Looking for a soul-warming meal that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary? This Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is the perfect answer for chilly evenings, light lunches, or anytime you crave a cozy bowl packed with flavor and hearty nourishment. Juicy turkey, a wild rice blend, and a medley of fresh vegetables swim together in a creamy, herb-scented broth for a dish that’s both rustic and refined. Whether you’re using holiday leftovers or just crave comfort food, this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is how each ingredient plays an essential role. From the savory base to the creamy finish, every component contributes to its rich flavor profile, inviting texture, and vibrant color. Gather these simple staples and get ready for a delicious soup adventure!

Butter: Adds richness to sautéed vegetables and helps start the flavorful base of the soup.
Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic depth that’s classic in every great soup.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and a pop of color to each spoonful.
Celery: Lends a subtle earthy note and delightful crunch.
Garlic: Offers irresistible aroma and boosts overall flavor.
Dried Thyme: Adds a woodsy, comforting herbal note that pairs beautifully with turkey.
Dried Rosemary: Infuses the soup with piney, slightly citrusy undertones.
Salt: Essential for drawing out the flavors in the broth and vegetables.
Black Pepper: Delivers just the right amount of warmth and gentle spice.
All-purpose Flour: Thickens the soup slightly, making the broth luxuriously creamy.
Low-sodium Chicken or Turkey Broth: Forms the comforting backbone of the soup, so choose a high-quality option for best results.
Uncooked Wild Rice Blend: Gives the soup its distinct nutty flavor and chewy texture that holds up beautifully in the broth.
Cooked Turkey (shredded or diced): The spotlight protein, tender and hearty—perfect for leftovers or freshly cooked turkey.
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Creates a lusciously smooth and velvety finish; use half-and-half for a lighter option.
Chopped Parsley (optional): Adds freshness and a bright pop of green just before serving.

How to Make Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the veggies are soft and fragrant. This is where the deep, savory foundation of your Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe begins—don’t rush this step, as a good sauté makes all the difference.

Step 2: Add Herbs and Seasonings

Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Let everything cook for another minute or two. This quick sauté allows the garlic to mellow and the herbs to release their oils, infusing the soup with hallmark aromas.

Step 3: Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir to coat everything in a light roux. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, which also helps the soup achieve that classic creamy texture without becoming too heavy.

Step 4: Add Broth and Wild Rice

Gradually whisk in the chicken or turkey broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the uncooked wild rice blend, bring the soup to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 to 50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and deeply flavorful.

Step 5: Stir in Turkey and Cream

Once the wild rice is cooked and the broth has thickened slightly, add the cooked turkey and your choice of heavy cream or half-and-half. Simmer uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the soup turn creamy and comforting.

Step 6: Taste and Finish

Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for an inviting, colorful garnish.

How to Serve Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is the classic finishing touch for your Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe, adding herbal brightness and a lovely pop of color. If you want a richer presentation, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a small swirl of extra cream on top can be delightful. For even more crunch and flavor, try toasted buttery croutons or a handful of toasted pecans.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal in itself, but it absolutely shines when paired with a warm, crusty baguette or a hunk of homemade cornbread for dipping. For a lighter option, serve with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette. If you want to round out a comforting fall supper, consider roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling your Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe into rustic bread bowls for an extra-special touch—guests will love tearing off bits of bread as they scoop up each bite. For an elegant twist, garnish each bowl with microgreens or a drizzle of basil oil just before serving. Individual ramekins or small handled mugs also make this soup feel extra cozy and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors only deepen and develop with time, making next-day lunch even more delicious. As the rice tends to absorb a bit more broth, simply stir in a splash of water or extra broth before reheating.

Freezing

Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is a freezer-friendly marvel! Just let the soup cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers (leaving space for expansion), and freeze for up to three months. If you want the soup to stay extra creamy, consider adding the cream after thawing and reheating rather than before freezing.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Add additional broth or cream if needed to return the soup to its original velvety texture. It can also be microwaved in short bursts, but be sure to cover the container loosely to prevent splatters and stir between intervals for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey in this recipe?

Absolutely! While this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is ideal for leftover turkey, rotisserie chicken or even roasted chicken breast work beautifully as a substitute, making this soup wonderfully flexible no matter what’s in your fridge.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

To keep this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe entirely gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend designed for thickening. Cornstarch also works in a pinch, though it results in a slightly different texture.

What if I don’t have wild rice or a wild rice blend?

No worries—feel free to use all brown rice or a blend of whole grains in place of wild rice. The nutty chew is key to the character of the soup, but any sturdy grain will hold up well and taste delicious.

Can I substitute the cream with something lighter?

If you’d like a lighter soup, you can use half-and-half, milk, or a plain, unsweetened plant-based milk instead of heavy cream. The Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe will still turn out creamy and comforting, just with less richness.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Portion into single-serving containers and refrigerate or freeze—when you’re ready for a warm, hearty meal, it’s ready to go with minimal effort.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is one of those magical comfort foods you’ll find yourself dreaming about on gloomy days and celebrating on special occasions. It’s hearty, flavorful, simple to make, and pure comfort in a bowl. Give it a try and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to soup when you need a little extra warmth.

Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup recipe that is perfect for using up leftover turkey. This hearty soup is flavored with aromatic herbs and vegetables, creating a satisfying meal for chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale

For the soup:

2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

For garnish:

Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sauté until softened. Stir in garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper; cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then gradually whisk in the broth. Add wild rice, bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45–50 minutes until rice is tender. Add turkey and cream, simmer for 5–10 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley before serving.