If you have some turkey leftover from your holiday feast, you are in for a real treat with this Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe. It’s a bowl of warm comfort packed with tender turkey, hearty wild rice, and a medley of fresh veggies like carrots, mushrooms, and celery, all swimming in a luscious, creamy broth. Perfect for those crisp days when you want something cozy and satisfying but also full of flavor and texture. This soup elevates simple ingredients into a soul-soothing meal that reminds you just how versatile leftover turkey can be.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Top view of a white pot filled with layers of raw chopped vegetables and rice on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is white rice, topped with a mix of thinly sliced light brown mushrooms, bright orange carrot slices, and pale green celery pieces, all scattered evenly across the rice. The pot has two white handles and a black rim around the edge. The overall color mix is natural vegetable tones with a clean white pot and bright background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the stage for a soup that’s both rich in flavor and inviting in texture. Each item contributes something special—whether it’s the earthiness of wild rice, the brightness of fresh lemon juice, or the creaminess that binds everything together.

1 cup uncooked wild rice: Provides a chewy texture and nutty flavor that makes this soup stand out.
6 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and a silky base to sauté the vegetables.
1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Builds a sweet and savory flavor foundation.
2 celery stalks, chopped: Contributes a fresh, subtle crunch.
2 large carrots, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds: Brings a beautiful color and earthy sweetness.
8 ounces fresh crimini mushrooms, sliced: Adds depth and an umami boost.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a subtle punch that elevates the overall taste.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the broth to a comforting creaminess.
8 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
2 teaspoons dried parsley or 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Injects a fresh herbal note.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice kick.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a subtle woodsy aroma.
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary: Brings a fragrant herbal touch.
4 cups cooked shredded turkey or chicken: The star ingredient making this soup hearty and protein-packed.
1 cup milk: Lightens the creaminess without overwhelming richness.
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half: Creates that perfect velvety texture we all crave.
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens and balances the rich flavors beautifully.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Wild Rice

Start by cooking the wild rice according to the package directions, which usually takes about 50 to 60 minutes. Because wild rice takes longer than your average grain, you can prepare it a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated. This helps speed things up when you’re ready to build your soup and ensures the perfect chewy texture that complements the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, celery, carrots, mushrooms, and garlic. Stir and cook until the onions turn soft and translucent, and the vegetables start to release their fragrant aromas. This gives your soup a wonderful base layer of flavor and a touch of caramelized sweetness.

Step 3: Make the Soup Base

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the softened vegetables, cooking and stirring for about 1 minute. This step is crucial—it helps thicken the soup later to a luscious creaminess. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps, then increase the heat until the soup simmers gently. This is where the magic starts as the flavors meld into a rich, inviting broth.

Step 4: Add Wild Rice, Herbs, and Turkey

Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the cooked wild rice, parsley, salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and the shredded turkey. Let everything simmer together for about 20 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth’s flavors and the herbs to infuse the soup. This simmer is the heart of the Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe, bringing harmony to all the ingredients.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Lemon

Pour in the milk, heavy cream, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring gently. Cook another 3 to 5 minutes until the soup is thoroughly heated and delightfully creamy. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Now your soup is ready to be ladled out and enjoyed.

How to Serve Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

This image shows a creamy white soup served in two white bowls with visible layers of thin orange carrot slices, light green celery pieces, dark brown mushroom slices, and shredded light brown meat mixed throughout. The soup looks thick with some herbs sprinkled on top, giving small green specks across the surface. The bowls are placed on a white marbled texture with a large pot of the same soup nearby, partially visible at the top right. Two silver spoons rest on a striped cloth next to one bowl, and two more silver spoons sit near the pot on the right side. The overall presentation is cozy and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few grinds of black pepper on top provides a lovely fresh contrast to the creamy soup. For an extra-special touch, try adding a dollop of sour cream or a handful of crispy fried onions for crunch and flavor bursts with every spoonful.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread or garlic butter rolls that you can dip right into the creamy broth. A bright green side salad with a light vinaigrette also balances the richness of the soup for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins or large bread bowls to impress guests and make your mealtime feel festive. You could also garnish with a swirl of pesto or drizzle a little truffle oil for an elevated twist that brings out the earthy mushroom notes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect weekday lunch or dinner option that tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

Creamy soups with dairy can sometimes separate when frozen, but this recipe freezes well if you slightly undercook it before freezing. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Warm your soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring regularly to prevent scorching and to help reincorporate the cream if it has separated. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up and restore its silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey for this soup?

Absolutely! Chicken is a great substitute if you don’t have turkey on hand. In fact, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for convenience and flavor.

Is it necessary to cook the wild rice separately?

Yes, wild rice takes longer to cook than the rest of the ingredients, so preparing it ahead ensures the rice is tender without overcooking the vegetables and turkey.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! You can use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative and a dairy-free butter substitute to keep it creamy while accommodating dietary needs.

What’s the role of lemon juice in the soup?

Lemon juice adds a bright, fresh note that balances the richness of the cream and butter, helping to lift the entire flavor profile.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

While it’s possible, be mindful of the cream and milk; add these in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent curdling. Also, cook the wild rice separately to add at the end for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is more than just a way to use up leftovers; it’s a comforting, flavorful experience that transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal. Whether you’re craving cozy weekday dinner vibes or looking for a dish to impress family and friends, this soup is a warm hug in a bowl you’ll want to make over and over again.