Turkey Wild Rice Soup is an easy, creamy, cozy soup recipe for autumn and winter. This turkey soup is a great way to use up any leftover turkey after Thanksgiving or Christmas. So much flavor!
![Turkey wild rice soup in two bowls](https://www.thecookierookie.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/turkey-wild-rice-soup-recipe-3-of-8-edited.jpg)
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Why We Love This Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe
If you’re like me, you probably cooked way too much turkey for Thanksgiving, and now you’re looking for some ways to use up leftovers. You can always default to a sandwich, but this leftover turkey soup is so much better!
- Easy. Throw this soup together in just a little over an hour.
- Flavorful. Mirepoix, thyme, white wine, and chicken broth add so much depth to this soup.
- Cozy. We stir in heavy cream to make this soup creamy and comforting.
Variations on Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
This soup is super versatile! You can use different vegetables, like broccoli, peas, or green beans; different rice, like brown or white; and different meat, like shredded chicken. Feel free to get creative!
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How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover turkey wild rice soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a saucepan set over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.
I do not recommend freezing this soup, as it will take on a grainy texture as it thaws.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty leftover turkey soup with some skillet bread for dipping and a kale Caesar salad to make you feel extra healthy after the holiday.
You can keep cooked turkey in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days. That’s why I like to use it up in recipes like this, so it doesn’t go to waste!
If you prefer chicken, try this chicken wild rice soup recipe instead!
Cooking the wild rice is part of the process in this one-pot recipe. So the rice will get some cooking time before the rest of the ingredients are added in to make the soup.
The baking soda helps to break down tough fibers in the rice, which means the soup will cook a little bit faster.
First, make sure you are using regular/dry rice and not par-boiled rice (like instant rice). If the rice still comes out soggy, it probably soaked up too much liquid by cooking in the soup for too long.
More Leftover Turkey Recipes We Love
- Turkey Pasta Casserole
- Turkey Noodle Soup
- Turkey Rice Casserole
- Thanksgiving Leftovers Quesadilla
- Turkey Croquettes
5-Star Review
“This was so good! Perfect for holiday leftovers or just a cold day comfort food! Saving recipe to make many more times!” – Lisa Marie
How to Make Turkey Wild Rice Soup Step by Step
Sauté the Veggies and Rice: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add ½ of a diced yellow onion, 3 peeled and chopped carrots, 1 diced rib of celery, and 1 cup of dry wild rice. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the rice begins to pop. Stir often.
Add the Wine: Add ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves, and ½ cup of dry white wine. Cook for 1 minute, stirring often.
Cook the Soup: Add 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, 1½ teaspoons of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover. Cook, covered, 30 minutes. Check the rice and if it isn’t softened, cook an additional 10 minutes with the lid on.
Add the Cream and Turkey: Remove the lid, add 1 cup of heavy cream and 3 cups of leftover turkey, and cook for 30-60 minutes or until the soup reduces and thickens. (If the soup is too thin, whisk in 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch that has been mixed with ¼ cup cold heavy cream. Bring just to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cook until soup has the desired consistency. If the soup is too thick, add an additional 1 cup broth.) Season, to taste, with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
When I added my wild rice to cook the broth turned really dark from the rice. What am I doing wrong?
This was so good! I subbed dried thyme for the fresh and added baby Bella mushrooms and it turned out so good! I’ll be freezing half of it for a quick midweek dinner over the winter.![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
That is amazing! Thanks for sharing, Ann!
Made it EXACTLY as written and it was sooooo darn good! I was a little worried after I added the white wine because it didn’t smell too pleasant, lol. But it was divine! Thank you!!![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
You’re welcome! I’s so happy you loved it!
Probably one of the best soup recipes I’ve ever made!
Thank you, Kris!! I’m glad you love it!
Unbelievable recipe! And so simple![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Thank you!! So glad to hear you loved it!
This soup is really good and makes the best left overs! Love the flavors.![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Leftovers are the best!!
Everyone at my house loved it! So comforting!![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
One of my favorite comfort meals as well!! So happy you all loved it!
This tastes so good and cold and rainy days. We all love it!![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Soups are always the best on dreary days! So happy you love it!
This soup is SOOO amazing!! It was the perfect comfort meal and a total hit at my house! Thanks for sharing!![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
You are so welcome! I’m happy to hear everyone loved it!
The perfect way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving! So comforting and delicious!![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Right!! There’s always so many leftovers, I’m happy to hear you’ve found your new favorite way for leftovers!