Can You Mix Turkey and Chicken in Soup? The Delicious Possibilities

Soup season is upon us, and there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of chicken soup or turkey soup to take the chill off. But have you ever considered combining the two birds in the same soup pot? While it may seem unorthodox, the answer is yes, you can safely and deliciously mix turkey and chicken together in soup.

Why Combine Turkey and Chicken?

There are a few good reasons to blend these two poultry ingredients:

• Use up leftovers. After the holidays, you’re often left with loads of extra turkey. Chicken tends to be cheaper and easier to find year-round. Mixing them allows you to creatively repurpose leftovers.

• Complementary flavors. Turkey and chicken each bring their own signature flavor profile to the soup pot. When used together, they can create a more complex, layered broth.

• Vary textures. Turkey meat tends to be leaner and chicken thighs offer extra moisture. The combo provides an appealing mix of light and dark meat.

So whether you’re looking to reduce food waste, add more depth of flavor, or improve the mouthfeel of your soup, turkey and chicken can be the perfect pair. But there are a few things to keep in mind.

Food Safety Tips

Proper handling is crucial when working with raw poultry to avoid the spread of bacteria Follow these guidelines

• Cook thoroughly. Poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Ensure both turkey and chicken pieces are fully cooked.

• Prevent cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for each type of raw meat. Wash hands and surfaces after handling.

• Refrigerate promptly. Store raw turkey and chicken in the fridge until ready to use Don’t let it linger at room temperature

• Simmer soups Bringing soup to a boil helps kill any bacteria present, Let it simmer to blend flavors,

Adhering to basic food safety rules significantly reduces the risks of mixing turkey and chicken. Just be diligent in your prep and cooking.

Getting the Flavors Right

When crafting a turkey-chicken soup, think about how the ingredients can work together harmoniously.

• Aromatics – Onions, carrots, celery – you can’t go wrong starting with the classic soup trio. They lend a wonderful savory base.

• Herbs – Thyme, sage, rosemary, and bay leaves pair excellently with poultry. Use dried or fresh.

• Spices – A pinch of paprika or cayenne can provide a subtle heat. Cumin offers an earthy touch.

• Vegetables – Beyond aromatics, potatoes, peas, green beans, and spinach make tasty additions.

• Broth – Chicken stock enhances the chicken flavor. Use turkey or veggie broth to spotlight the turkey.

• Garnishes – Finish with fresh herbs, a dollop of yogurt, or crunchy toasted nuts.

With the right balance of seasonings and garnishes, you can make the flavors of turkey and chicken really sing together.

Answering Common Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about mixing turkey and chicken:

Can you use leftover turkey and chicken? Absolutely! It’s a perfect way to repurpose leftovers after the holidays. Dice or shred the cooked meat and stir it in towards the end.

Should you cook the meat first? For food safety, it’s best to ensure the poultry is fully cooked before adding it. You can roast, sauté, or poach it.

Can you combine white and dark meat? Yes, feel free to mix it up! Dark meat provides juiciness while white meat offers a lean texture.

How long should you simmer the soup? At least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. A longer simmer results in a richer broth.

What vegetables pair well? Potatoes, carrots, peas, green beans, and spinach are all excellent choices. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Chicken or turkey broth? Either works well! Chicken broth makes it more chicken-forward. Turkey broth lets the turkey shine.

Can you freeze turkey chicken soup? Freezing is ideal for enjoying this soup later. Let it cool fully before transferring to airtight containers.

Putting It All Together

Armed with this intel, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen. Here is a simple recipe highlighting the delicious potential of turkey and chicken soup:

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 lb potatoes, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt, pepper, hot sauce

Instructions:

1. In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes.

2. Add the thyme, chicken broth, turkey, and chicken. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.

3. Simmer for 30 minutes, then add the potatoes. Cook 10-15 minutes more.

4. Stir in the peas, corn, and lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce.

5. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting turkey chicken soup!

Feel free to customize with more of your favorite vegetables or seasonings. The key is allowing the flavors time to develop with a nice long simmer.

Turkey Chicken Soup Offers the Best of Both Birds

While unconventional, combining turkey and chicken can yield some deliciously comforting soup creations. With proper handling and cooking, the two meats can be safely mixed together with tasty results.

Turkey brings a lean, savory flavor while chicken provides richness. Herbs, spices, vegetables and broth all help unify the ingredients into a cohesive, crave-worthy soup. As long as you adhere to food safety guidelines, there is ample opportunity for creativity.

So don’t be afraid to think outside the box and whip up a pot of turkey chicken soup this season! It puts leftover turkey to delicious use while making the flavors of both birds shine.