Picture this: it’s a chilly afternoon, and you’re craving something warm, hearty, and packed with flavor—that’s when this Turkey and Wild Rice Soup comes to the rescue. I first fell in love with this recipe because it turns simple ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort. Whether you’ve got leftover turkey from a big meal or just need a nourishing dish, this soup never disappoints. The wild rice adds this wonderful chewiness, while the tender turkey and veggies make every spoonful feel like a hug. It’s one of those meals that tastes even better the next day, which means less cooking and more cozy leftovers for you.

What I love most? It’s as nutritious as it is delicious—packed with protein, fiber, and just enough richness to keep you satisfied. Plus, it all comes together in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. Trust me, once you try this soup, it’ll become a cold-weather staple in your kitchen too.

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Why You’ll Love This Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

This soup isn’t just delicious—it’s downright magical. Here’s why it’s become my go-to comfort dish:

Effortless comfort: One pot, simple ingredients, and minimal prep—perfect for busy weeknights.
Leftover hero: Turns holiday turkey into something exciting (no more boring sandwiches!).
Texture heaven: Chewy wild rice meets tender turkey in every satisfying bite.

Healthy comfort food: Packed with protein and fiber, but still feels indulgent.
Better tomorrow: The flavors deepen overnight—meal prep dreams come true!

Seriously, this soup checks all the boxes. It’s the cozy hug your taste buds deserve.

Ingredients for Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty soup. Don’t worry, it’s all straightforward stuff—no fancy ingredients here!

For the base: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium onion (diced), 2 carrots (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced)
For the soup: 1 cup wild rice, 4 cups chicken broth, 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded)

Seasoning: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper

That’s it! Just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Pro tip: If you’re using leftover turkey, this is the perfect way to make it shine again.

How to Make Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Making this soup is as easy as 1-2-3—literally! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pot of cozy goodness ready in no time.

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

First, grab your favorite soup pot (I use my trusty Dutch oven) and heat that olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery—this trio is called mirepoix in fancy cooking terms, but we’ll just call it flavor magic. Stir them around until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions turn translucent and your kitchen smells amazing.

Now’s when you add the garlic and thyme. Careful—garlic burns fast! Just cook it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This quick step makes all the difference in building deep flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Time for the wild rice! Dump it right into the pot with your veggies, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a lively boil—you’ll see bubbles dancing across the surface. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes.

Here’s my trick: peek at the rice around the 40-minute mark. Wild rice is done when the grains have split open slightly but still have a pleasant chew. If it’s too firm, give it another 5-10 minutes. Don’t worry if some liquid remains—we’ll adjust that later!

Step 3: Add Turkey and Season

Now for the star of the show—your turkey! Gently stir in those shredded pieces. This is when I add my salt and pepper too. Let everything simmer together uncovered for about 10 minutes—just enough time for the turkey to warm through and soak up all those delicious flavors without getting dry.

Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes I add an extra splash of broth if it’s thicker than I like. And that’s it—your soul-warming turkey and wild rice soup is ready to serve!

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Tips for the Best Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Want to take your soup from good to “wow”? Here are my tried-and-true secrets:

Broth matters: Homemade chicken broth gives incredible depth, but even store-bought works—just opt for low-sodium so you control the salt.
Rice reality check: Wild rice cooking times vary by brand. Taste as you go—it should be tender but still have a slight bite.

Texture tweak: Too thick? Add hot water or broth in ¼ cup increments. Too thin? Simmer uncovered a bit longer.
Herb upgrade: Swap dried thyme for fresh if you’ve got it—use 3x the amount (1 tablespoon fresh = 1 teaspoon dried).

Remember, great soup is all about tasting and adjusting as you go—trust your instincts!

Ingredient Substitutions and Notes

Don’t stress if you’re missing an ingredient—this soup is super flexible! Swap wild rice for brown rice or quinoa (just adjust cooking times accordingly). Out of turkey? Chicken works beautifully—rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver. Fresh herbs? Use 3x the amount of dried (1 tablespoon fresh thyme = 1 teaspoon dried). And if you’re veggie-friendly, skip the meat and add extra veggies or even chickpeas. The key is to keep it simple and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

This soup is a meal all by itself, but I love pairing it with a few simple sides to make it extra special. A thick slice of crusty bread for dipping is non-negotiable in my house—that broth deserves to be soaked up properly! For something fresh, a simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. On extra cozy nights, I’ll even serve it with warm biscuits or cornbread on the side. Honestly though? My favorite way is straight from the bowl while curled up on the couch—no fancy plating required!

Storing and Reheating Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

This soup gets even better as leftovers—if you can resist eating it all at once! Let it cool completely before popping it in airtight containers. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month. When reheating, go low and slow—just warm it gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Whatever you do, don’t let it boil hard or that turkey will turn into rubber. Trust me, I learned that one the hard way!

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup Nutritional Information

Each hearty bowl of this soup packs about 250 calories, with 20g protein from that turkey and 30g carbs mostly from the wild rice—plus 4g fiber to keep you full! Now, these numbers can vary depending on your exact ingredients (like broth sodium levels), but one thing’s certain: it’s comfort food you can feel good about. My grandma always said, “Good soup feeds more than your stomach,” and this one nourishes body and soul!

FAQs About Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Can I use uncooked turkey?
Absolutely! Just dice it into bite-sized pieces and add it when you sauté the veggies. Make sure it cooks through completely—about 15-20 minutes should do it. I like to check it with a meat thermometer to be safe (165°F is the magic number).

Is wild rice gluten-free?
Yes, wild rice is naturally gluten-free, so this soup is perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check your broth and seasoning labels to be sure they’re gluten-free too.

Can I freeze this soup?
You bet! It freezes beautifully for up to a month. Just let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers or bags. I recommend leaving a little room for expansion—nothing’s worse than a soup explosion in your freezer!

What’s the best way to reheat it?
Stovetop is best—just warm it gently over low heat with a splash of broth or water to thin it out. Microwaving works too, but stir it every minute to avoid hot spots.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Of course! Swap the turkey for chickpeas or white beans and use veggie broth instead of chicken. It’s just as hearty and delicious!

For more delicious recipes, check out all our recipes. You might also enjoy our creamy wild rice soup or this vegetarian chili.

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Hi, I’m Judy!

I’m a passionate home chef who finds joy in creating delicious meals and sharing them with friends and family. My love for cooking began at a young age, and there’s nothing quite like seeing someone’s face light up after trying one of my dishes.

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Why You’ll Love This Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients for Turkey and Wild Rice Soup