Can I use a different type of rice?

Wild rice gives this soup its signature flavor and texture, but if you're in a pinch, you could use brown rice, though you'll lose some of the nutty flavor. Adjust cooking time accordingly as brown rice typically cooks faster than wild rice.

What can I substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?

Half-and-half or whole milk work well as substitutes, though the soup won't be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk adds creaminess with a slightly different flavor profile that works surprisingly well with the other ingredients.

Can I make this soup with raw turkey instead of cooked?

Yes! Cut raw turkey breast or thighs into bite-sized pieces and cook them in the pot after sautéing the vegetables but before adding the rice. Cook until no longer pink, then proceed with the recipe as written.

How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?

Mix 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with ¼ cup cold cream or broth to make a slurry. Stir this into the simmering soup and cook for a few minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.

Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

This creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food – a rich, hearty blend of tender turkey, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables simmered in a velvety broth. Ready in just over an hour, it’s the perfect solution for transforming leftover turkey into a completely new, soul-warming meal that’s ideal for chilly evenings or whenever you need a bowl of pure comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for leftovers: Transform your leftover turkey into something completely new and delicious! No more boring turkey sandwiches day after day.
One-pot wonder: Everything comes together in a single Dutch oven, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Customizable: Easily adjust the consistency, add your favorite vegetables, or switch up the protein to make this soup your own.
Meal-prep friendly: This soup actually tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for lunches throughout the week.
Pure comfort: The combination of wild rice, tender turkey, and creamy broth creates a soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter and olive oil: Creates a flavorful base for sautéing vegetables while preventing the butter from burning.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation for the soup.
Carrots: Adds natural sweetness, beautiful color, and nutritional value.
Celery: Contributes a subtle earthiness and classic soup flavor.
Wild rice: The star of the show! Brings a wonderful nutty flavor and delightful chewy texture.
Baking soda: A game-changing ingredient that helps break down the tough rice fibers, significantly reducing cooking time.
Fresh thyme: Infuses the soup with an earthy, slightly floral aroma that pairs beautifully with turkey.
White wine: Adds acidity and depth of flavor while helping to deglaze the pan.
Chicken or turkey broth: Forms the liquid base of the soup, amplifying the turkey flavor.
Heavy cream: Creates that irresistible silky, luxurious texture that makes this soup so comforting.
Cooked turkey: Use leftover holiday turkey or cook some specially for this recipe.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Lighter

Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream for a lighter version that still maintains creaminess.

Vegetable Additions

Try adding mushrooms, leeks, or parsnips for extra depth and nutrition. Just sauté them with the other vegetables.

Herb Variations

Rosemary or sage make excellent alternatives to thyme, offering different aromatic qualities that still complement turkey beautifully.

Make It Chicken Wild Rice Soup

No turkey? No problem! Substitute rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breast for an equally delicious result.

How to Make Turkey Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Heat butter and olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and dry wild rice. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables have softened and the rice begins to pop. This step creates the foundation of flavor for your soup.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Deglaze

Sprinkle in the baking soda and fresh thyme leaves, then pour in the white wine. Cook for about a minute while stirring constantly, allowing the wine to deglaze the pot and release any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.

Step 3: Simmer the Rice

Pour in 4 cups of broth along with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover. Let it cook for about 30 minutes, checking the rice for tenderness. If needed, continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes with the lid on.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

Remove the lid and pour in the heavy cream. Add your cooked turkey and let everything simmer together for 30-60 minutes until the soup reduces and thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Final Adjustments

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, thin it with extra broth. If it’s too thin, mix 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with ¼ cup cold cream and whisk it in.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Toast the rice: Allow the wild rice to cook with the vegetables for the full 6-8 minutes to develop a toasty, nutty flavor that elevates the entire soup.
Don’t skip the baking soda: This seemingly small addition makes a huge difference in cooking time and texture of the wild rice.
Use good wine: The flavor of the wine does come through, so use something you’d actually drink. (And pour yourself a glass while cooking!)
Patience pays off: The longer simmering time at the end allows the flavors to meld beautifully and creates that perfect thick, creamy texture.
Season in layers: Add salt and pepper at different stages rather than all at once to build more complex flavor.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this hearty soup with a crusty baguette or homemade garlic bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides the perfect contrast to the rich, creamy soup.

Garnish Options

Top each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves, a crack of black pepper, or even a few homemade croutons for added texture.

Make It a Meal

For a complete dinner, serve smaller portions of soup as a first course followed by a simple roasted vegetable side dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve after a day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Freezing

While cream-based soups typically don’t freeze well, you can prepare the soup without the cream, freeze it, and then add the cream after reheating.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth if needed to thin the consistency as it heats.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Wild rice gives this soup its signature flavor and texture, but if you’re in a pinch, you could use brown rice, though you’ll lose some of the nutty flavor. Adjust cooking time accordingly as brown rice typically cooks faster than wild rice.
What can I substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?

Half-and-half or whole milk work well as substitutes, though the soup won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk adds creaminess with a slightly different flavor profile that works surprisingly well with the other ingredients.
Can I make this soup with raw turkey instead of cooked?

Yes! Cut raw turkey breast or thighs into bite-sized pieces and cook them in the pot after sautéing the vegetables but before adding the rice. Cook until no longer pink, then proceed with the recipe as written.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

Mix 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with ¼ cup cold cream or broth to make a slurry. Stir this into the simmering soup and cook for a few minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Wild Rice Soup transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. With its creamy texture, hearty wild rice, and tender turkey, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite for generations. Whether you’re looking to repurpose holiday leftovers or simply craving a comforting bowl of soup, this recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!