Hearty & Easy Leftover Turkey and Wild Rice Soup: The Ultimate Post-Thanksgiving Comfort Meal
After the grandeur of Thanksgiving, a delightful tradition emerges: transforming those delicious leftovers into something entirely new and equally comforting. This hearty turkey and wild rice soup is the perfect solution, offering a wholesome and satisfying meal that comes together in a flash. Imagine tender pieces of leftover roast turkey, perfectly chewy wild rice, and a vibrant medley of garden vegetables, all swimming in a rich, savory broth. It’s a bowl of pure warmth and flavor, ideal for chilly evenings and busy weeknights alike. What makes it even better is its incredible speed – since your turkey and rice are already cooked, this flavorful soup can be ready to serve in just about 30 minutes! Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley and a grating of salty Parmesan cheese, and pair it with crispy garlic toast for an unforgettable, cozy dining experience that makes the most of your holiday feast.
While this recipe is a cherished annual tradition for repurposing Thanksgiving turkey, its appeal isn’t limited to the holiday season. This versatile wild rice soup is so incredibly delicious and satisfying that you’ll want to make it year-round. Don’t have leftover turkey? No problem! It’s equally fantastic when prepared with leftover rotisserie chicken or any roast chicken you have on hand, making it a wonderful chicken and wild rice soup for any occasion. It’s a recipe that truly adapts to your pantry and schedule, delivering robust flavor and heartwarming comfort whenever you crave it.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Turkey and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a clever, flavorful, and incredibly practical way to enjoy a comforting meal. Here’s why this turkey and wild rice soup will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Smartly Uses Leftover Turkey (or Chicken): Beyond Thanksgiving, repurposing cooked poultry is a brilliant way to minimize food waste and extend the life of your delicious roasts. This recipe shines with both dark and white meat turkey, or even rotisserie chicken, ensuring no flavorful morsel goes to waste. It’s an economical and environmentally conscious choice.
- Ready in About 30 Minutes: The beauty of using pre-cooked turkey and wild rice lies in its speed. Most of the cooking time is dedicated to sautéing vegetables and allowing the flavors to meld, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome meal on the table quickly.
- Incredibly Hearty and Flavor-Filled: This soup is designed to satisfy. The combination of tender turkey, chewy wild rice, and a robust medley of vegetables creates a substantial texture, while fresh herbs and a savory broth infuse every spoonful with deep, inviting flavors that will warm you from the inside out.
- A Nourishing Bowl of Comfort: More than just hearty, this soup is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients. Lean protein from turkey, fiber-rich wild rice, and an array of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables contribute to a meal that is as good for you as it tastes. It’s the ultimate comfort food without feeling heavy.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup holds up beautifully in the refrigerator, making it excellent for meal prepping throughout the week. Its flavors often deepen overnight, providing delicious and convenient lunches or dinners.
If you’re looking for another quick and easy soup option, don’t miss this chicken rice soup, which can be whipped up effortlessly in an Instant Pot.
Essential Ingredients for Your Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Crafting the perfect turkey and wild rice soup starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital for achieving that rich, satisfying flavor and texture:
- Turkey: The star of this post-holiday masterpiece! Utilize any leftover roast turkey you have, ideally a mix of both dark meat and turkey breast. The dark meat contributes extra richness and moisture, while the breast offers lean protein. If Thanksgiving is a distant memory, a store-bought rotisserie chicken or any other roast chicken works perfectly, offering convenience and delicious flavor.
- Wild Rice: This isn’t just any rice; wild rice provides a unique, hearty, and slightly nutty chew that elevates the soup’s texture and flavor profile. It stands up beautifully to simmering and adds a distinct earthy note. Pre-cooking your wild rice is key for the best results, as discussed in our chef’s tip below.
- Broth: The foundation of any great soup. We highly recommend using homemade turkey broth, which can be made ahead and frozen for convenience. Its rich, deep flavor is unparalleled. However, high-quality chicken broth is a fantastic alternative. For an added boost, check your grocery store’s freezer section for frozen turkey broth, or consider making homemade turkey stock from your turkey carcass for an even more robust base.
- Onion: A fundamental aromatic. Yellow, brown, or white onions all work well, providing a foundational sweetness and savory depth as they caramelize slightly during sautéing.
- Leek: Offering a milder, sweeter, and more delicate onion flavor than traditional onions, leeks add a sophisticated layer of taste. Remember to use only the white and light green parts, as the dark green tops are fibrous and tough. Thoroughly rinse leeks to remove any trapped dirt.
- Carrot: Essential for natural sweetness, vibrant color, and an extra dose of vitamins. Carrots soften beautifully in the soup, contributing to its comforting texture.
- Celery: A classic soup aromatic. Just a few ribs provide a subtle savory crunch and complete the traditional “mirepoix” (onion, carrot, celery) base, which is crucial for building deep flavor in most soup recipes.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are non-negotiable for their pungent, aromatic punch. Finely chopped garlic adds a bright, zesty note that marries perfectly with the other savory ingredients.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs truly make a difference in flavor. We recommend fresh parsley and fresh thyme for their vibrant, earthy notes. Bay leaves are also crucial for a long, slow release of aromatic depth during simmering.
For precise measurements of these ingredients, along with salt and pepper, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card provided below.
Creative Substitutions and Delicious Variations
This turkey and wild rice soup recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing for a variety of substitutions and additions to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to get creative!
- Rice Alternatives: While wild rice offers a unique texture, you can easily swap it for a brown and wild rice blend, plain brown rice, or even white rice. Keep in mind that cooking times and liquid absorption might vary, so adjust accordingly, especially if adding uncooked rice.
- Dried Herbs: If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs are a fine substitute. Use about ⅓ to ½ the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as their flavor is more concentrated. An Italian seasoning blend can also provide a convenient and delicious aromatic profile.
- Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by adding other vegetables. A little chopped fresh fennel can introduce a lovely anise note, while diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, or corn would also be excellent additions.
- Creamy Soup: For an indulgently creamy turkey wild rice soup, simply reduce the amount of broth by about a cup and stir in a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or even full-fat coconut milk (for a dairy-free option) at the end of the cooking process.
- Umami Boost: Deepen the savory “umami” flavor with a secret ingredient: a couple of teaspoons of soy sauce or gluten-free tamari. This adds a rich complexity that can replace some of the salt. Start with 2 teaspoons and adjust to taste.
- Brighten the Flavor: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten all the flavors, adding a zesty counterpoint to the richness of the soup.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a delightful spicy element.
Craving another hearty soup that’s perfect for using leftover chicken or turkey? This Mexican chicken tortilla soup is another flavorful favorite that’s equally satisfying.
Chef’s Tip on Wild Rice: Pre-Cooked is Best! A common question is whether to use cooked or uncooked wild rice in soup. My strong recommendation is to always use pre-cooked wild rice. Cook it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze it until you’re ready to make the soup. Adding uncooked wild rice directly to the soup can lead to a few issues: it will absorb a significant amount of your delicious broth, potentially leaving you with a drier, less flavorful soup, and it might also become mushy if overcooked. By pre-cooking the rice separately, you ensure perfect texture and optimal broth consistency every time. I always prepare my wild rice ahead of time to guarantee its ideal chewiness in the final dish.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions for Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Making this hearty soup is straightforward. You’ll need a large Dutch oven or any other heavy-bottomed, large soup pot to ensure even cooking and ample space for all those delicious ingredients. Follow these simple steps for a truly comforting meal:
Chef’s Tip: Understanding the Difference Between Stock and Broth. While the terms “stock” and “broth” are often used interchangeably in home cooking, there’s a subtle but important technical distinction that can affect the flavor and body of your soup. Stock is traditionally made primarily from bones (chicken bones, beef bones, turkey carcass, etc.), along with a mirepoix (onions, carrots, celery) and aromatics, and is simmered for a longer period (often 4-8 hours). The bones release collagen, which gives stock a thicker, gelatinous quality when chilled – it will “jiggle.” This gelatin provides a richer mouthfeel and more body to dishes. Broth, on the other hand, is typically made with meaty pieces of poultry or meat, simmering for a shorter duration (usually 1-2 hours). It’s lighter in body and focuses more on the flavor extracted from the meat and vegetables. In many recipes, using good quality store-bought chicken broth is perfectly acceptable. However, for the deepest, most nourishing flavor and texture, especially when making a turkey soup, a homemade turkey stock (made from the leftover turkey carcass) provides an unparalleled depth that transforms your soup into something truly exceptional. Don’t discard those bones after your holiday roast – they are liquid gold!
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
This turkey and wild rice soup is a truly satisfying meal all on its own, a complete culinary experience in a single bowl. For an elevated dining experience, I love to serve it with crisp, golden-brown garlic toast, perfect for dipping into the rich broth, or a slice of crusty artisan bread. To transform it into an even more substantial feast, consider pairing it with a vibrant, tossed green salad dressed with a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy notes of the salad provide a wonderful contrast to the warmth and heartiness of the soup.
Good news for meal preppers: leftover turkey and wild rice soup stores beautifully! Simply transfer any remaining soup into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until it’s thoroughly warmed through. You may find that the wild rice absorbs some of the broth overnight, making the soup thicker. If so, simply add a splash more turkey or chicken broth, or even a little water, to achieve your desired consistency before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Here are answers to some common questions about making and storing this delicious soup:
Yes, for the absolute best results, it is highly recommended to cook the wild rice before incorporating it into the soup. Pre-cooking ensures that the rice maintains its perfect chewy texture and prevents it from absorbing too much of the flavorful broth, which could leave your soup less brothy and potentially mushy. You can even cook a larger batch of wild rice a few days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freeze it until you’re ready to make your soup, saving you time during meal preparation.
You can freeze turkey and wild rice soup, but be aware that the texture of the wild rice can change after freezing and thawing, sometimes becoming softer or a bit mushy. To mitigate this, the best approach is to cook the soup entirely, but omit adding the cooked wild rice. Once the soup base (broth, vegetables, turkey) has cooled, freeze it separately. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the soup base, reheat it, and then stir in freshly cooked (or separately frozen and thawed) wild rice. Alternatively, cook and freeze the wild rice separately from the soup, combining them only when ready to eat.
Absolutely! If you have frozen cooked turkey, it works wonderfully in this soup. Just be sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the pot. Once thawed, you can chop or shred it to your desired size and incorporate it into the soup alongside the sautéed vegetables, ensuring it warms through evenly with the other ingredients.
A large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed soup pot with a capacity of 4-5 quarts is ideal. The heavy bottom helps to distribute heat evenly, preventing scorching and allowing the vegetables to sauté properly without burning. A larger pot also gives you plenty of room to stir and prevents spills when adding all the ingredients.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free broth. Most high-quality chicken or turkey broths are gluten-free, but always double-check the label to be certain, especially for store-bought varieties. Wild rice is also naturally gluten-free.
Discover More Hearty and Delicious Soup Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting qualities of this turkey and wild rice soup, you’ll be delighted to explore a wide array of other fantastic soup creations. From luxuriously smooth and creamy purees to robust and chunky stews, our dedicated soups recipe page offers a wealth of inspiration for every palate and occasion. Below are some reader favorites that promise to warm your soul and satisfy your hunger, with the chicken noodle soup being a particularly beloved choice:
- Chicken Vegetable Soup RecipeA comforting and timeless classic, this chicken vegetable soup is packed with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and hearty noodles, perfect for any time of year.
- Beef Barley Vegetable SoupIndulge in this robust beef barley vegetable soup, brimming with tender beef, chewy barley, and a medley of garden vegetables, offering a satisfying and flavorful experience.
- Hearty Tuscan White Bean SoupTransport your taste buds to Tuscany with this wholesome white bean soup, featuring creamy cannellini beans, vibrant greens like kale, and rich Italian flavors.
- Creamy Butternut and Apple SoupA delightful blend of sweet and savory, this creamy butternut and apple soup offers a silky smooth texture and a comforting flavor, perfect for a gourmet touch.
Did You Make This Recipe? Share Your Experience!
If you’ve had the pleasure of making this comforting turkey and wild rice soup, I would absolutely love to hear from you! Your feedback is invaluable, and I truly enjoy hearing about your cooking adventures and how the recipe turned out in your kitchen. Please take a moment to add your comment below. If you loved this recipe and found it a delightful way to enjoy your leftovers or simply a wonderful hearty meal, please consider giving it a 5-star rating! Your ratings and reviews are incredibly helpful to other readers searching for delicious and reliable recipes.
📖 Recipe
Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Sally Cameron
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Large pot 4-5 quarts
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 cup chopped onion half a large onion
- 1 medium leek, chopped use white and light green parts only, ensure thorough rinsing to remove dirt
- 3 ribs celery chopped, for aromatic base
- 3 medium carrots chopped, for sweetness and color
- 2 large garlic cloves chopped fine, for robust flavor
- 2 cups chopped leftover turkey or chicken, about 11 ounces, mixed white and dark meat for best flavor
- 1 ½ cups cooked wild rice or wild rice blend or brown rice, cooked al dente is preferred
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups turkey broth or chicken broth, preferably homemade or low-sodium high-quality
- 1-2 bay leaves remove before serving
- ½ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground is best, or to taste
Optional garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped Italian parsley for fresh flavor and color
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese for a salty, umami finish
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a large heavy soup pot (4-5 quarts) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, leek, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and slightly translucent, stirring occasionally. Ensure the heat is not too high to prevent browning. Once soft, add the finely chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the chopped turkey, then add the fresh herbs (thyme) and the cooked wild rice. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Next, pour in the turkey or chicken broth and add the bay leaves. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Continue to cook for about 15 minutes, which allows all the flavors to deepen and the soup to heat through completely. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
For an extra touch, sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired before serving warm with your favorite crusty bread or garlic toast.
Notes
If you plan to prepare this soup ahead of time or intend to freeze it, a great tip is to cook the wild rice and store it separately from the main soup base. This method prevents the rice from becoming mushy and from excessively absorbing the broth during storage. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup, simply reheat the soup base and then stir in the separately stored, pre-cooked wild rice just before serving, ensuring a perfect texture every time.
For an extra burst of fresh flavor, a squeeze of lemon juice stirred in just before serving can brighten the entire dish and balance the rich flavors beautifully.