After a long day, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup that hugs you from the inside out. That’s exactly why I fell in love with this Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Chowder. It’s the perfect blend of tender turkey, nutty wild rice, and a rich, velvety broth that’s somehow both hearty and soothing. What surprised me most was how effortlessly it comes together — no complicated steps, just simple ingredients that combine to create a soul-satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover turkey or craving something homey on a chilly evening, this chowder promises to be your new go-to comfort food, every spoonful packed with flavor and warmth.
Why choose Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Chowder?
Comforting warmth: This chowder feels like a cozy hug on chilly nights. Simple ingredients blend effortlessly, making it quick and stress-free. Hearty yet soothing, it balances tender turkey with nutty wild rice perfectly. Leftover-friendly, it’s a smart way to reinvent your turkey dinners. Rich, velvety broth ensures every spoonful is packed with soulful flavor that satisfies.
Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Chowder Ingredients
For the Chowder Base
- Cooked turkey – Use leftover turkey or rotisserie for rich, tender meat that’s the heart of this chowder.
- Wild rice – Adds a nutty texture that complements the creamy broth beautifully in this Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Chowder.
- Chicken broth – Choose low-sodium for better control over the chowder’s seasoning and depth.
- Heavy cream – Creates the velvety richness that makes the chowder so comforting and indulgent.
- Butter – Helps sauté aromatics and adds a smooth, buttery flavor to the base.
For the Vegetables & Flavor
- Onion – Finely diced for a sweet, mellow foundation that warms up the chowder’s flavor profile.
- Celery – Adds a subtle crunch and aromatic lift that balances the creamy broth.
- Carrots – Tender, slightly sweet, and colorful, they brighten up every spoonful.
- Garlic – Minced garlic brings a gentle punch of savory warmth without overpowering.
Seasonings & Herbs
- Thyme – Fresh or dried, thyme infuses earthy, woodsy notes that pair perfectly with turkey.
- Bay leaf – Infuses subtle depth during simmering, removed before serving to avoid bitterness.
- Salt and pepper – Essential for enhancing all flavors, adjusted to taste at the end.
How to Make Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Chowder
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter over medium heat, then add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to coax out those sweet, mellow flavors.
- Add Garlic & Herbs: Stir in minced garlic, thyme sprigs, and a bay leaf. Cook another minute until garlic releases its aroma and herbs infuse the base with warm, earthy notes.
- Toast Rice: Add wild rice, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to coat each grain in buttery goodness. This step unlocks the rice’s nutty flavor, ensuring a rich, textured chowder.
- Pour Broth & Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, then cover and simmer 40–45 minutes. Cook until rice plumps and softens, creating a hearty, satisfying bite.
- Fold in Turkey: Add cooked turkey pieces, stirring until heated through—about 5 minutes. The turkey warms gently, releasing savory juices that deepen the chowder’s umami-rich profile.
- Add Cream: Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously over low heat. Simmer 3–5 minutes until chowder thickens into a silky, velvety consistency that coats every spoon.
- Season & Serve: Remove the bay leaf, then taste and season with salt and pepper. Ladle chowder into bowls, garnishing with fresh thyme or parsley for a bright splash of color.
Optional: Garnish with crispy bacon bits for extra crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Chowder
- Perfect Sautéing: Cook onions, celery, and carrots gently until translucent, not browned, to keep the chowder’s flavors sweet and mellow.
- Toast the Wild Rice: Stir the wild rice in butter before simmering to unlock its nutty flavor—this step enriches the chowder’s texture and taste.
- Simmer with Care: Keep the heat low when adding cream to avoid curdling and ensure your chowder remains silky smooth and creamy.
- Season at the End: Adjust salt and pepper after adding cream to get the seasoning just right without overpowering the tender turkey and rice.
- Use Leftover Turkey: Opt for cooked turkey to save time and boost flavor—from Thanksgiving dinner to your weeknight meal, it shines in this chowder.
What to Serve with Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Chowder?
A bowl of this chowder is hearty and filling on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides can create a beautifully rounded meal experience.
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Crispy Garlic Bread: The crunchy exterior and soft, garlicky center provide a perfect vessel for scooping up every delicious drop of chowder.
