Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

History of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Chicken & Wild Rice Soup has its roots in Minnesota, where wild rice is a staple ingredient. Panera popularized this creamy version, combining wholesome wild rice with tender chicken and fresh vegetables to create a satisfying and flavorful dish that has become a fan-favorite on their menu.

Why Chicken & Wild Rice Soup?

• Comforting and Hearty: Perfect for cold weather or when you need a warm, satisfying meal.
• Simple to Make: Easy to prepare with basic ingredients.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: Reheats beautifully for quick lunches or dinners.
• Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

What is Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Made of?

This soup includes:

• Chicken: Shredded or diced cooked chicken for protein.
• Wild Rice Blend: Nutty and chewy, it adds texture and flavor.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onion create a flavorful base.
• Cream and Broth: Chicken broth for depth and heavy cream for richness.
• Seasoning: Garlic, thyme, parsley, and a touch of pepper for seasoning.

What to Have with Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Serve this dish with:

• Bread: A fresh baguette, sourdough, or dinner rolls.
• Salad: A crisp green salad or Caesar salad complements the richness.
• Crackers: Butter crackers or pretzel crisps.
• Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or Gruyère on top enhances the flavor.

Is Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Healthy?

This soup is hearty and nutritious, with lean protein, fiber-rich wild rice, and vegetables. To make it lighter, you can use milk instead of cream and add extra vegetables for more nutrients.

Kitchen Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle (for serving)

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 carrots (diced)
• 2 celery stalks (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

Directions:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Broth and Rice

• Pour in the chicken broth and water, then stir in the wild rice blend.
• Add the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

• Stir in the cooked chicken and let it heat through for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Cream Base

• In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth.
• Gradually stir the cream mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Step 5: Simmer and Serve

• Simmer the soup for another 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Tips

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience, use shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Replace the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
• Customize the Veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, or kale for extra nutrition.
• Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is creamy, hearty, and full of comforting flavors. Perfect for any time of year, it’s an easy-to-make recipe that’s great for meal prep, cozy dinners, or family gatherings. Serve it with bread or salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Copycat Panera Chicken And Wild Rice Soup Recipe

getcakerecipes

Panera’s Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is a creamy and hearty favorite, loaded with tender chicken, wild rice, and flavorful vegetables. This homemade version captures all the comforting flavors of the original, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this delicious soup right in your own kitchen.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Chicken Recipes, Soup

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 carrots (diced)
• 2 celery stalks (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

• Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.

• Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

• Pour in the chicken broth and water, then stir in the wild rice blend.

• Add the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

• Stir in the cooked chicken and let it heat through for 5-10 minutes.

• In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth.

• Gradually stir the cream mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

• Simmer the soup for another 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

• Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Keyword Panera Chicken And Wild Rice Soup