divided
- 1 cup green enchilada sauce, divided
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 1 cup Crema (Mexican cream) or substitute heavy cream
Instructions
- Marinate the Turkey: In a small bowl, mix together honey, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder. Add the cooked turkey pieces to a plastic storage bag and pour the marinade over, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the enchiladas.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour 1/2 cup of the green enchilada sauce into the bottom and spread evenly to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Mix Turkey with Cheese: Drain the turkey from the marinade, reserving any leftover marinade. In a bowl, combine the turkey and 3 cups of shredded cheese.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Spoon about 1/2 cup of the turkey and cheese mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly and place seam side down into the prepared baking dish. Arrange 8 enchiladas snugly in the dish.
- Prepare Sauce Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup green enchilada sauce, salsa verde, Crema, and any reserved marinade. Stir well to combine.
- Top Enchiladas: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top for a melty, golden finish.
- Bake and Serve: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted and slightly golden. Remove from oven and let sit 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful leftover turkey enchiladas!
Notes
- Marinating turkey longer enhances the flavor, but a minimum of 30 minutes is sufficient if short on time.
- Use either leftover cooked turkey or chicken interchangeably.
- Flour tortillas work best for rolling and baking; corn tortillas may break more easily.
- The Crema can be substituted with heavy cream if Mexican crema is unavailable.
- Make sure to spritz the baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Leftover marinade adds extra flavor to the sauce, so be sure to incorporate it if possible.
