I absolutely love this Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe because it’s the perfect way to transform those turkey leftovers into a warm, comforting meal that feels special. Whether you’re wrapping up a holiday feast or just want a cozy dinner, this soup is packed with flavor, easy to pull together, and feels like a big hug in a bowl. Keep reading, and I’ll share all my tips so you nail it every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super simple slow cooker method: You can set it and forget it, making your life easy on busy days.
Transforms leftovers deliciously: Instead of boring turkey sandwiches, get a whole new meal that’s hearty and flavorful.
Wild rice adds amazing texture: It’s nutty, chewy, and a great way to elevate the soup beyond plain white rice.
Creamy yet light finish: A splash of cream rounds out the flavors perfectly without feeling too heavy.

The image shows a close-up of creamy soup in a pot with a wooden spoon scooping a mix of ingredients. The soup base is light yellow with a smooth, slightly chunky texture and small green herb bits scattered throughout. The spoon holds a portion featuring layers of diced orange carrots, pale white rice, light green celery, small white pieces of chicken, and green parsley leaves. The soup looks warm and comforting against a white marbled surface background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this leftover turkey wild rice soup recipe come together with ease, creating a balanced, comforting bowl. You’ll notice how basic pantry staples like onion and celery build flavor, while the turkey gravy packet adds a secret depth that makes it stand out. Here are some quick thoughts on each main ingredient:

Cooked turkey: Use any leftover turkey you have—even a rotisserie chicken works beautifully here.
Carrots: They add a slight sweetness and color—dicing them small helps them cook evenly.
Celery: Provides classic soup aroma and a subtle crunch that softens in the slow cooker.
White onion: Adds savory base flavor; no need to sauté, it’ll soften while cooking.
Low sodium chicken or turkey stock: Go low sodium so you control the saltiness better as it cooks.
Turkey gravy packet: This is my secret flavor booster to deepen the broth in a quick, easy way.
Onion powder, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper: These seasonings layer in classic savory notes perfect for turkey soup.
Long Grain & Wild Rice (Rice A Roni): I toss out the seasoning packet and use just the rice for best control and flavor.
Heavy cream: Stirred in at the end for a creamy finish that’s just right—not overpowering.
Parsley (optional): A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness at serving time.

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.

Variations

I love tweaking this soup depending on what I have around or how fancy I want to get. You can easily swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to fit your taste or dietary needs — it’s pretty forgiving!

Using chicken instead of turkey: When I’m out of turkey, a rotisserie chicken with a chicken gravy packet works perfectly without losing richness.
Substituting rice: You can replace the wild rice mix with plain long-grain rice or even quinoa for a different texture.
Adding veggies: Sometimes, I toss in mushrooms or frozen peas at the end for extra color and nutrition.
Dairy-free version: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream to keep it creamy but dairy-free.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Load Your Slow Cooker

Start by chopping your cooked turkey into bite-sized pieces and dicing your carrots, celery, and onion. Toss all those into your slow cooker basin along with the chicken stock, gravy packet, and seasonings — onion powder, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. I like to mix these all before turning on the heat so the flavors start to mingle right away.

Step 2: Let It Cook Low and Slow

Cover and set your slow cooker to LOW for about 6 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, HIGH for 4 hours. This slow cooking really melds the flavors and softens the veggies perfectly without turning your turkey into mush. I usually choose low because I’m often simmering it while doing other things.

Step 3: Add the Wild Rice to Finish

One hour before the cooking time is up, stir in the wild rice from your Rice A Roni pack (discard the seasoning packet). This timing is key because you want the rice cooked through but still retaining some chew—overcooking makes it mushy. Replace the lid and let it do its thing until the hour is up.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Serve

Right before serving, stir in the heavy cream. Give the soup a taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. The cream adds the perfect touch of richness without overwhelming the dish. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if you’re using it, and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Use low sodium stock: It helps you control the salt level so your soup doesn’t get too salty—especially since the gravy packet adds flavor too.
Add rice late: I learned the hard way that wild rice needs less time than the rest of the soup, so stirring it in an hour before the end keeps it chewy and delicious.
Don’t skip the cream: It transforms the soup into something cozy and a little special, without making it feel heavy; you can always adjust the amount to your preference.
Slow cooker timing: Every slow cooker is different, so check the soup’s consistency towards the end, especially the rice—better to test early than overcook.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

The dish shows a white bowl filled with creamy soup, layered with small chunks of orange carrots, green celery, and off-white chicken pieces mixed with white rice and herbs. The soup has a thick, smooth texture with visible specks of black pepper sprinkled on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with green parsley beside it and a round bread roll in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I typically sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top right before serving—it adds a bright, fresh note and makes the soup look extra inviting. Sometimes, I’ll add a little cracked black pepper or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness if I’m feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This soup stands on its own, but I love pairing it with crusty bread or warm biscuits for soaking up every last drop. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is also great to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or when I want to impress guests, I serve this soup in small, rustic mugs or mini crocks. It instantly makes it feel cozy and special—like a warm welcome on a chilly day. A drizzle of brown butter or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor punch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps wonderfully for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up since the rice tends to soak up liquid as it sits.

Freezing

This soup freezes like a dream! I portion mine into individual freezer-safe containers so I can thaw just what I need. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just note that the texture of the cream may shift slightly, so I usually add a little fresh cream when reheating to brighten it back up.

Reheating

I reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of broth or water helps prevent the rice from thickening the soup too much. If you find the cream has separated a bit, a quick whisk before serving smooths it out nicely.

FAQs

Can I make this Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can make this on the stovetop by simmering the turkey, veggies, stock, and seasonings in a large pot. Add the wild rice about 45 minutes before the soup is done, and stir in the cream at the end. Just watch the rice closely so it doesn’t overcook.
Can I use brown rice or other grains instead of wild rice?

Yes! Brown rice or even quinoa make great substitutes, but keep in mind they may need slightly different cooking times. Add them at the same time as you would the wild rice and check for doneness as you approach the end.
Is it okay to skip the cream?

You can skip the cream if you want a lighter soup, though it does add a lovely richness and smooth mouthfeel that completes the dish. For dairy-free options, try coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
How do I prevent my wild rice from becoming mushy?

Adding the wild rice in the last hour of cooking and keeping an eye on it is key. Different slow cookers vary in heat intensity, so if you check around 45 minutes, you can avoid overcooking it. If it gets too soft, next time reduce the cooking time for the rice slightly.

Final Thoughts

This leftover turkey wild rice soup recipe has been such a lifesaver and crowd-pleaser in my kitchen—I swear, my family actually asks for this soup after big holiday meals! It’s not just about using leftovers; it’s about turning them into something warm, nourishing, and full of love. I really hope you give it a try and make it yours with the tweaks that suit your style. Once you do, you’ll understand why I keep coming back to this recipe season after season.