Print

Creamy Turkey & Rice Soup

Creamy Turkey & Rice Soup

Creamy Turkey & Rice Soup is a warm, comforting, and hearty meal that comes together quickly. Featuring tender turkey, creamy broth, and fluffy rice, this soup offers a smooth, velvety texture balanced with natural sweetness from vegetables and fresh herbs. Perfect for cozy nights or nourishing meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded (preferably leftover roasted turkey or turkey breast)

Grains

  • 1 cup cooked long-grain white or brown rice (day-old rice recommended)

Liquids

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or cream (or coconut/almond milk for dairy-free version)

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

Fat & Thickener

  • 3 tablespoons butter (or vegan margarine for dairy-free)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare your vegetables: Finely chop onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté these in butter over medium heat until soft and fragrant, forming the savory foundation of the soup.
  2. Create the roux: Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, which will later help thicken the soup.
  3. Add broth and milk: Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps, then add milk or cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the broth thickens into a luscious creamy base.
  4. Stir in cooked turkey and rice: Add shredded turkey and cooked rice to the pot, folding gently to evenly heat without breaking apart the rice grains.
  5. Season and finish: Sprinkle in fresh thyme and parsley along with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes so the flavors meld beautifully before serving.

Notes

  • Use day-old rice to maintain better texture and prevent mushiness.
  • Shred turkey finely for tender, distributed bites throughout the soup.
  • Simmer gently without boiling aggressively to preserve creaminess and prevent curdling.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to maximize aroma and flavor.
  • Adjust the butter and flour ratio carefully to get a creamy consistency without heaviness.
  • To thin the soup if too thick, add extra broth or milk and stir well.
  • Soup keeps well for up to 3 days refrigerated and freezes well for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: Turkey soup, creamy soup, comfort food, quick soup, leftover turkey recipe, gluten free soup