If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe has got you covered. It’s one of those dishes that’s perfect when you want to use up leftover turkey and still enjoy something comforting and wholesome. The wild rice adds a nutty texture that’s just delightful, making every spoonful interesting and satisfying.

I’ve made this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe countless times during chilly evenings and post-holiday dinners, and it never disappoints. What makes it truly special is the blend of fresh thyme, a splash of white wine, and the creamy broth that all come together to create a flavor you’ll want to curl up with. Honestly, once you try it, it becomes one of your go-to soups for fall and winter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe plays a meaningful role—from the nutty wild rice to the aromatic thyme. Here are some tips on what to look for when you shop to make sure your soup shines.

Unsalted butter: Helps balance richness and lets you control salt levels better.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity layer of flavor and works great for sautéing the veggies.
Yellow onion: Provides a mild sweetness when cooked down, building the soup’s flavor base.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and a little color to the pot.
Celery (optional): If you like a bit of extra crunch and aromatic complexity, celery is a nice touch.
Dry wild rice or wild rice blend: I recommend getting a quality wild rice blend for the best texture—some grains stay firm while others soften perfectly.
Baking soda: This little addition helps soften the wild rice faster without losing texture (trust me, it makes a difference).
Fresh thyme leaves: Fresh is key here—thyme adds a wonderful herby brightness that dried can’t quite match.
Dry white wine: Use a good, drinkable variety for deglazing and subtle acidity that rounds out the flavors.
Low-sodium chicken or turkey broth: Using low sodium lets you control the final saltiness better.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning just right—don’t skip the fresh pepper for that punch.
Heavy cream: If you want to keep it dairy-free, coconut milk is a beautiful substitute that adds gentle creaminess.
Cooked turkey: Leftover turkey works perfectly—chopped or shredded to whatever texture you prefer.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to your taste or dietary needs. It’s a great base to work from, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Dairy-free variation: I’ve swapped the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk when avoiding dairy, and it comes out just as rich and comforting.
Vegetable-loaded: Adding mushrooms or diced parsnips gives the soup a deeper, earthier flavor—I often sneak in extra veggies for more nutrients.
Spiced up: Sometimes I like to add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to give it a subtle kick, especially on colder days.
Different proteins: If you’re out of turkey, cooked chicken works just as well, and you can even use a good-quality store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.

How to Make Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Base Veggies

Start by heating the butter and olive oil together in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery (if using). Stir them often and cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation for your soup, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Toast the Wild Rice and Add Baking Soda

Add the dry wild rice and sprinkle in the baking soda, stirring well to coat the grains. Toasting the rice briefly like this enhances its nuttiness and the baking soda helps it cook perfectly tender. Don’t skip this—it’s a trick I learned that saves time and boosts texture.

Step 3: Deglaze with White Wine and Add Broth

Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits at the bottom—they’re packed with flavor. Let the wine simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly, then add 4 cups of broth, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer Until the Rice is Tender

Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, allowing the soup to simmer for about 40-45 minutes. This slow cooking lets the wild rice soften perfectly without turning mushy. Keep an eye on it, and add more broth if the soup gets thicker than you like—it should be soupy but hearty.

Step 5: Add the Turkey and Cream

Stir in the cooked turkey and heavy cream, simmering gently for another 5-10 minutes to heat through. The cream enriches the soup, making it velvety and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning—you might want a pinch more salt or some extra pepper here.

How to Serve Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love topping my bowl with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of thyme leaves—just a touch of green brightens up the dish beautifully. Sometimes I add a little cracked black pepper on top for a bit of bite, or even a drizzle of good olive oil if I’m feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls—you’ll want something to soak up all that creamy broth. If you want to keep it simple, a side salad with a light vinaigrette adds a fresh counterpoint to the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I sometimes serve this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe in mini pumpkin bowls or hollowed-out sourdough loaves. It’s a fun way to impress guests and makes the meal feel extra cozy and seasonal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge where they stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. The soup thickens overnight, so before serving again, just heat gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

Freezing

Freezing Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe works well, but I recommend slightly undercooking the wild rice if you plan to freeze it. This prevents it from becoming mushy when reheated. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir frequently and add a little broth if it feels too thick. Avoid boiling once the cream has been added to keep the texture rich and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice in this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Brown rice can be used as a substitute, but keep in mind that it may cook faster and have a softer texture compared to wild rice. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and check for doneness often to avoid overcooking.
Is it okay to make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. Remember to add a bit of broth if it thickens too much overnight.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick when reheating?

Adding a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating loosens the soup back to the perfect consistency. Heat it slowly and stir frequently for an even texture.
Can I use leftover roast chicken instead of turkey?

Definitely! Leftover chicken works just as well in this recipe and is a great way to use what you have on hand without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during those cooler months when I crave something warm and nourishing. It’s simple to make but feels special enough to share with family or friends. I hope you’ll give it a try and discover just how comforting and delicious homemade soup can be. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it’s going to be your new favorite way to enjoy turkey leftovers!