When the weather turns chilly and your heart craves a warm embrace, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Turkey and Wild Rice Soup. Picture this: tender turkey simmered to perfection, mingling with earthy wild rice, vibrant veggies, and a splash of creaminess that makes you want to wear your coziest sweater while devouring it. delicious turkey meatball sliders The aroma wafts through your home, inviting everyone in for a comforting hug in a bowl.
I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a rainy Sunday afternoon. My kitchen became a sanctuary filled with laughter as my kids sampled the ingredients when they thought I wasn’t looking. By the end of it, our family table was adorned with mismatched bowls full of this delightful soup, and every spoonful felt like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat! For more inspiration, check out this chicken sausages with vegetables recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This hearty Turkey and Wild Rice Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile is rich and savory, bursting with fresh herbs and spices
- Its warm hues make it visually appealing in any bowl, sure to brighten up any dinner table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt with whatever veggies you have lying around!
I’ll never forget how my friend exclaimed that this soup was “the culinary equivalent of being wrapped in a blanket” during one chilly gathering.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Turkey Breast: Use leftover turkey or fresh turkey breast; both work wonders in adding flavor and texture. For more inspiration, check out this fresh herbed tuna salad recipe.
Wild Rice: Choose high-quality wild rice for its nutty flavor; it adds an earthy note that complements the turkey beautifully.
Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and vibrant color; look for firm ones for the best taste.
Celery: Crisp celery gives the soup crunch; opt for bright green stalks without blemishes.
Onion: A medium onion adds depth; yellow onions work best due to their sweet flavor when cooked.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for that aromatic kick; crush them just before using for maximum flavor.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness while enhancing the overall taste of the soup. classic chicken noodle soup.
Cream or Milk: A splash adds creaminess; use heavy cream for richness or milk for a lighter option.
Herbs (Thyme and Parsley): Fresh herbs elevate flavors; always use fresh if possible for better aroma and taste.
Pepper and Salt: Essential seasonings; adjust according to your preference once all ingredients are combined.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Sautéing Vegetables: Begin by heating some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic and Turkey: Stir minced garlic into the pot along with diced turkey breast. Cook until the turkey turns golden brown and is no longer pink.
Pour in Broth and Rice : Add chicken broth and rinsed wild rice to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally so nothing sticks.
Simmer Away!: Reduce heat to low once boiling. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed flavors.
Incorporate Cream & Herbs : After cooking, stir in your choice of cream or milk along with fresh thyme and parsley. Let everything mingle on low heat for another 5 minutes.
Season & Serve : Taste your delicious mix! Season with salt and pepper as needed before serving hot bowls topped with extra parsley if desired.
This Turkey and Wild Rice Soup will surely become one of your go-to recipes when you need something comforting yet simple! Each spoonful serves not just warmth but also joy shared around the table with loved ones. savory turkey pot pie Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This Turkey and Wild Rice Soup is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl!
- The earthy flavors of wild rice combined with tender turkey create a heartwarming dish perfect for chilly evenings
- Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and freeze for later!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add turkey to brown. Next, stir in the wild rice and broth to simmer for perfectly tender rice.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the wild rice for brown rice or add your favorite vegetables like spinach or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding water if it thickens too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Turkey and Wild Rice Soup, use homemade stock for richer flavor
- Ensure to cook the wild rice fully for optimal texture
- Always taste before serving, adjusting seasonings as needed for that perfect balance
Sharing this Turkey and Wild Rice Soup recipe takes me back to family gatherings where everyone gathered around a big pot, sharing stories and laughter over warm bowls of goodness. creamy roasted butternut squash soup.
FAQ
Can I use leftover turkey in this soup?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey adds great flavor and reduces cooking time significantly.
What can I substitute for wild rice?
Brown rice or quinoa works well as alternatives if wild rice isn’t available.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free broth and check all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free compliant.

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Turkey and Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days, combining tender turkey, earthy wild rice, and vibrant vegetables in a creamy broth. This hearty soup is not only delicious but also easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without fuss. Each spoonful envelops you in warmth, making it a family favorite that brings everyone together around the table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb turkey breast (diced)
- 1 cup wild rice (rinsed)
- 2 medium carrots (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 tsp fresh thyme (chopped)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and diced turkey; cook until turkey is golden brown.
- Pour in chicken broth and add rinsed wild rice. Bring to a boil while stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 45 minutes until rice is tender.
- Stir in cream or milk along with thyme and parsley; let simmer on low for another 5 minutes.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg