If you’re craving a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s rich, hearty, and cozy, making the most of that leftover turkey (or chicken!) along with wild rice, fresh veggies, and a dreamy creamy finish. Trust me, it’s like Thanksgiving dinner reinvented in soup form — and it couldn’t be easier or more satisfying.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Turns leftovers into a star meal: Instead of letting that turkey sit forgotten, this soup transforms it into a delicious new creation that tastes fresh and vibrant.
Loaded with wholesome ingredients: Vegetables, wild rice, and herbs come together for a nourishing and well-balanced bowl.
Perfect texture combo: The tender turkey, chewy wild rice, and creamy broth make every spoonful insanely satisfying.
Comfort food that’s quick to assemble: With a bit of prep, you can have a warming dinner ready in just a little over an hour.

A large white pot filled with creamy soup showing a mix of shredded light brown meat, orange carrot slices, green celery pieces, and dark brown mushroom slices being lifted by a ladle. Around the pot, there are three white bowls full of the same creamy soup with visible layers of meat, carrot, celery, and mushroom pieces floating on top. The setting is on a white marbled surface with two tarnished silver spoons laid crossing each other beside the bowls, and soft striped cloths in light colors placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup, turkey leftover soup, hearty wild rice soup, comforting turkey soup recipe, easy Thanksgiving leftover soup

Ingredients & Substitutions

This soup’s magic lies in simple, everyday ingredients that each bring something special to the mix — from the nutty wild rice to the sautéed mushrooms adding earthiness, and the velvety cream that rounds it all out beautifully.

Flat lay of uncooked wild rice grains, vibrant orange carrot slices, bright green chopped celery stalks, golden yellow chopped onion pieces, fresh brown crimini mushroom slices, peeled garlic cloves, tender shredded cooked turkey meat, and a small bunch of fresh chopped parsley arranged beautifully with soft natural light highlighting their colors and textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup, turkey leftover soup, hearty wild rice soup, comforting turkey soup recipe, easy Thanksgiving leftover soup

Wild rice: Adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture; cook it ahead to save time.
Butter and vegetables: Onions, celery, carrots, and mushrooms build a flavorful, aromatic base.
Flour: Thickens the soup for that luscious creamy consistency without heaviness.

Chicken broth: Keeps the soup savory and deep in flavor; low sodium works great to control saltiness.
Herbs and spices: Parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper bring warmth and complexity.
Cooked turkey or chicken: The star protein, shredded so it blends wonderfully with the rice and broth.

Milk and cream: These deliver the silky smoothness that makes this soup dreamy and indulgent.
Lemon juice: A little brightness to balance the rich creaminess and elevate all the flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Wild Rice

The first thing you’ll want to tackle is cooking the wild rice, which takes about 50-60 minutes. Follow the package instructions closely, and feel free to prepare this a day or two in advance—it’ll save you lots of time when you’re ready to assemble the soup. Wild rice lends delightful texture and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy broth.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, mushrooms, and minced garlic. Stir and sauté gently until the onion softens and everything smells aromatic and inviting. This mix is the flavor foundation of your soup, so take your time letting those veggies sweeten and meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed veggies and stir constantly for about a minute—this is what will thicken your soup later. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps, then crank the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This creates a rich, velvety base that will coat every spoonful with delicious creaminess.

Step 4: Add Wild Rice, Turkey, and Seasonings

Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the cooked wild rice along with the herbs—parsley, thyme, rosemary—plus salt, pepper, and the shredded turkey. Let everything simmer together for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully combine and develop that cozy, homey soup taste.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Lemon

Stir in the milk, heavy cream or half-and-half, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the rich flavors. Let it heat through for another 3-5 minutes, then taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Now you’re ready to ladle out all that creamy comfort into bowls and dig in!

How to Serve Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Three white bowls filled with creamy soup containing small chunks of light brown meat, bright orange carrot slices, and pale green celery pieces, all mixed evenly. The bowls have different subtle textures: one with vertical ribbed lines, another with a diamond pattern, and the third with a honeycomb pattern. They are placed on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth casually folded in the background. In front of the bowls lie three spoons, one with a wooden handle and two with metal handles, adding a rustic touch. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup, turkey leftover soup, hearty wild rice soup, comforting turkey soup recipe, easy Thanksgiving leftover soup

Garnishes

To elevate your bowl even further, sprinkle on some freshly chopped parsley or a handful of crispy fried onions. A few shavings of sharp Parmesan or a drizzle of a good-quality olive oil can add extra flavor and make it feel extra special. Plus, cracked black pepper right on top adds a bit of punch that balances the creaminess so well.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread—think freshly baked sourdough or a rustic baguette—to soak up every last drop of that luscious broth. A fresh green salad with a bright vinaigrette can lighten the meal, while for a cozier vibe, buttery garlic rolls or a warm cornbread are star companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your soup in charming, rustic bowls to bring out that homey feel, and add a little swirl of cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for visual appeal. For a fun touch, ladle the soup into individual bread bowls or small mason jars for a casual gathering or picnic-ready dish that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe keeps well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. The wild rice tends to soak up the broth over time, so when reheating, just stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen that creamy texture back up to spoonable perfection.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it out into airtight containers, label, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop to keep its silky consistency intact.

Reheating

Reheat slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a little extra broth or milk if it feels too thick. Avoid microwaving for best results in retaining that fresh-from-the-pot creaminess and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use different kinds of rice for this soup?

While wild rice gives this soup its signature chewy texture and nutty flavor, you can substitute with brown rice or even a rice blend. Just keep in mind that cooking times and texture will vary slightly.

What if I don’t have leftover turkey?

No worries! Rotisserie chicken or even cooked shredded chicken work perfectly as a substitute, delivering the same comforting protein boost for the soup.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Absolutely. This Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe freezes well for up to two months, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks or unexpected company.
How can I make this soup more vegetarian-friendly?

For a vegetarian twist, omit the turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra mushrooms and veggies for hearty texture, and consider a splash of soy or tamari sauce for rich umami depth.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is truly the cozy, comforting hug we all need now and then—a brilliant way to stretch holiday leftovers or create a heartwarming dinner any time of year. Give it a try and get ready for a new family favorite you’ll crave again and again!

Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe