This Turkey Wild Rice Soup is pure comfort in a bowl – creamy, hearty, and absolutely satisfying. Made with tender chunks of turkey, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful broth, this soup transforms leftover turkey into something truly spectacular. It’s simple enough for weeknight cooking but special enough to make any meal feel like a celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for leftovers: Transforms that post-holiday turkey into something completely new and delicious – no “leftover fatigue” here!
One-pot wonder: Everything cooks in a single Dutch oven, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your evening.
Flexible and forgiving: Whether you have exactly the right ingredients or need to make substitutions, this soup adapts beautifully to what you have on hand.
Comforting yet sophisticated: The addition of white wine and fresh thyme elevates this soup beyond the ordinary, making it perfect for both family dinners and serving to guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter and olive oil: The combination creates a rich base with a higher smoke point – butter for flavor, oil for function.
Yellow onion: Provides the aromatic foundation for any great soup, adding sweetness as it softens.
Carrots: Adds natural sweetness, beautiful color, and a boost of nutrients to your bowl.
Celery: Contributes subtle flavor and a pleasant texture contrast – though you can skip it if you’re not a fan.
Wild rice: The star grain with its nutty flavor and chewy texture that holds up beautifully in soup. A wild rice blend works wonderfully too.
Baking soda: A secret weapon that helps break down the tough rice fibers, reducing cooking time significantly.
Fresh thyme: Brings an earthy, aromatic quality that perfectly complements turkey and wild rice.
White wine: Adds depth and a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the cream. Use something you’d actually drink!
Chicken or turkey broth: Forms the soupy foundation – low-sodium is specified so you can control the salt level.
Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious, velvety texture that makes this soup so comforting.
Cooked turkey: The protein star that makes this soup hearty and satisfying. Shred or chop depending on your texture preference.

Variations

Chicken swap: No turkey? Substitute cooked chicken (rotisserie works beautifully).
Veggie variations: Add mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or toss in some frozen peas in the last 5 minutes for a pop of color and sweetness.
Dairy-free option: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a different but delicious flavor profile.
Herb adventures: Try adding a small sprig of rosemary along with the thyme, or finish with fresh parsley for brightness.
Grain alternatives: If wild rice is unavailable, try barley for a similar chewy texture (though cooking times will vary).

How to Make Turkey Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Create Your Flavor Base

Heat butter and olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, chopped carrots, diced celery, and dry wild rice. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring regularly, until the vegetables soften and you notice some of the rice grains beginning to pop open – this is developing your flavor foundation.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Deglaze

Sprinkle in the baking soda and add fresh thyme leaves to the pot. Pour in the white wine and cook for about a minute while stirring. This step not only adds flavor but also helps deglaze the pot, incorporating all those delicious browned bits into your soup.

Step 3: Simmer the Rice

Pour in 4 cups of broth along with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer and cover. Let it cook covered for about 30 minutes. Check the rice – if it’s still too firm, continue cooking for another 10 minutes with the lid on. The rice should be tender but still maintain a pleasant chew.

Step 4: Finish With Cream and Turkey

Remove the lid and pour in the heavy cream. Add your cooked turkey pieces and simmer uncovered for 30-60 minutes until the soup reduces and thickens to your preferred consistency. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Adjust and Serve

Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and enjoy the comforting warmth of your homemade creation.

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 subtle toasted flavor that adds depth.
Patience pays off: The 30-60 minute simmer after adding cream and turkey might seem long, but it’s what transforms this from a basic soup to something special.
Quality ingredients matter: Since this recipe has relatively few ingredients, using good-quality broth and fresh thyme makes a noticeable difference.
Consistency control: If your soup is too thick, simply add more broth. Too thin? Mix 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with ¼ cup cold cream, whisk it in, and bring to a gentle boil to thicken.
Don’t skip the baking soda: It seems like a strange addition, but it truly helps soften the wild rice faster without overcooking your vegetables.

How to Serve

This soup is a meal in itself, but here are some perfect pairings:

Bread Companions:

Serve with crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or homemade cornbread for dipping into that creamy broth.

Fresh Contrast:

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

Beverage Pairings:

The same white wine you used in the soup makes a lovely pairing, or try a light beer or apple cider for non-wine drinkers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup actually improves with time as the flavors continue to develop. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The rice may continue to absorb liquid, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating.

Freezing

Wild rice soups can be frozen, but be aware that the texture of the cream may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without the cream, then add it after thawing and reheating. Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add additional broth if needed to reach your desired consistency. Avoid boiling vigorously as this can cause the cream to separate.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rice instead of cooking it in the soup?
While you can use pre-cooked wild rice, cooking it directly in the broth adds significant flavor. If using cooked rice, reduce the broth by about 1 cup and add the rice in the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Why is my wild rice still crunchy after the recommended cooking time?
Wild rice varieties can differ in cooking times. If your rice is still too firm, simply continue simmering until it reaches your preferred texture. Adding the baking soda helps, but some wild rice simply needs longer cooking.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace the butter with additional olive oil and substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. The flavor will change slightly but will still be delicious.

My soup is too thin/thick – how do I fix it?
For a thinner soup, simply add more broth until you reach your desired consistency. To thicken, mix 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with ¼ cup cold cream or broth, whisk into the soup, and bring to a gentle simmer until thickened.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food with an elegant twist. The combination of nutty wild rice, tender turkey, and velvety broth creates something truly special from simple ingredients. Whether you’re repurposing holiday leftovers or simply craving something warm and satisfying, this recipe delivers remarkable flavor with relatively little effort. Give it a try the next time you need a comforting meal that will fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas and your family with smiles.

Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe