Cozy Herb Turkey & Rice Soup

Cozy Herb Turkey & Rice Soup is the kind of comforting, nourishing meal that always feels like home. From the first simmer, this soup fills your kitchen with warm aromas, while tender turkey, soft rice, and vegetables slowly come together into a soothing bowl of comfort. Even better, it’s simple to prepare, yet deeply satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends alike.

As the broth gently cooks, the rice releases just enough starch to create a light, comforting body, while fresh herbs add depth without overpowering the dish. Meanwhile, carrots, celery, and onion bring classic balance, ensuring every spoonful tastes familiar and wholesome.

Historically, turkey and rice soups became popular as a practical way to stretch leftover roasted turkey into a nourishing meal. Over time, however, they evolved into a comfort classic all their own. Today, this version keeps that tradition alive while offering clean flavors, modern simplicity, and cozy elegance—exactly the kind of recipe you’ll want to return to again and again.

Recipe Yield: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

8 cups low-sodium turkey or chicken broth
1 cup uncooked white rice
2½ cups cooked turkey, diced or shredded
1 cup diced yellow onion
¾ cup sliced celery
¾ cup diced carrots
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried rosemary
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Build the base:
First, heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Then add onion, celery, and carrots, stirring often until softened, about 5–6 minutes.

2. Add aromatics:
Next, stir in garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Simmer the broth:
Meanwhile, pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a steady simmer.

4. Cook the rice:
Then add the uncooked rice, stirring well. Cover partially and simmer for 15–18 minutes, until the rice is tender.

5. Add turkey:
After that, gently fold in the cooked turkey. Continue simmering for 5 minutes to warm through.

6. Finish and serve:
Finally, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

HELPFUL TIPS TO PERFECT THIS RECIPE

• Perfect Rice Texture: For best results, avoid over-stirring once the rice is added. This helps keep the broth lightly thickened, not starchy or heavy.
• Flavor-Rich Broth: Using turkey broth deepens flavor, but chicken broth works beautifully. If needed, add an extra pinch of salt at the end to brighten everything.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day. When reheating, simply add a splash of broth to loosen the texture.