Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe – Quick, Delicious & Hearty

If the holidays have left you with a mountain of turkey and no clue what to do with it—enter the Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe, your post-Thanksgiving hero. It’s cozy, it’s hearty, and it’s basically a warm hug in a bowl. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a flavor that screams “you’ve got this,” it’s the kind of recipe that turns leftovers into something you’ll actually want again. Whether you’re wrangling kids, working late, or just craving something comforting without a whole production—this soup checks all the boxes. Plus, let’s be honest—wild rice makes you feel a little fancy even when you’re still in your leggings from yesterday.

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What is Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup?

Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup is that magical combination of comfort food and fridge cleanup. It’s a thick, creamy broth loaded with tender turkey, aromatic veggies, and nutty wild rice—all simmered into one delicious pot of home-cooked love. Think of it as the delicious encore your Thanksgiving turkey deserves. It’s also super flexible: if you don’t have turkey, chicken works like a charm. It’s based on the classic Minnesota wild rice soup, but we skip the heavy cream bombs and stick with half-and-half for a rich, yet weeknight-appropriate version. Pair it with crusty bread or leftover rolls, and you’ve got dinner that feels like you tried way harder than you actually did.

Reasons to Try Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

First off—this soup is basically the culinary version of stretchy pants: comforting, forgiving, and always welcome. It’s perfect for using up those Thanksgiving leftovers in a way that doesn’t feel like eating leftovers. Plus, it’s:

• Time-smart: Ready in about 50 minutes, most of which is simmer time (hello, multitasking).
• Freezer-friendly: It stores like a dream, which means future you will thank current you.
• Picky-eater approved: Mild flavors and creamy texture make it a hit even with the “no green things” crowd.
• One-pot wonder: Fewer dishes = happy cook.
• Nutritious-ish: Turkey’s lean, wild rice brings fiber, and veggies round it out.

And hey, if you’re digging the cozy vibes, check out our Creamy Turkey Vegetable Soup or Turkey Noodle Soup for more soul-soothing sips.

Ingredients Needed to Make Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 large carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cups roasted turkey, cubed (white & dark meat)
• 8 cups turkey broth
• 1 cup wild rice (or a blend to save your grocery budget)
• ⅔ cup half and half
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions to Make Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup

Ready to turn those turkey leftovers into a bowl of pure comfort? Follow this step-by-step guide to make the best Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. We’ll walk through each step with easy-to-follow instructions so you can feel confident, even if it’s your first time making homemade soup. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics for Maximum Flavor

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the butter is sizzling (but not browning), add your diced onion and minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and your kitchen smells like comfort in the making.

Why this step matters: Sautéing the aromatics first builds a flavorful base for the entire soup. Skipping this would be like skipping the foundation of a house—risky business.

Want tips on chopping onions without tears? Check out our guide on kitchen prep tips for soups that save time and sanity.

Step 2: Add Carrots and Celery for That Classic Soup Crunch

Next, toss in the sliced carrots and celery. These hearty vegetables need a bit more time to soften up, so give them about 10 minutes in the pot, stirring occasionally. They’ll soak up all that buttery, garlicky goodness and start to release their natural sweetness.

Pro tip: Want to sneak in more veggies without changing the flavor? Try chopped parsnips or diced zucchini. You can find more veggie ideas in our Creamy Turkey Vegetable Soup recipe!

Step 3: Stir in the Roasted Turkey and Broth

Now, add your cubed roasted turkey to the pot. Both white and dark meat work well here, and that combo gives the soup extra depth. Pour in the turkey broth—about 8 cups—and stir everything together.

Bring the soup to a gentle boil. If you’re using store-bought broth, give it a quick taste. You may want to add a pinch of salt or a dash of dried herbs like thyme or parsley.

No turkey on hand? Use rotisserie chicken instead—it works beautifully. See our substitution guide for poultry soups for more smart swaps.

Step 4: Add the Wild Rice and Let It Simmer

Once your soup reaches a boil, it’s time for the star ingredient—wild rice (or a wild rice blend if you’re keeping it budget-friendly). Stir in 1 cup of rice, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot with a lid.

Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes or so to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. You’ll know it’s done when the grains are tender and have burst open slightly, giving that signature chewy texture.

Why wild rice rocks: It’s hearty, earthy, and doesn’t turn mushy like white rice often does. For more wild rice recipes, check out our Creamy Turkey Barley Soup which uses a similar method.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Finish Strong

Turn off the heat and stir in ⅔ cup of half-and-half. The soup will instantly transform into a velvety, creamy masterpiece. Give it a good stir and then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Optional but delicious: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of paprika for extra depth. If you like a thicker soup, mash a few of the cooked veggies with the back of a spoon or immersion blender before adding the cream.

Step 6: Serve and Savor Every Bite

Ladle the soup into big bowls and serve it hot, ideally with a slice of warm, crusty bread on the side. This soup pairs perfectly with homemade rolls or even a simple green salad. If you’re in the mood for a soup night lineup, try our hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup for a beefy companion.

Final Thoughts on This Step-by-Step Method

Making this Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe step by step not only makes your kitchen smell amazing—it gives you a nourishing, feel-good meal your whole family will love. Whether you’re using Thanksgiving leftovers or whipping this up midweek with chicken, these simple steps make it foolproof. Bookmark this one. Trust me, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

For more step-by-step recipes that warm your belly without making a mess of your kitchen, visit our Soups & Stews section and make your weeknights a whole lot tastier.

What to Serve with Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

This soup shines all on its own, but let’s be real—it loves a good supporting act. A thick slice of sourdough or warm biscuit on the side takes it from good to “can we have this every week?” Try pairing it with:

• A crisp green salad with cranberries or apples (to keep things feeling fresh)
• Homemade Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup for a soup duo dinner
• Roasted Brussels sprouts (surprisingly great dip-ables)
• Or even a grilled cheese sandwich if you’re feeling a little wild

Got more turkey? Try our Creamy Turkey Barley Soup to keep the cozy train rolling.

Key Tips for Making Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

• Don’t skip the simmer: Wild rice takes time. Give it the full 30 minutes for that perfect bite.
• Use homemade broth if you have it—it’s flavor gold.
• No turkey? No problem. Rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken is a fabulous stand-in.
• Wild rice blend = budget win: Real wild rice can be pricey, and blends are just as delicious.
• Add mushrooms if you want to bulk it up and give it even more earthy vibes.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Leftovers? You’re in luck. This soup gets better after a night in the fridge.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in portions. It’ll last about 3 months.
• Reheat: Gently warm on the stove with a splash of broth or milk if it’s gotten too thick. Microwave also works in a pinch (stir halfway).

If freezing, consider adding the cream after thawing to keep that luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of wild rice?
Technically, yes—but you’ll need to adjust the cook time and texture won’t be as hearty. Wild rice holds up better and brings more flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap half-and-half with unsweetened coconut milk or almond cream. The texture will still be creamy without the dairy.

Is this gluten-free?
Yes! As long as your broth is gluten-free, this soup is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You bet. Sauté the veggies first, then toss everything (except the cream) in the slow cooker on low for 6–7 hours. Stir in the cream at the end.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve got turkey, you need this Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe in your life. It’s warm, satisfying, and an easy win on those chilly nights when cooking feels like a chore. Whether it’s the week after Thanksgiving or just another cozy Sunday, this soup delivers comfort by the spoonful. And if you’re craving more hearty bowls, peek at our Slow Cooker Chicken Stew or Turkey Lentil Soup to keep the soup party going.

Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.

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