Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into Leftover Turkey Creamy Rice Soup—a comforting bowl of homemade goodness. It’s rich, cozy, and full of flavor — the perfect way to warm up after a busy holiday meal. With tender turkey, creamy broth, and a splash of lemon for tanginess, this easy soup comes together in one pot and makes the most of your holiday leftovers.

When the holiday rush winds down, there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of soup made from leftovers. This Leftover Turkey Creamy Rice Soup is a cozy, crowd-pleasing way to make the most of your Thanksgiving turkey. Serve it with a slice of buttered bread and a sprinkle of parsley for the perfect after-holiday comfort meal.

If you love easy leftover ideas, be sure to check out more cozy recipes like our Old-Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup, Shepherd’s Pie with Leftover Turkey, and Slow Cooker Pulled Pork — perfect for chilly days and simple family dinners!

What You’ll Love About this Soup Recipe

Perfect for Leftovers: A delicious way to use up leftover turkey after Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Creamy & Comforting: The combination of rice, cream soup, and broth creates a velvety, filling texture.

Bright & Fresh: Lemon juice and parsley balance the richness for a light, fresh finish.

Easy One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup and maximum comfort — perfect for busy days.

Ingredients for Turkey Rice Soup

2 cups diced cooked turkey
2 cups long-grain rice
1 can (10-1/2 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 teaspoon pepper
6 cups chicken broth, divided
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley

How to Make Turkey Rice Soup

Start the Base:
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, combine the turkey, rice, 5½ cups of chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and pepper.

Cook the Soup:
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 3 minutes. Stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.

Thicken It Up:
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup of chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup. Bring back to a boil and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. The soup will thicken as it cooks.

Add the Finishing Touches:
Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley.

Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra parsley, and serve warm with buttered bread and a nice side salad for the ultimate cozy meal.

Variations

Swap the turkey for cooked chicken if you don’t have leftovers.

Add chopped carrots or celery for extra texture and color.

Stir in a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for even more creaminess.

Use brown rice or wild rice for a heartier version.

Expert Tips

Leftovers tend to get really thick. Add a little bit of broth and a splash of lemon juice to your bowl of rice soup to dilute it a bit.

What to Serve With

Buttered Bread, Cornbread, or Rolls – Classic and perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.

Garlic Bread – Adds a little savory crunch for a heartier feel.

Simple Green Salad – A crisp, fresh salad balances the richness of the soup. Try this homemade ranch dressing to pair with your house salad.

Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans make it a more complete meal.

Crackers – Keep it simple with saltines, oyster crackers, or seasoned crackers on the side.

Cheese Toasties – Lightly toasted bread with melted cheese adds an extra cozy touch.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats beautifully. My suggestion would be to dilute the stored soup with more broth and a splash of lemon juice. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop over low heat.

My leftovers are really thick — what should I do?
That’s totally normal! The rice continues to absorb liquid as the soup sits, which makes it thicker over time. Just stir in a little extra chicken broth when reheating, and add a splash or two of lemon juice to bring back that bright, fresh flavor.

Can I freeze this soup?
You can, but rice tends to get really mushy or gummy upon thawing. Grains like brown or wild rice will hold up better to freezing.