Turkey Wild Rice Soup: Comfort in 1 Bowl

September 23, 2025

Turkey wild rice soup has a special place in my heart, conjuring up memories of cozy evenings and the comforting aroma filling my kitchen. This homemade turkey wild rice soup is my absolute go-to for a chilly evening, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. It’s incredibly satisfying and tastes even better the next day. You’re going to love how simple this easy turkey wild rice soup is to make, and the garlic oil drizzle takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Wild Rice Soup

This soup is a winner for so many reasons! You’ll adore the deeply satisfying, savory flavor that comes from simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

The rich, creamy broth is incredibly comforting.
It’s a wonderfully hearty turkey wild rice soup that fills you up.
Prep time is minimal, so you can enjoy it even on busy nights.
It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice.
This soup is budget-friendly, especially when using leftover turkey.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
You’ll have a deliciously hearty turkey wild rice soup on the table in no time.

Ingredients for Turkey Wild Rice Soup

Gathering these Turkey and wild rice soup ingredients is the first step to pure comfort. I always opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness, and fresh ingredients make all the difference. The garlic oil, while optional, adds a sophisticated touch that elevates this soup from good to absolutely amazing.

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – for sautéing our veggies
2 stalks celery, diced – adds a classic aromatic base
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced – for sweetness and color
1 medium yellow onion, diced – the backbone of flavor
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – this helps thicken our soup into a luxurious consistency
4 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended) – the liquid base that carries all the flavors
Kosher salt, to taste – to enhance all the other ingredients
½ cup wild rice – the star grain, giving it that signature texture
1 pound shredded, cooked turkey meat – leftover roast turkey is perfect here!
1 small bunch Tuscan kale, ribs removed and roughly chopped – for a touch of green and earthy flavor
¼ cup heavy cream – adds that luxurious, creamy finish
For the Garlic Oil:
½ cup vegetable oil – a neutral oil for infusing garlic flavor
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced – for that fragrant, crispy topping

How to Make Turkey Wild Rice Soup

Let’s dive into how to make turkey wild rice soup! It’s a straightforward process that rewards you with incredible flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Oil
First, we make that amazing garlic oil. Combine ½ cup vegetable oil and 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, letting the garlic simmer gently until it turns a beautiful golden brown and crispy, about 10-15 minutes. This low and slow method is crucial to prevent burning. Strain the fragrant oil into a bowl, discarding the crispy garlic bits. Set this delicious drizzle aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Now, let’s build our flavor base. Heat 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 2 stalks celery, diced, 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced, and 1 medium yellow onion, diced. Cook these aromatics until they’re nice and softened, about 8-10 minutes, stirring every so often. The kitchen will start to smell amazing!
Step 3: Make the Roux
To get that perfect creamy texture, we’ll make a simple roux. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables. Stir everything together really well to coat the veggies. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour smells lightly toasted. This step is key for thickening our homemade turkey wild rice soup.
Step 4: Add Broth and Rice
Gradually whisk in 4 cups chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Next, add the ½ cup wild rice and season generously with Kosher salt, to taste. Give it a good stir.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer away for 30-40 minutes, or until the wild rice is perfectly tender. This is where the magic happens as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Add Turkey and Kale
Stir in the 1 pound shredded, cooked turkey meat and the 1 small bunch Tuscan kale, ribs removed and roughly chopped. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, just until the kale has wilted nicely into the soup. This adds color and nutrients to our savory turkey wild rice soup.
Step 7: Finish with Cream
Finally, stir in the ¼ cup heavy cream. Heat it through gently – be careful not to let the soup boil after adding the cream, as it can curdle. This step makes our creamy turkey wild rice soup absolutely luscious.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Drizzle generously with the prepared garlic oil you made earlier. Enjoy this comforting bowl of turkey wild rice soup!

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Pro Tips for the Best Turkey Wild Rice Soup

I’ve made this soup countless times, and these little tricks really elevate it. Trust me, they make all the difference!

Start with good quality cooked turkey. Leftover roast turkey breast is ideal for the best flavor.
Don’t skip the garlic oil drizzle; it adds a wonderful aroma and a gourmet touch.
For a richer flavor, use a mix of chicken and turkey broth.
Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process, especially after adding the broth and before serving.

