Oh, this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is one of my all-time cozy favorites—perfect for chilly evenings when you just want something warm, hearty, and a little special. What I love most is how the earthy wild rice pairs beautifully with tender turkey and those subtle hints of thyme and white wine. It’s like a gentle hug in a bowl that comes together with simple ingredients but feels way more indulgent than your average soup.

Whether you’re cleaning out leftover turkey after a big holiday or just craving comfort food that’s wholesome, this soup hits the spot every single time. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, and I always appreciate a recipe that feels fancy but doesn’t require me to fuss over complicated steps. Let me walk you through my favorite way to make this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe so it turns out perfect for you too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe come together to create a rich, flavorful broth with some hearty texture from the wild rice. A quick tip: look for good-quality broth and a wild rice blend if you can—it really boosts the flavor and mouthfeel.

Unsalted butter: Adds a creamy richness perfect for sautéing the veggies.
Olive oil: Helps brown the onion and veggies without weighing them down.
Yellow onion: Choose a sweet one if you can—it mellows out beautifully in this soup.
Carrots: Peeled and chopped for a touch of natural sweetness and color.
Celery (optional): Adds subtle flavor and texture if you like a traditional base.
Dry wild rice or wild rice blend: Key for that signature nutty flavor and chewy texture.
Baking soda: I know it sounds weird, but a pinch helps soften the wild rice faster—trust me on this one!
Fresh thyme leaves: The earthy herb that gives this soup a lovely aroma.
Dry white wine: Use something you enjoy drinking; it gives the broth a nice depth without overpowering.
Chicken or turkey broth (low-sodium): The heart of the soup’s flavor, so a quality broth makes a difference.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors just right.
Freshly ground black pepper: For that gentle bite.
Heavy cream: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy—you can swap coconut milk to keep it dairy-free.
Cooked turkey: Chopped or shredded, whatever you have on hand works wonderfully.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe quite a bit, and honestly, it’s so versatile that you can make it your own easily. Don’t hesitate to tweak it based on what you have or what flavors you love.

Dairy-free version: I swap out heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk—it gives a lovely richness and a slight tropical twist without being overpowering.
Veggie boost: Sometimes I add mushrooms or kale to sneak in extra nutrients and texture, especially when I’m craving something more robust.
Spicier soup: A bit of cayenne or smoked paprika can add a subtle kick if you’re in the mood for warmth beyond the thyme and pepper.
Extra broth: If you want a soup with more broth and less creaminess, just add more broth and skip or reduce the cream—it’s delicious either way.

How to Make Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies Until Nice and Tender

Start by melting the butter and warming up the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, chopped carrots, and optional celery. Stir often until the veggies soften and the onions turn translucent—this usually takes around 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps build that base flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Toast the Wild Rice with Baking Soda and Thyme

Next, add your dry wild rice and a pinch of baking soda right to the pot. Stir it around for a minute or two—it’ll start to toast slightly, which adds a lovely nutty aroma. Then sprinkle in your fresh thyme leaves. The baking soda helps soften the rice, so it cooks more quickly and becomes perfectly tender.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer with Wine and Broth

Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half—that’s where a lot of the flavor magic happens! Once it’s slightly reduced, add 3 cups of your broth along with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it cook 40-50 minutes until the wild rice is tender.

Step 4: Add Cream and Turkey, Finish Cooking

Once the rice is perfectly cooked, stir in the heavy cream and chopped turkey. If needed, add more broth to reach your desired soup consistency. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes to warm the turkey through and meld all the flavors together. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.

How to Serve Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves on top because the green adds a fresh pop and a bit of color. A drizzle of good olive oil or a tiny grating of fresh nutmeg can be a lovely finishing touch, too. Those little details make the soup feel extra special at the table.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are crusty artisan bread or a warm, buttery biscuit—that way you can soak up every bit of that luscious broth. A simple mixed greens salad with a bright vinaigrette also pairs nicely if you want something light and refreshing alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve the soup in little bread bowls—your guests will be wowed by the presentation and get to enjoy the bread soaked with all the flavors. You can also ladle it over a scoop of rice or grains for an extra heartier meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays good for about 3-4 days. It’s one of those soups that actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen, so don’t be afraid to make it ahead.

