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Home » Appetizers » Classic Turkey and Rice Soup

Published: Jan 20, 2021 Michelle Boulé

Classic Turkey and Rice Soup

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pinterest image for turkey and rice soup.

Whether you have leftovers from Thanksgiving or Christmas, or if you found a good deal at the grocery store, when you have turkey you tend to have it in abundance. Using up turkey can be a bit of a struggle, but one of my favorite things to do with leftover turkey is to make a Classic Turkey and Rice Soup.

Turkey is shredded and simmered with a medley of vegetables in a savory broth. White rice makes the soup a hearty meal. This is a perfect way to utilize leftovers.

Some of my other soup recipes are my Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup, my Chicken Pot Pie Soup, and my Roasted Garlic Soup. I'm sure you'll love these recipes too!

Classic Turkey and Rice Soup in a white bowl.
Jump to:
  • Leftover Turkey vs Fresh
  • What ingredients are in Turkey and Rice Soup
  • Common substitutions for Turkey and Rice Soup
  • How to store soup
  • Equipment Needed
  • Turkey and Rice Soup
  • About Michelle

Leftover Turkey vs Fresh

Using leftover turkey is the ideal for this recipe. Not only will it save you time in making this soup, it also is a way to clean out the fridge and not let food go to waste.

If you use leftover turkey for this Turkey and Rice Soup, you will need to remove the turkey from the carcass and cut into bite sized pieces.

If using fresh turkey (cooking from scratch for this recipe), but turkey breasts only. Season with salt and pepper, then bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 minutes or until cooked through. Slice up the meat into bite sized pieces, then you're good to go!

Classic Turkey and Rice Soup overhead shot in dutch oven

What ingredients are in Turkey and Rice Soup

  • Carrot: Sliced into thin rounds
  • Onion: Chopped into small dices
  • Celery: Chopped into small dices
  • Turkey: Using cooked turkey, shredded into bite sized chunks
  • Garlic: Minced
  • Poblano Pepper: Diced, include some of the seeds for added heat
  • Thyme: Use fresh for best flavor, but dried is ok too!
  • Rice: I used white rice, but other varieties such as brown or wild rice work well. Anticipate a longer cooking time if using wild or brown rice.

Common substitutions for Turkey and Rice Soup

  • Use chicken instead of turkey
  • Use wild rice or brown rice instead of white rice (though you may need to adjust for a longer cook time for the rice)
  • Add spinach or kale for more veggie options
  • Omit the Poblano pepper if too spicy (though it's rather mild)
  • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
  • Add potatoes, celery root or turnips to make heartier
a spoonful of Turkey and Rice Soup.

How to store soup

This soup can be stored in the fridge covered for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen into individual portions (either in Tupperware or ziplock bags) and keep for 2-3 months). Because this soup is broth based, it will reheat well and not separate like some cream based soups.

To reheat soup, either microwave or warm on the stovetop until hot. From frozen, defrost soup in the microwave until desired temperature. If heating from frozen on the stovetop, heat at a low temp and allow for soup to melt before bringing to a simmer to avoid scorching.

Turkey and Rice Soup in a dutch oven.

Equipment Needed

  • Dutch Oven or similar
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Chef's Knife
  • Cutting Board

Turkey and Rice Soup

Michelle Boulé
When it's cold and dreary outside, it's soup making time. This recipe for Turkey and Rice Soup is the perfect one for you to make next!
5 from 6 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 256 kcal

Equipment

Le Creuset Dutch Oven
Lodge Dutch Oven
Cuisinart Dutch Oven
Wooden Spoon

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 Carrots Chopped
  • 1 Onion Diced
  • 2 Stalks Celery Chopped
  • 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 Poblano Pepper Chopped
  • 3 Cups Turkey Cooked, sliced into bite sized pieces
  • 4 Cups Chicken Broth
  • 2 Tsp Ground Thyme
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1 Cup Rice Dry

Instructions
 

  • In a large dutch oven add olive oil, carrots, onion, celery and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes or until vegetables have softened. Add in poblano and turkey. stir to fully combine.
  • Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Season with thyme, salt and pepper.
  • Add rice and cook for 10 minutes, or until cooked through. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 256kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 14gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 657mgPotassium: 433mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 3571IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Turkey and Rice Soup

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please refer to our privacy policy for more information.

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About Michelle

Hello! I'm Michelle Boulé. I'm a photography nerd, cat mom and all around foodie. Join me in making some of my favorite comfort foods!

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Comments

  1. Angela says

    March 08, 2021 at 2:28 pm

    5 stars
    This is the perfect recipe for me right now! Easy to make and complete comfort food. YUM!

    Reply
  2. Jill says

    March 08, 2021 at 2:42 pm

    5 stars
    Great use for leftover turkey. Like the addition of the poblano pepper. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  3. Sara Welch says

    March 08, 2021 at 2:55 pm

    5 stars
    Warmed up with a bowl of this for dinner last night and couldn't have been more pleased with how it turned out! So hearty and delicious; easily, a new favorite recipe!

    Reply
  4. Claudia says

    March 08, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    5 stars
    These flavors you used are fantastic in this soup I I can just taste it already on how good this is! Can't wait to try it!

    Reply
  5. Gail Montero says

    March 08, 2021 at 3:24 pm

    5 stars
    Love that this soup is so filling it is a tasty meal on its own!

    Reply
  6. jenn says

    March 08, 2021 at 3:27 pm

    5 stars
    This is a classic comfort food soup for me and I'm so excited to try making it from scratch!

    Reply

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About page profile picture

Hello! I'm Michelle Boulé. I'm a photography nerd, cat mom and all around foodie. Join me in making some of my favorite comfort foods!

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