This creamy Turkey Rice Soup is an ideal way to transform leftover turkey into a warm, satisfying meal. Tender turkey, rice and vegetables come together in a smooth, creamy broth for a cozy, family-friendly soup.
We love recipes that make the most of leftovers. If you’re looking for other ways to use turkey, try our Homemade Turkey Soup made from leftover turkey bones or a comforting Turkey a la King Casserole.
Why Our Turkey Wild Rice Soup Stands Out
You don’t need leftover turkey to make this soup. Rotisserie chicken or store-bought turkey breast work well, too. The goal is a rich, creamy soup that’s simple to prepare and deeply comforting.
- Easy to make: Use leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken for a quick dinner. For convenience, we sometimes use frozen wild rice mixes.
- Versatile: This soup welcomes extra vegetables — try broccoli, cauliflower or peas to use what you have on hand.
- Sherry adds depth: A splash of dry sherry (not cooking sherry) brightens the broth and adds a subtle, savory note. It’s optional but recommended.
Do I Have To Use Wild Rice?
The recipe features wild rice for its nutty flavor and texture, but it’s flexible. Use the type of rice you prefer — white or brown rice both work well and will yield a delicious soup. Choose what you have on hand or what you like best.
Does This Soup Freeze Well?
Cream-based soups can separate when frozen, but you can freeze this soup successfully with a small adjustment. If you plan to freeze, leave out the heavy cream and add it when reheating. Heat slowly and simmer for a few minutes so the cream blends in and the soup thickens.
If you’ve already added cream and want to freeze leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop while stirring to reincorporate the cream. Adding a splash of fresh cream or extra broth when reheating can help restore a smooth texture.
What Sides Pair Well With Turkey Soup?
Soup can be a full meal on its own, but if you want sides, try homemade garlic bread, a creamy Caesar salad, cheesy stuffed artichokes or grilled cheese croissants. Any of these add a comforting, complementary touch.
More Soup Ideas
- Creamy Potato Soup with Italian Sausage
- Chicken Pot Pie Soup
- Beefy Tomato Soup
- Split Pea & Ham Soup
- Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli
Creamy Turkey Rice Soup
- Author: Dan
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings
This comforting Turkey Rice Soup comes together in about 30 minutes and is a wonderful way to use leftover turkey or chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/3 cup dry sherry (optional)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, cubed or shredded turkey
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (omit if freezing)
- 2 cups cooked wild rice (or white or brown rice)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Add the butter and olive oil to a dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion, carrots and celery for 7–8 minutes, until softened. Stir in the salt, pepper and poultry seasoning.
- Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute while stirring to coat the vegetables. Pour in the sherry to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Slowly add the chicken broth, then stir in the turkey. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook about 20 minutes until the soup thickens slightly. Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and the cooked rice, and simmer 5 more minutes to warm through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.
Recipe Notes
Storage: Cool the soup to room temperature before refrigerating in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 3–4 days, depending on the freshness of the turkey used.
- Category: Dinner
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: American