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Simple Green Salad: A fresh mix of greens with a light vinaigrette will add a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy flavors of the chowder.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness and caramelized edges of Brussels sprouts add depth and a delightful crunch, balancing the chowder’s creaminess beautifully.
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Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing—gooey, melty cheese serves to complement the savory turkey and wild rice while adding a comforting, nostalgic touch.
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Savory Corn Muffins: With a hint of sweetness, these muffins provide a delightful texture contrast and are perfect for dipping into the chowder.
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Apple Crisp: For dessert, the warm, spiced sweetness of apple crisp will harmonize with the chowder’s comforting flavors, finishing the meal on a soothing note.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp, refreshing white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs well, enhancing the chowder’s savory notes and elevating the dining experience.
Embrace these pairings to create a cozy, well-rounded meal that warms the heart as much as the chowder!
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Chowder
Room Temperature: Ideally, chowder should not be left out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Serve warm and enjoy immediately!
Fridge: Store any leftover creamy turkey & wild rice chowder in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezer: This chowder freezes beautifully! Keep in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: When reheating, do so slowly over low heat on the stove. Add a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess if needed. Enjoy every comforting spoon!
Variations & Substitutions for Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Chowder
Feel free to personalize this chowder with these delightful twists that awaken your taste buds and tickle your imagination.
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Vegetarian: Substitute turkey with mushrooms or hearty vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a plant-based version that still feels comforting.
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Gluten-Free: Ensure your wild rice is certified gluten-free for a safe, delicious chowder, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to heat things up, transforming your chowder into a warm, spicy embrace.
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Herbaceous Boost: Toss in fresh parsley or dill at the end for an extra layer of freshness that brightens up every bowl. The aromatic herbs create a lovely contrast to the creamy texture.
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Creamy Alternatives: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free option that’s rich and satisfying without the dairy.
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Extra Veggies: Incorporate frozen peas or greens like spinach for added nutrition and a vibrant touch, amplifying both flavor and color in every sip.
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Cheesy Delight: Stir in a handful of shredded cheese like cheddar or gouda before serving for a luxurious creaminess that elevates the chowder into pure comfort food bliss.
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Curry Flavor: Infuse with curry powder for a unique twist, bringing a warm, fragrant profile that transforms your chowder into a global delight. This unexpected variation can make your dinner exciting!
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Chowder options are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prep the chowder base (vegetables, butter, and seasonings) up to 24 hours in advance by sautéing everything and storing it in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can cook the wild rice separately and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy this comforting meal, simply reheat the base in a pot, add chicken broth, and stir in the wild rice and turkey, finishing with heavy cream. This method ensures the chowder remains just as delicious while saving you valuable time on busy weeknights!
Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Chowder Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my turkey is good to use for the chowder?
Look for cooked turkey that is moist and tender, without any dry patches or off smells. Leftover turkey should be used within 3 to 4 days of cooking. Avoid any pieces with dark spots all over or a sour odor.
What’s the best way to store leftover Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Chowder?
Store your chowder in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the texture.
Can I freeze this chowder, and how should I do it?
Absolutely! Freeze your chowder in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag for up to 3 months. For best results, let the chowder cool completely. Portion it out if you want easier defrosting. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring gently.
What if my wild rice isn’t cooking properly or stays chewy?
Wild rice can be stubborn! Make sure to simmer covered for the full 40–45 minutes until tender. If it’s still too chewy, add a splash more broth and continue cooking gently for 5–10 extra minutes. Toasting the rice before simmering helps with flavor but doesn’t speed up cooking.
Is this chowder safe for my pets (especially dogs)?
This chowder contains ingredients like onion, garlic, and heavy cream, which can be harmful to dogs and some pets. It’s best to keep the chowder away from them. Instead, offer pet-safe treats or plain cooked turkey without seasoning as a special snack.
Easy Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Chowder That Feels Like Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter over medium heat, then add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in minced garlic, thyme sprigs, and a bay leaf. Cook another minute until garlic releases its aroma.
- Add wild rice, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to coat each grain in buttery goodness.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, then cover and simmer 40–45 minutes.
- Add cooked turkey pieces, stirring until heated through—about 5 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously over low heat. Simmer 3–5 minutes until chowder thickens.
- Remove the bay leaf, then taste and season with salt and pepper. Ladle chowder into bowls.
