Irresistible Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup in 1 Hour

Name: Irresistible Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup in 1 Hour
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded; 1 cup wild rice, uncooked; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp thyme; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp butter

Author: lia

Published: November 24, 2025

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There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of creamy turkey and wild rice soup on a chilly evening—it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! This recipe has been my go-to for years, especially after holiday dinners when I’m swimming in leftover turkey. The nutty wild rice, tender turkey, and velvety cream come together in the most comforting way. My family practically begs for it! Trust me, once you’ve tried this version, you’ll never go back to plain old chicken noodle. It’s hearty enough to stand alone as a meal, but it also makes the best next-day lunch (if there’s any left, that is).

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Perfect comfort food: This soup is the ultimate cozy meal, with its rich, creamy broth and hearty ingredients. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a cold day.
Easy to make: With simple steps and minimal prep, this soup comes together in under an hour. Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you’ll nail this recipe.
Leftover magic: Got turkey from Thanksgiving or a roast? This soup is the perfect way to transform leftovers into something new and delicious.
Creamy texture: The combination of heavy cream and wild rice creates a velvety, luxurious broth that’s incredibly satisfying.
Versatile and hearty: It’s a complete meal in a bowl, but you can also pair it with crusty bread or a salad for a fuller spread.
Great for meal prep: It reheats beautifully, making it an ideal option for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Bowl of creamy turkey and wild rice soup

Equipment You’ll Need for Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Don’t worry, you don’t need any fancy gadgets for this one! I always grab my trusty large stockpot or Dutch oven (at least 6 quarts), a reliable wooden spoon for stirring, and my basic measuring cups and spoons. That’s really it! A good chef’s knife and cutting board for prepping the veggies will make your life easier too.

How to Make Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Alright, let’s get cooking! First, grab your large pot and melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s nice and bubbly, toss in the diced onion, chopped carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes should do it. Trust me, this is where the flavor starts building!

Sautéing vegetables in a pot for soup

Next, pour in the chicken broth and crank the heat up to bring it to a boil. Stir in the wild rice, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Here’s the key: let the rice cook for about 30 minutes. Don’t rush this step—it’s what gives the soup that perfect nutty texture.

Once the rice is tender, it’s time to add the star of the show: the shredded turkey. Pour in the heavy cream, then sprinkle in the thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for another 10 minutes. This is when all the flavors come together beautifully.

That’s it! Ladle it into bowls, grab a spoon, and dig in. Don’t worry if it seems a little thin at first—it thickens up as it sits. And if you’re impatient like me, a quick taste test is totally allowed!

Tips for Perfect Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Want to take your soup to the next level? Here are my foolproof tricks after years of perfecting this recipe! First, if you love a thicker texture, blend about 1-2 cups of the soup before adding the cream—it creates the most luxurious base without making it heavy. Always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end—I usually add an extra pinch of salt and pepper right before serving. Fresh thyme makes a world of difference if you have it (just double the amount). And here’s a secret: let it sit for 10 minutes after cooking—the flavors meld beautifully and the broth thickens just right!

Variations for Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

One of my favorite things about this soup is how easily you can tweak it to suit your mood! Craving something earthy? Toss in a handful of sliced mushrooms when you sauté the veggies—they add such a meaty depth. If thyme isn’t your thing, rosemary or sage make fantastic swaps (just use half the amount since they’re stronger). Out of wild rice? Brown rice works in a pinch, though you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. And for my vegetarian friends, skip the turkey and add extra veggies like sweet potatoes or kale—it’s still crazy delicious!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

This soup is a meal all on its own, but I love pairing it with a thick slice of crusty, buttered bread for dipping—it soaks up that creamy broth perfectly! A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully too. Sometimes I’ll just grab some crackers for crunch. Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

This soup keeps like a dream! Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container—they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat and stir occasionally. The cream can separate if you rush it, so patience is key! You can also microwave single portions in 30-second bursts, stirring between each one.

Nutritional Information for Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Now, I’m no dietitian, but I can tell you this soup packs plenty of protein from the turkey and fiber from the wild rice – it’s hearty fuel for cold days! Keep in mind that nutritional values will vary depending on the exact ingredients you use. That gorgeous creaminess means it’s naturally richer, so you might want lighter portions if you’re watching calories. The good news? All those veggies add vitamins, and using homemade broth can really cut down on sodium. As with any recipe, your mileage may vary based on brands and substitutions – but isn’t that the fun of home cooking?

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Can I use chicken instead of turkey? Absolutely! This recipe works just as well with shredded chicken. It’s a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or roasted chicken thighs.

How long does this soup last in the fridge? Stored in an airtight container, it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Can I freeze this soup? You can, though the cream may separate a bit when thawed. If you plan to freeze it, consider leaving out the cream and adding it fresh when reheating.

What if I don’t have wild rice? No worries! Brown rice works as a substitute—just adjust the cooking time since it takes longer to soften.

Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, it is! Just double-check that your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free to be safe.

Share Your Experience with Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

I’d love to hear how your soup turns out! Did you add your own twist? Did it become an instant family favorite? Drop a comment below, rate the recipe, or share your photos—I’m always inspired by your creativity in the kitchen. Happy cooking, friends! You can find more delicious recipes on our Pinterest page.