Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe – Cozy Wild Rice Comfort in Minutes

Introduction
The kitchen smelled like Sunday—warm, savory, and a little like the holidays. Right away I reach for the pot because a good bowl of Leftover Turkey Soup fixes that. It comforts, it soothes, and it brings everyone back to the table. Meanwhile, if you like rich, homey bowls, you might enjoy a hearty beef and barley soup the next time you want something similar. This soup is simple, and yet the wild rice and cream make it feel special.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, even on weeknights.
• Comforting homemade flavor that smells like home.
• Made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Great for family dinners, and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Leftover Turkey Soup stretches your turkey into new, cozy meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 cup wild rice — adds a nutty chew that I love
• 4 cups chicken broth — use low-sodium if you prefer
• 1 cup heavy cream — for that silky finish
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost
• 1 teaspoon thyme — dried works fine, but fresh is bright
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

If you like swaps, I sometimes riff on this with veggies from a cabbage roll soup I made once — it adds a lovely layered flavor.

How to Make It

1. First, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You’ll hear a soft sizzle when it’s hot.
2. Then add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. The kitchen will smell sweet and bright.
3. Next stir in 1 cup wild rice and 4 cups chicken broth, and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon thyme. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
4. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, until the wild rice swells and becomes tender. Meanwhile, taste the broth and breathe in that rich aroma.
5. Finally, add 2 cups shredded leftover turkey and 1 cup heavy cream. Stir to combine and warm through. The cream will make the soup velvety.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for another 10 minutes so the flavors come together. Serve hot and enjoy the cozy bowl.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saver: Use pre-cooked rotisserie turkey and start the veggies while the rice cooks. That way you’ll have dinner in about 40 minutes.
• Fix for thin broth: If the soup feels thin, simmer a bit longer uncovered, or whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in to thicken.
• Flavor twist: For smoky depth, add a splash of soy sauce or a few drops of liquid smoke. Also, if you love bold, layered soups, try inspirations from cowboy soup for bolder spices.

Serving Ideas
Serve this bowl while it’s steaming hot. It’s perfect for family dinner, a cozy night in, or a quiet lunch. For garnish, add chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or cracked black pepper. On the side, I love a thick slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad. If you want other hearty pairings, check out this hamburger potato soup for more comfort ideas.

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Cool the soup and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat so the cream doesn’t break. Stir occasionally.
• Leftover idea: Turn any extra into a quick pot pie or a sandwich with thick soup-soaked bread the next day.

FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! Leftover Turkey Soup is very forgiving. Use brown rice instead of wild rice, swap cream for half-and-half, or toss in extra vegetables you have on hand.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh from the pot while it’s still warm and aromatic. Add bright herbs to finish.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: The wild rice should be tender and a little chewy, and the vegetables should be soft. Most of all, trust your nose — when it smells irresistible, it’s ready.

Final Thoughts
This recipe always brings me back to slow afternoons and shared bowls. It’s simple, forgiving, and full of warmth. So next time you have turkey on hand, make this recipe your go-to comfort food. I hope you make it your own and that every spoonful feels like a small, cozy celebration. Leftover Turkey Soup

Conclusion

If you want more ideas or variations, these recipes are lovely companions: Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe – Vikalinka and The Best Leftover Turkey Soup – Mel’s Kitchen Cafe.

Leftover Turkey Soup

A comforting, homemade soup that transforms leftover turkey into a warm bowl of cozy goodness with wild rice and cream.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 cup wild rice adds a nutty chew
• 4 cups chicken broth use low-sodium if preferred
• 1 cup heavy cream for a silky finish
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced fresh gives an extra flavor boost
• 1 teaspoon thyme dried works fine, fresh is bright
• to taste salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it sizzles.
2. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Stir in 1 cup wild rice and 4 cups chicken broth, and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon thyme. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the wild rice swells and becomes tender.
5. Add 2 cups shredded leftover turkey and 1 cup heavy cream. Stir to combine and warm through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste and simmer for another 10 minutes.
7. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

Time-saver: Use pre-cooked rotisserie turkey. If the soup feels thin, simmer uncovered longer, or whisk cornstarch with water to thicken. For smoky flavor, add soy sauce or liquid smoke. Serve with chopped parsley, lemon, or black pepper.