Instant Pot Pulled Turkey from Leftovers

What can you make with leftover turkey?

That question tops searches and Pinterest feeds the days after Thanksgiving and Christmas. Leftover turkey is a wonderful base for quick, flavorful meals. Below is a favorite way to turn holiday turkey into tender pulled turkey using an Instant Pot, along with serving ideas, tips, and variations so you can stretch one bird into several great dinners.

What do you make with all that leftover turkey after Thanksgiving?

If you have roasted turkey from the holiday, try this Instant Pot pulled turkey recipe. It blends turkey broth, cranberry sauce, and herbs with shredded bird and a little sweet potato for body and natural sweetness. The result is a versatile pulled turkey that works for sandwiches, bowls, or served over cornbread.

Kitchen equipment for Instant Pot pulled turkey

• Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker

Ingredients for Instant Pot leftover turkey

• 2 ½ pounds boneless, skinless turkey, pulled and shredded
• ¾ cup turkey or chicken broth
• ½ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons marjoram seasoning
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 small sweet potato, peeled and shredded
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions for Instant Pot pulled turkey

1. Remove any large bones and shred the leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces. You can shred by hand, with two forks, or pulse briefly in a food processor.
2. Set the shredded turkey aside while you prepare the sauce in the Instant Pot.
3. Open the Instant Pot and pour in the broth, cranberry sauce, marjoram, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in the shredded sweet potato so it mixes evenly with the liquid and seasonings.
5. Add the shredded turkey and fold gently to coat the meat with the sauce.
6. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Pressure cook on High for 18 minutes.
7. When the cook time ends, allow a natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes to keep the meat tender.
8. Carefully move the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure, then open the lid.
9. Stir the pulled turkey to ensure the sauce is distributed evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
10. Serve warm. Enjoy as a main dish or use in sandwiches, tacos, bowls, or over cornbread.

What to serve with this Thanksgiving leftover turkey recipe

This pulled turkey pairs well with classic Southern sides or leftover Thanksgiving dishes. Try it over warm cornbread, alongside baked mac and cheese, glazed carrots, creamed corn, or a scoop of cornbread dressing. Fresh cranberry sauce or a crisp green salad also balance the richness.

Tips, variations, and storage

• Variations: Add a splash of barbecue sauce for a smoky twist, or stir in a little Dijon mustard for tang. Swap the sweet potato for a grated carrot if you prefer.
• Herbs: If fresh thyme isn’t available, use 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Marjoram is mild and floral—substitute with oregano if needed.
• Make-ahead: Pulled turkey keeps well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a little broth to avoid drying out.
• Freezing: Freeze any leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Adjusting consistency: For a thicker sauce, use less broth; for more sauce, add an extra ¼ cup broth or a splash of apple juice for sweetness.

Did you enjoy this leftover pulled turkey recipe?

If you try this method, consider jotting down any adjustments you made so you can repeat the results. This recipe is forgiving and designed to highlight leftover turkey while adding a bright, savory-sweet sauce and simple pantry flavors.

Notes

Serve the pulled turkey over cornbread for a comforting Southern-style meal. It also makes excellent sandwiches—pile it onto toasted rolls and top with coleslaw for texture and tang.

Nutrition (approximate per serving)

Calories: 391 kcal | Carbohydrates: 26 g | Protein: 45 g | Fat: 12 g | Sodium: 1010 mg. Nutrition will vary with exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Images: included above to show the finished pulled turkey and serving suggestions.