Easy Creamy Turkey Rice Skillet – Comfort in One Pan

This creamy turkey rice skillet is the ultimate one-pan comfort meal! Quick, cozy, and perfect for using leftover turkey. Ready in 35 minutes!

After a long day — or a long holiday weekend — this creamy turkey rice skillet is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect one-pan meal for busy moms, filled with cozy flavors, wholesome ingredients, and minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s an easy way to give leftover turkey new life and keep dinner stress-free.

Even better, the rich, creamy texture and comforting aroma make it feel like something straight from Grandma’s kitchen. As a result, this dish brings warmth and nourishment without the extra work. Because of that, it’s become a go-to comfort meal. Healing food doesn’t have to take all day — sometimes it just takes one pan, one skillet, and a few familiar ingredients.

Creamy turkey and rice skillet in a rustic pan with a wooden spoon, comfort food dinner. — *Cozy, creamy turkey and rice skillet — one-pan comfort made simple.*

🕒 Ready in 35 minutes

🍽️ Serves 4

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
2 ½ cups chicken or turkey broth
½ cup frozen peas (optional)
½ cup carrots, diced
½ cup heavy cream (or milk for lighter option)
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme or parsley

Instructions

🧈 Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Then, add the chopped onion and cook for about 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Additionally, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Because of this, your kitchen should smell amazing and cozy — the perfect start to a healing meal.

🍚 Step 2: Toast the Rice

Next, add the rice to the skillet, stirring well to coat it in the buttery onion mixture. After that, cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring often, until it develops a slightly nutty aroma. Meanwhile, notice how the rice begins to look glossy and smell toasty — that’s your flavor base building beautifully. Consequently, the rice will absorb even more savory flavor later on.

🦃 Step 3: Add Turkey and Broth

Afterward, mix in the shredded or chopped turkey. While doing so, slowly pour in the broth to combine all the ingredients evenly. Once combined, bring the skillet to a gentle simmer so the flavors can meld together. Finally, stir once more to make sure nothing sticks.

🥕 Step 4: Add Vegetables and Simmer

Meanwhile, stir in the diced carrots and peas. After that, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything cook for about 15–18 minutes. During this time, avoid stirring too often so the rice cooks evenly. As a result, the mixture should look thick, creamy, and hearty.

🥣 Step 5: Finish and Serve

Finally, stir in the heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version). Then, season with salt, pepper, and thyme or parsley. In addition, stir well to bring the flavors together and heat through for another minute or two. For example, garnish with extra parsley for color.

This meal is soothing, gentle, and nourishing — perfect for recovery days, postpartum comfort, or cozy evenings. The protein from turkey and the creaminess of the rice help restore energy and warmth.

Helpful Tips

Swap the turkey for leftover chicken anytime.
Stir in mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrients.
Use milk instead of cream for a lighter version.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Why You’ll Love this Turkey Rice Skillet

This recipe is:

✅ One-pan (less cleanup!)
✅ Comforting and creamy
✅ Family-friendly
✅ Great for using up holiday leftovers