Introduction:
Thanksgiving may be over, but the leftovers are where the real culinary fun begins! Instead of the usual reheated turkey dinner, give your smoked turkey a brand new life in this Chopped Green Chile Turkey Sandwich on the Traeger. It’s a savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy creation that’s perfect for any post-holiday meal. With smoky Traeger-roasted turkey, melted cheddar, and a generous dose of green chile sauce, this sandwich brings bold flavor to traditional Thanksgiving ingredients, all while adding a southwestern twist.
Why Spatchcock Your Turkey on the Traeger?
If you haven’t tried spatchcocking your turkey, it’s a technique worth exploring, especially if you’re cooking on a Traeger. Spatchcocking involves removing the backbone and flattening the bird, which helps it cook more evenly and quickly—no more dried-out breast meat or underdone thighs. The Traeger’s steady, indirect heat creates the perfect environment for this cooking method, infusing the turkey with a delicious smoky flavor that’s impossible to achieve in a conventional oven. When spatchcocked, your turkey absorbs the wood-fired flavors evenly, resulting in juicy, tender meat that’s perfect for leftovers. And when that smoked turkey is chopped up for this sandwich, you get an extra burst of smokiness in every bite.
Why Grilling Turkey on the Traeger Makes All the Difference
Grilling a turkey on the Traeger adds an entirely new level of depth and complexity to the flavor. The wood pellets used in the Traeger impart a subtle smokiness that complements turkey’s mild, savory profile. This flavor becomes the foundation of the Chopped Green Chile Turkey Sandwich, turning leftover turkey into something unique and delicious. If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with grilling and smoking, Traeger grilling is the ideal way to take your holiday bird to the next level, while creating leftovers that are full of potential for recipes beyond basic sandwiches.
Getting Creative with Thanksgiving Leftovers
Once Thanksgiving is over, leftover turkey can be incredibly versatile. Sure, turkey sandwiches are a classic, but there’s a world of creative options that can breathe new life into your leftovers. This Chopped Green Chile Turkey Sandwich is one of those options, transforming simple ingredients into a hearty, flavor-packed meal. The green chile sauce adds a tangy, spicy twist that pairs beautifully with the smokiness of the turkey and the richness of the cheddar. Whether you’re serving it up for a casual lunch, a game-day treat, or a cozy family dinner, this sandwich is an easy, delicious way to repurpose your Thanksgiving meal. And if you have extra green chile sauce on hand, it’s also great in enchiladas, tacos, or even on scrambled eggs for a quick breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Chopped Green Chile Turkey Sandwich
There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a warm, melty sandwich with layers of flavor and texture. By adding buttery toasted buns, sautéed onions, and that irresistible green chile sauce, this recipe brings a vibrant twist to leftover turkey. Each ingredient plays an important role in enhancing the flavor, while the Traeger’s smoky profile ties it all together. If you’ve been looking for a way to make your Thanksgiving leftovers feel fresh and exciting, this Chopped Green Chile Turkey Sandwich is the answer.
Recipe: Chopped Green Chile Turkey Sandwich on the Traeger
Ingredients:
- 2-3 cups chopped smoked turkey (leftovers from Thanksgiving)
- 4 slices Vermont sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Stinkin’ Good Green Chile Sauce with Chicken (medium spice)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 brioche or potato buns
- 1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns and sautéing onions)
Traeger Setup:
- Preheat the Traeger or Traeger Flatrock to medium heat, around 375°F, for griddle cooking.
Instructions:
1. Grill the Onions
- Add butter to the hot griddle, then add diced onions.
- Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Warm the Turkey
- Add the chopped turkey to the griddle with the onions.
- Stir to combine and cook until the turkey is heated through, allowing it to absorb the buttery, onion flavor.
3. Add the Cheese
- Divide the turkey mixture into two piles on the griddle.
- Place a slice of cheddar on each pile.
- Close the Traeger lid for 3-5 minutes to melt the cheese.
4. Toast the Buns
- Spread butter on the cut side of the buns and place them on the griddle.
- Toast until golden brown and crispy.
5. Assemble the Sandwich
- Spoon a generous amount of green chile sauce over each pile of cheesy turkey.
- Top each pile with the toasted bottom bun, using a spatula to flip it onto the top bun.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with a side of tater tots or fries. Every bite will be bursting with green chile flavor!
Traeger Tips for the Perfect Chopped Green Chile Turkey Sandwich
- Use Traeger-Smoked Turkey: If you spatchcocked and smoked your Thanksgiving turkey, this leftover meat will have an unbeatable smoky depth.
- Try a Griddle on the Traeger: Cooking everything on a griddle gives the onions, turkey, and cheese that irresistible smoked essence.
- Add Extra Spice: For more heat, add extra green chile sauce or a few slices of pickled jalapeños.
Ingredient Highlight: Stinkin’ Good Green Chile Sauce
This green chile sauce is the ultimate shortcut for flavor-packed recipes. With medium spice and a savory kick, it pairs perfectly with smoked turkey and melted cheddar, turning leftovers into something truly special.
Alternate Recipe Ideas for More Delicious Dinners
- Green Chile Smash Burgers
- Green Chile Shotgun Shells
- Spatchcock Turkey on the Traeger
- Green Chili Smash Burger Tacos
Spice up your Thanksgiving leftovers with this Chopped Green Chile Turkey Sandwich on the Traeger! Share your creations with us on social media, and don’t forget to subscribe for more Traeger recipes.
Chopped Green Chile Turkey Sandwich on the Traeger
Equipment
- Traeger griddle
- Spatulas
- Knife and cutting board
- Microwave safe measuring cup
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups chopped smoked turkey leftovers from Thanksgiving
- 4 slices Vermont sharp cheddar cheese or any cheese that melts well
- 1 cup Stinkin’ Good Green Chile Sauce with Chicken medium spice
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 brioche or potato buns
- 1 tbsp butter for toasting buns and sautéing onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Traeger
- Preheat the Traeger or Traeger Flatrock to medium heat, around 375°F, for griddle cooking.
- Grill the Onions
- Add butter to the hot griddle.
- Once melted, add diced onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Warm the Turkey
- Add the chopped smoked turkey to the griddle with the onions.
- Stir to combine and cook until the turkey is heated through and infused with the flavor of the butter and onions.
- Add the Cheese
- Divide the turkey mixture into two piles on the griddle.
- Place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each pile of turkey.
- Close the Traeger lid and allow the cheese to melt over the turkey, about 3-5 minutes.
- Toast the Buns
- Spread a small amount of butter on the cut side of each bun.
- Place the buns cut-side down on the griddle and toast until golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble the Sandwich
- Spoon a generous amount of green chile sauce over each pile of cheesy turkey.
- Place the toasted bottom bun over each pile, then use a spatula to flip it onto the top bun, pressing down slightly to hold the sandwich together.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with a side of tater tots or fries for a complete meal. Each bite is bursting with smoky turkey, melty cheese, and tangy green chile flavor!
Video
Notes
Spice Level: If you prefer more heat, add extra green chile sauce or some sliced pickled jalapeños to the sandwich.
Cheese Options: Vermont sharp cheddar adds a nice richness, but feel free to use any melty cheese you enjoy.
Alternative Uses: This turkey and green chile mixture is versatile! Try it in quesadillas, tacos, or breakfast burritos.
Nutrition Information (approximate per sandwich)
Calories: 500 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
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