What’s the secret to perfect Turkey Wild Rice Soup?

The real secret to a truly perfect and savory turkey wild rice soup is building flavor at every step. Sautéing the vegetables until softened, making a proper roux, and using a good quality broth are crucial. The garlic oil drizzle also adds a wonderful depth. For more cooking tips, check out these recipes.

Can I make Turkey Wild Rice Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup base (up to adding the cream) a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently, stir in the cream, and add the cooked turkey and kale. This is a great way to have leftover turkey wild rice soup ready to go!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Turkey Wild Rice Soup?

A common pitfall is overcooking the wild rice, which can make it mushy. Also, be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream, as it can curdle. If you prefer a version turkey wild rice soup without cream, you can omit it, but it will be less rich. You can find some great tips on avoiding common cooking mistakes at this resource.

Best Ways to Serve Turkey Wild Rice Soup

This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but I love pairing it with a few simple things to make it even more special. It truly shines as a turkey wild rice soup comfort food experience.

For a truly satisfying meal, serve this soup with crusty bread for dipping. A simple sourdough or a rustic whole wheat loaf is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth. You could also serve it alongside a light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing – the freshness balances the richness of the soup beautifully. For an extra special touch, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. If you enjoy hearty meals, you might also like this turkey meatloaf recipe.

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Turkey Wild Rice Soup Nutrition

You’re going to love how nourishing this soup is! Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per serving of this hearty turkey wild rice soup.

Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your turkey wild rice soup recipe. For more information on healthy eating, consider looking into resources about weight loss recipes.

How to Store and Reheat Turkey Wild Rice Soup

This hearty turkey wild rice soup is fantastic for meal prep, and storing and reheating it is a breeze. Once the soup has cooled completely, which usually takes about an hour or so, transfer it into airtight containers. For refrigerator storage, it will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. This makes it easy to enjoy leftover turkey wild rice soup for lunches throughout the week. If you need to store it for longer, pop it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of great options. For refrigerated soup, you can gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling, especially if you’ve added cream. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. For frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might also find this dip recipe useful for snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Wild Rice Soup

What is turkey wild rice soup?

Turkey wild rice soup is a comforting and hearty soup made with tender pieces of turkey, chewy wild rice, and a creamy, savory broth. It’s often loaded with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, making it a complete and satisfying meal, perfect for a chilly day.

Can I make Turkey Wild Rice Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Preparing this soup ahead of time is a great idea for meal prep. You can make the base of the soup, including the broth and rice, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Then, simply add the cooked turkey and kale, and the cream when you’re ready to serve. This makes enjoying delicious leftover turkey wild rice soup so easy! For other make-ahead ideas, explore our recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Turkey Wild Rice Soup?

A common mistake is overcooking the wild rice, which can make it mushy instead of pleasantly chewy. Ensure you simmer it according to package directions. Also, be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream, as it can curdle. If you’re looking for a turkey wild rice soup without cream, you can omit it, but it won’t be as rich.

What’s the difference between chicken and turkey wild rice soup?

The primary difference between chicken wild rice soup vs turkey is the protein used. While both are delicious, turkey tends to have a slightly richer, deeper flavor that complements the wild rice beautifully. The cooking process and other ingredients are usually very similar, making it an easy swap if you have leftover turkey. For another poultry option, try our turkey meatloaf recipe.

Variations of Turkey Wild Rice Soup You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, there are so many fun ways to switch up this delicious soup! I love experimenting with different flavors and methods, and this wild rice soup with turkey is so adaptable.

Slow Cooker Turkey Wild Rice Soup: For ultimate ease, toss all ingredients (except cream and garlic oil) into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in cream and garlic oil just before serving.
Turkey Breast Wild Rice Soup: If you don’t have shredded cooked turkey, simply simmer 1 pound of cubed turkey breast in the broth until cooked through before adding the rice. This is perfect if you just made a roast turkey.
Creamy Without Cream: For a lighter version, skip the heavy cream and thicken with a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup cold water) stirred in at the end until thickened.
Hearty Vegetable Boost: Add diced potatoes, parsnips, or sweet potatoes along with the carrots and celery for an even more substantial and nutrient-packed meal.