Creamy Turkey Rice Soup is one of those cozy dishes that wraps you in warmth, especially on a chilly day. Whether you’re dreaming up a comforting meal for your family or trying to use up leftovers from Thanksgiving, this soup hits all the right notes. It’s creamy, satisfying, and combined with tender turkey and hearty rice, it becomes a delightful hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s super versatile! You can prepare it in a crockpot for a laid-back dinner or whip it up on the stove in no time. No matter the method, the savory flavors meld perfectly, and your kitchen will smell heavenly as it cooks. So, grab a spoon and let’s get into this delicious recipe!
Why This Recipe Works
Creamy Turkey Rice Soup is a comforting dish that beautifully combines the richness of turkey and the heartiness of rice, creating a bowl of happiness. Whether you’re using leftovers from Thanksgiving or preparing it fresh, the layers of flavors build a unique taste that warms your soul. The creamy texture perfectly balances the tender turkey, while the rice adds a satisfying chew. Every spoonful gives you a little bit of nostalgia, as it reminds us of home-cooked meals.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Turkey Rice Soup (Crockpot or Stovetop)
This soup offers versatility, allowing you to choose between a slow-cooking method for a hands-off approach or a quicker stovetop preparation. The addition of fragrant herbs and a splash of lemon brightens every spoonful, making it a delightful treat that family and friends will cherish. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bring people together around the table. Everyone loves a good soup, and this one, with its creamy goodness and rich flavors, is bound to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 3 cups celery, chopped
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried poultry seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 15 cups Zoup! Chicken Bone Broth (4 jars of 31 oz each)
- 1 bay leaf
- 5 sprigs fresh thyme
- 8 large carrots, shredded
- 4 cups leftover cooked turkey (a mixture of dark and white meat)
- 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking wild rice blend
- 1 1/2 cups cream
- Juice from 1 large lemon (1/4 cup) or to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- More fresh herbs, for garnish
Cooking Directions
Sautéing Vegetables
Start by melting the butter in a large stock pot over medium heat. Once it’s nice and melted, add in the chopped celery and onions along with the kosher salt and dried poultry seasoning. Sauté everything together for about 13-14 minutes. You want the onions to turn translucent and start smelling really good.
Adding Garlic and Flour
Next, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. This will elevate the soup’s flavor! Then, sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for one more minute. This step helps create a smooth base for your soup.
Incorporating Broth and Herbs
Slowly pour in the chicken bone broth while stirring constantly to prevent any lumps. It’s crucial to keep stirring to get a nice, creamy texture. After everything is combined, toss in the bay leaf and fresh thyme. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer; this will release all the yummy flavors into the broth.
Preparing Carrots
Grab your food processor or cheese grater and shred the carrots. Once they’re ready, add the shredded carrots to your pot. Turn up the heat to bring the soup to a boil. The carrots add a lovely sweetness that lightens the overall flavor of the soup.
Adding Turkey
When it reaches a boil, introduce the leftover turkey to the pot. Reduce the heat back to a simmer, letting the soup cook for about 30 minutes. This gives the carrots time to soften and the flavors to blend nicely.
Cooking Rice
Once the veggies are tender, stir in the quick-cooking wild rice blend. Bring it back to a boil, and after that, lower the heat again. Let it simmer for another 15 to 30 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked. The rice will absorb flavors, making each spoonful even richer.
Finishing Touches
Now, it’s time for the creamy goodness! Turn the heat to low and stir in the cream and lemon juice. Adjust the lemon juice based on your taste preference; a little brightness can elevate the soup wonderfully. Then sprinkle in the freshly chopped rosemary, sage, and parsley. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. You want to make every flavor shine through.
Serving the Soup
Before serving, remove the thyme stems and bay leaf from the pot. Dish out the soup into bowls and feel free to garnish with extra fresh herbs and a drizzle of cream if you like. It makes for a lovely presentation!
Serving Suggestions
This creamy turkey rice soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. Serve it as a cozy dinner or a hearty lunch option. It’s perfect for cold days, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving comfort food.
Tips for Success
- Ensure you stir continuously while adding the flour to prevent lumps. This is key for a smooth soup.
- Adjust the seasonings to taste, especially if you’re using seasoned broth or leftover turkey.
- If you’re starting with fresh turkey, make sure it’s cooked thoroughly before adding to the soup.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to get creative! You can swap in different types of meat, like chicken, or try other grains like brown rice. Seasonal vegetables can also be a great addition for an extra nutritional boost. Peas or green beans would be fantastic!
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Replace turkey with beans or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
2. How long can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.
3. Can I use uncooked turkey?
Yes, but ensure it’s fully cooked in the soup for food safety.
4. What is the best way to reheat the soup?
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in your favorite vegetables, such as peas or green beans, for added flavor and nutrition.
This Creamy Turkey Rice Soup is a delightful comfort food that brings warmth to any meal. It is easily customizable and perfect for feeding a crowd, so gather your loved ones and enjoy a bowl of goodness together. With its luscious flavors and heartwarming ingredients, you’ll find this recipe becoming a cherished family favorite!
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Creamy Turkey Rice Soup
This Creamy Turkey Rice Soup is a cozy dish that combines rich turkey with hearty rice, creating warmth in every bowl. Ideal for using leftovers or a comforting meal.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 3 cups celery, chopped
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried poultry seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 15 cups Zoup! Chicken Bone Broth (4 jars of 31 oz each)
- 1 bay leaf
- 5 sprigs fresh thyme
- 8 large carrots, shredded
- 4 cups leftover cooked turkey (a mixture of dark and white meat)
- 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking wild rice blend
- 1 1/2 cups cream
- Juice from 1 large lemon (1/4 cup) or to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- More fresh herbs, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large stock pot over medium heat.
- Sauté chopped celery and onions with salt and poultry seasoning for about 13-14 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, then sprinkle in flour and stir continuously for another minute.
- Slowly pour in chicken bone broth, stirring to prevent lumps, then add bay leaf and fresh thyme.
- Shred carrots and add to the pot; bring to a boil.
- Add leftover turkey and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Stir in wild rice blend, boil, then let simmer for 15 to 30 minutes until fully cooked.
- Stir in cream and lemon juice; season with fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Remove thyme stems and bay leaf before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Stir continuously while adding flour to avoid lumps for a smooth texture.
Adjust seasonings if using seasoned broth or turkey.
Cook fresh turkey thoroughly before adding to the soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 27
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 16
- Cholesterol: 80