Freezing

Freezing this soup works well if you leave out the cream before freezing—add it fresh when reheating. I portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers slowly on the stove over medium-low heat to avoid curdling the cream. Stir frequently and add a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick. It warms up nicely and stays creamy and smooth with this approach.

FAQs

Can I make this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe without leftover turkey?

Absolutely! You can use leftover roasted turkey, turkey breast from the deli, or even cooked chicken if turkey isn’t available. Just chop or shred it before adding it to the soup. This recipe is flexible enough to embrace whatever cooked poultry you have.
Why do you add baking soda to the wild rice?

Adding a small pinch of baking soda helps soften the wild rice more quickly by breaking down some of the tough outer layers. It means your wild rice will cook completely tender without hours of simmering, which is a handy trick I swear by.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free broth and double-check your wine is gluten-free. The wild rice is, of course, gluten-free, and all the fresh ingredients are safe to enjoy.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you’re avoiding dairy, full-fat coconut milk is my favorite substitute. It keeps the soup creamy and adds a gentle sweetness that pairs nicely with the turkey and rice. You can also use cashew cream or a plant-based cream if you prefer.
How long does this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe take to make?

From start to finish, it takes about 1 hour, most of which is simmering time to cook the wild rice. The prep and sautéing steps are quick, so it’s a relatively hands-off, comforting meal perfect for weekends or relaxed evenings.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe has become a go-to comfort meal for me, especially after holidays when I have turkey leftovers hanging out in the fridge. It’s satisfying, cozy, and feels a bit luxurious without any fuss. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to whenever you need a little warmth and nourishment in your kitchen.

Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

★★★★★ 4.7 from 52 reviews

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Hearty and comforting Turkey Wild Rice Soup combines tender cooked turkey with nutty wild rice, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth. This flavorful soup is perfect for warming up on chilly days and makes excellent use of leftover turkey.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

2 tbsp unsalted butter (¼ stick)
2 tbsp olive oil
½ yellow onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 rib celery, diced (optional)
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

Grains and Seasonings

1 cup dry wild rice or wild rice blend
¼ tsp baking soda
1½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Liquids

½ cup dry white wine (a good, drinkable wine)
4–5 cups low-sodium chicken broth or turkey broth, divided
1 cup heavy cream (can substitute with coconut milk for dairy-free)

Protein

3 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded

Instructions

Prepare the base: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter is melted and fragrant. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery if using, sautéing until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the rice and seasoning: Stir in the wild rice and baking soda. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice lightly, which will enhance its nutty flavor.
Deglaze with wine: Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate flavor. Let the wine reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes.
Add broth and herbs: Add 4 cups of the chicken or turkey broth along with the fresh thyme leaves, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer gently until the wild rice is tender, about 45-50 minutes. If needed, add up to 1 cup more broth to maintain desired soup consistency during cooking.
Add the turkey and cream: Once the rice is tender, stir in the chopped turkey and heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free). Warm the soup through over low heat without boiling to avoid curdling the cream, about 5-7 minutes.
Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite side.

Notes

Baking soda helps soften the wild rice, reducing cooking time and improving texture.
Using a good quality dry white wine adds depth, but it can be omitted or replaced with additional broth if preferred.
This soup can easily be made dairy-free by substituting heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
Leftover turkey works beautifully for this recipe, making it a great post-holiday meal.
Wild rice takes longer to cook than white rice; ensure it’s tender before adding turkey and cream.

Keywords: Turkey Soup, Wild Rice Soup, Comfort Food, Leftover Turkey Recipe, Creamy Soup, Hearty Soup