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Turkey and Rice Soup

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This effortless leftover turkey and rice soup is a perfect way to use your holiday leftovers! It's packed with nutritious and tasty ingredients like carrots, celery, onions, and herbs. If you don't have turkey, you can easily substitute it with chicken.



 

Pair this cozy turkey soup with Copycat Popeyes Biscuits, crusty Air Fryer Garlic Bread, or a hearty skillet of Cornbread for a complete, satisfying meal.

😍  Why You'll Love This Leftover Turkey Rice Soup

This easy soup recipe is a fantastic solution for post-holiday leftovers.

  • It's a one-pot wonder, meaning everything cooks together - rice included - making cleanup a breeze.
  • The preparation is straightforward with just a few ingredients to chop. Let it simmer until the veggies and rice reach the perfect tenderness.
  • This turkey and rice soup is not only cozy and comforting but also light yet filling, ideal for the day after a big meal. It's definitely one of our favorite methods for making the most out of leftover holiday fare!

✅  What's in this Turkey Rice Soup Recipe?

  • Leftover Turkey Meat: Ideally, use cooked leftover turkey, diced or shredded. If turkey isn't available, cooked chicken is an excellent substitute, particularly rotisserie chicken.
  • Rice: Long grain white rice is preferred for its fluffy texture. For a healthier option, brown rice can be used, but keep in mind it will increase the cooking time. Avoid quick-cooking or minute rice as they can become mushy.
  • Onion: Yellow onion is recommended for its sweet, mellow flavor. You can substitute with white or red onions for a sharper taste, or even shallots for a milder flavor.
  • Carrots and Celery: These vegetables add crunch and nutrition. If unavailable, consider bell peppers.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is ideal for the best flavor. In a pinch, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder can substitute for each clove.
  • Chicken Broth: Homemade or store-bought broth works well. If using low-sodium broth, adjust the salt accordingly. Turkey broth will work too.
  • Oil and Butter: These are used for sautéing. You can use either one exclusively, or substitute with a light cooking spray for a lower-fat option.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds depth of flavor. For a gluten-free soup, use Tamari or coconut aminos.
  • Seasonings (Basil, Parsley, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Red Chili Flakes, Pepper, Salt): Dried herbs are convenient, but fresh herbs can be used (in triple the quantity). Feel free to adjust the types and amounts of herbs.
  • Fresh Parsley for Serving: Adds color and a fresh flavor kick.

🔪 How to Make Turkey and Rice Soup

In a large pot set over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Wait until the butter melts, then add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook these vegetables until they soften, stirring them occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the seasonings, soy sauce, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring this mixture to a boil.

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the rice to the pot and stir to combine everything evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the rice is nearly cooked through but retains a slightly firm texture.

Add the turkey to the pot. Cover it with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar by about 1 inch, and let it simmer on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes. Continue until the rice is fully cooked and tender. Once done, garnish the soup with parsley.

🗄️ How to Store the Leftover Turkey Soup

To Store, let the leftover soup cool down to room temperature. Then, store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat until it's just heated through. If you prefer, you can also heat individual servings in the microwave for about 1 minute.

For longer storage, freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.

👨‍🍳 Pro Tips

  • No turkey? No problem! This soup works wonderfully with shredded Poached Chicken Breast as well!
  • Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
  • Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, as the flavors can change slightly after cooking.

Can I make This Soup with Wild Rice?

Absolutely! Turkey and Rice Soup can be deliciously made with wild rice. It will add a unique, nutty flavor and chewy texture to the soup, making it even more hearty and nutritious. Just remember that wild rice typically takes longer to cook than white rice, so adjust your cooking time accordingly to ensure the rice is fully tender.

⭐ More Soup Recipes

Ground Turkey Soup with Vegetables-A hearty, nourishing blend of lean ground turkey and a medley of fresh vegetables. This wholesome soup is perfect for a comforting, healthy meal that's easy to make and full of flavor.

Shrimp And Corn Soup- Ideal for a quick, flavorful meal.

Chicken Tortellini Soup-This soup features tender chicken, tortellini, and vegetables in a rich broth, making it a perfect, cozy meal for any day that's both filling and flavorful.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup-Savor the rich, velvety soup, perfect for chilly days.

Lemon Chicken Orzo soup-This light yet savory soup pairs tender chicken and orzo pasta with a zesty lemon broth, garnished with fresh herbs.

Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup-This hearty soup combines red lentils with vegetables and spices, all cooked in the Instant Pot for a fast, flavorful, and comforting dish that's perfect for busy days.

Chicken Noodle Soup-This soup combines tender chicken, hearty noodles, and vegetables in a savory broth, offering a warm, soothing meal that's perfect for any day and loved by all ages.

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If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! I will be happy to hear from you!

Hearty Leftover Turkey and Rice soup in a pot.
Print Recipe

Turkey and Rice Soup

This Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup transforms your holiday leftovers into a deliciously hearty meal, combining tender turkey with rice and vegetables in a savory broth. Perfect for a cozy day!
Author: chefjar
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time40 minutes mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon EACH: dried parsley oregano, thyme, sage
  • ⅛ teaspoon red chili flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • Salt as needed

Soup

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced ( approximately 1 cup)
  • ½ cup diced carrots
  • 2 ribs celery diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • ¾ cups white long grain rice uncooked
  • 3 cups cooked turkey diced
  • Fresh chopped parsley for serving

Instructions

  • In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until they become soft, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add the seasonings, soy sauce, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the rice to the pot and stir to combine.
  • Let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the rice is nearly cooked but still slightly firm.
  • Add the cubed turkey, cover the pot with a lid, leaving the lid cracked open about 1 inch, and simmer over medium-low for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
  • Garnish with parsley. 
  • Enjoy!

Notes

To Store, let the leftover soup cool down to room temperature. Then, store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat until it's just heated through. If you prefer, you can also heat individual servings in the microwave for about 1 minute. 
For longer storage, freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 801mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g
Course: Soup recipes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: leftover turkey recipes, turkey and rice soup, turkey soup

All rights reserved. CHEF JAR. All images and content are copyright protected. PLEASE do not use my images without my permission. If you want to share this recipe, PLEASE provide a link back to this post.

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About Tatiana

Hi, I’m Tatiana! I’m all about making easy, delicious family meals that bring everyone to the table. From quick weeknight dinners to comforting classics, my recipes are simple, flavorful, and made with love. Read more

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Teena says

    October 12, 2024 at 12:04 am

    5 stars
    Very good. Love the flavor. It smells amazing while cooking. I used brown rice and just cooked it longer.

    Reply
    • chefjar says

      October 12, 2024 at 6:53 am

      Teena, I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Using brown rice is a great healthy twist, and I'm happy it turned out well for you. Thanks for sharing your experience!

      Reply
  2. Eleanor says

    December 15, 2024 at 1:53 am

    5 stars
    I am normally not even a fan of turkey, hence the search for a leftover recipe. But my family and I absolutely loved this soup! Made no changes, only added some leftover cornbread stuffing to my own bowl and it was fantastic. Thank you! Makes me want to roast a turkey just to make the soup. 🤗

    Reply
    • chefjar says

      December 15, 2024 at 7:03 am

      Hi Eleanor! Thank you for your lovely comment! 😊 I'm so happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed the soup. Adding cornbread stuffing sounds delicious—great idea!

      Reply

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