Turkey Rice Soup Recipe: A Cozy One-Pot Wonder for Leftover Turkey

Turkey Rice Soup Recipe is the cozy, soul-warming answer to your post-holiday leftovers dilemma. Let’s be honest — after Thanksgiving, the fridge turns into a turkey graveyard. You’ve had the sandwiches, maybe even a pot pie, and now you’re wondering, “What next?” Well, this recipe is your golden ticket.

With tender bites of leftover turkey, hearty brown rice, and a medley of herbs that’ll make your kitchen smell like grandma’s house (but with way less effort), this soup delivers flavor without fuss. Whether you’re battling picky eaters, short on time, or just craving a healthy comfort food fix, this Turkey Rice Soup Recipe checks all the boxes — and it only needs one pot. It’s also a fridge-clearing, meal-prepping, weeknight dinner hero. Keep reading and discover why this should be your new go-to leftover turkey recipe.

Table of Contents

What is Turkey Rice Soup Recipe?

Turkey Rice Soup Recipe is a classic American-style soup made by simmering cooked turkey meat, brown rice, veggies, and savory herbs in a rich chicken broth. It’s one of those throw-everything-in-the-pot-and-let-it-simmer kind of meals — and that’s exactly why people love it. It’s not fancy, but it’s deeply satisfying.

Think of it as the delicious cross between a traditional chicken soup and a cozy fall stew, just a bit heartier thanks to the whole grains and protein-packed turkey. This soup is usually born out of Thanksgiving leftovers, but don’t let that box you in — it’s perfect for any chilly night when comfort food calls. You can also customize it with light or dark turkey meat (or both), and it stores beautifully for leftovers the next day. Honestly, it’s the kind of soup that hugs you back.

Reasons to Try Turkey Rice Soup Recipe

First of all, Turkey Rice Soup Recipe is the low-effort hero your weeknight meals have been begging for. If you’re juggling work, kids, or just trying to keep your head above the pile of laundry, you’ll appreciate how easy and wholesome this soup is. It makes use of ingredients you probably already have on hand — like leftover turkey, rice, carrots, and celery — and turns them into something far greater than the sum of their parts.

It’s also naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy-ish option without feeling like “diet food.” Oh, and did we mention it freezes like a champ? Make a double batch and stash half for a rainy day. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Plus, if you love recipes like this, you’ll want to check out our Easy Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie for more cozy dinner ideas.

Ingredients Needed to Make Turkey Rice Soup Recipe

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• ½ yellow or white onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, cut into thin half-circles
• 1 large celery stalk, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.25 teaspoons dried thyme
• ¾ teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
• ¾ teaspoon dried sage
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (plus extra if needed)
• ¾ cup brown basmati rice, rinsed
• 3 cups chopped or shredded cooked turkey breast (or a mix of light and dark meat)
• 3 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley

Instructions to Make Turkey Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies for Flavor

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven or soup pot), heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add chopped onion, carrot slices, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the veggies begin to soften. This first step lays the flavorful foundation for the whole soup — don’t rush it. If you love this flavor-building technique, you’ll also enjoy it in our Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe, where the same method brings out bold, comforting notes.

Step 2: Add the Garlic and Herbs

Once your veggies are softened, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1¼ teaspoons dried thyme, ¾ teaspoon each of crushed rosemary and sage, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. This short but crucial step toasts the herbs slightly, unlocking their flavor and giving the soup that “slow-cooked all day” taste — without actually spending all day on it. You can learn more about seasoning swaps and alternatives in our guide on easy herb combinations for soups.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Add the Rice

Next, slowly pour in 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, then stir in ¾ cup of rinsed brown basmati rice. Increase the heat and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a lively simmer — around medium-low on most stovetops. Cover the pot with a lid, slightly tilted to allow a little steam to escape.

This is the longest part of the Step by Step process, so give the soup about 45 minutes to simmer while the rice cooks and flavors develop. Stir occasionally, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to keep the rice from sticking. Pro tip: If you’re short on time, check out our Easy Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie for a hands-off alternative using similar comforting ingredients.

Step 4: Add the Cooked Turkey

Once the rice is tender (taste-test a few grains to be sure), it’s time to stir in 3 cups of cooked turkey, either shredded or chopped. This is a great moment to use up those post-holiday leftovers. Both white and dark meat work well here, or you can mix them for added depth. After adding the turkey, stir in 3 tablespoons of fresh minced parsley to brighten everything up. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes so the turkey heats through completely.

No leftover turkey? No problem. You can easily substitute rotisserie chicken, just like we suggest in our Chicken Taco Casserole — a great tip for busy nights.

Step 5: Adjust and Serve

Give your soup a final taste. If needed, adjust the salt and pepper. If the soup has thickened too much during simmering, go ahead and stir in extra broth or water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Serve warm with your favorite crusty bread, crackers, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if that’s your thing. Want a cozy side dish that pairs beautifully? Try our Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders for a satisfying combo the whole family will love.

What to Serve with Turkey Rice Soup Recipe

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but if you’re serving a crowd (or just extra hungry), a few sides can make it really shine. A warm piece of crusty bread or a flaky biscuit is basically mandatory — you’ll want something to soak up that flavorful broth. If you’re leaning toward a lighter vibe, try pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts. Got kids at the table? Serve it with grilled cheese sliders or buttery crackers for a hit with picky eaters. Looking for another easy dinner soup option? Try our Slow Cooker Chicken Stew for something similarly comforting but with a twist.

Key Tips for Making Turkey Rice Soup Recipe

Don’t rush the rice — brown rice takes longer to cook than white, and trying to speed it up will just give you a crunchy mess. Use long-grain rice like basmati to avoid gumminess. Stir occasionally while simmering so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. Got leftover wild rice or white rice? You can sub it in — just adjust cook time. Taste your soup before adding extra salt, especially if your turkey or broth was already seasoned. This soup is super flexible — toss in spinach, mushrooms, or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for extra flavor. Need protein variety? Sub in shredded chicken or even leftover rotisserie chicken if turkey isn’t handy.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Turkey Rice Soup Recipe

Let the soup cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The rice will soak up a bit of the broth, so when reheating, add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen it up. For freezing, divide the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags — it’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through. This soup is actually one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown?
Sure! Just keep in mind white rice cooks faster (about 15–20 minutes), so adjust your timing and add it after the broth starts simmering.

Can I freeze Turkey Rice Soup?
Absolutely. Just let it cool first. Store in freezer-safe containers and use within 3 months for best flavor.

What if I don’t have leftover turkey?
Shredded rotisserie chicken or even roasted chicken breasts will work just fine here.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the aromatics first for best flavor, then add everything (except turkey and parsley) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours.

Final Thoughts

Turkey Rice Soup Recipe isn’t just a clever way to use leftovers — it’s a full-on cozy meal that’s budget-friendly, belly-warming, and nourishing without trying too hard. Whether it’s right after the holidays or you’re simply craving a weeknight bowl of comfort, this recipe’s got your back. For more one-pot meals that work for busy weeknights, don’t miss our Easy One-Pot Hamburger Stew or Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Happy cooking — and even happier leftovers!

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